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Book. J W^TPS - 



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.^■^^..^ ^ 



Portrait and ^ 

^^ biographical 



-M^. 










OF 



\V^ciul^e©]r^a ©oui^jty, WicSeoqsii^, 



Containing Biographical Sketches of 



OLD SETTLERS and REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS of the COUNTY, 

Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the 

Presidents of the United States 

KISD THE GOi^ERISORS OP THE STPCTE. 



CHICAGO: 

EXCELSIOR PURLISHING CO. 

18!)4. 



}nKr% 




f/VJ? 



pF(Ep/^?E. 




-;»t» -f-c-t- >tf5<^ 

HE greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers of 
the present century, has said: "Tlie liistory of a eoiuitry is best told in a record of tin: 
lives of its people." In conformity willi this idea tlie Poktkait am. 1',ioi:raimiiiai, 
Recoee of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and 
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, oui 
corps of writers have gone to tlie people, the men and women who have, by then 
enterprise and industry, brought the county to rank second to none among those 
comprising this great and noI)le State, and from their lips have the story of their life 
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could Ix! presented to an intelli 
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the 
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in povei-ty, by 
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited 
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an 
. .. xjj,-^ . influence extending throughout the length and Incadth of the land. It tells of men who 
V^^i^V^iUi liave risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have 
' " "' ' become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and 
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very 
man3', who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content 
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done what 
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the 
anvil, the law^-er's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at tlieir country's 
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace 
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not 
be lost upon those who follow after. 

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact 
that it contains so much that would never find its way into pulilic records, and which would otherwise be 
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible 
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them- 
selves that they give to their readers ;i work with few errore of consequence. In addition to the biograpb 
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. 

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the 
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper ccmception of the work, some refused to give the 
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some memlior of 
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested 
one would lie withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made 
at their residence or place of business. 

October, 181)4. Excelsior Pcblishing Co. 




OF THE 



(lOYoniOTs of Wisconsiiu 



AND OF THE 



PRESIDENTS 



OF THE 




-^'^^-^'^''H^^: 




3- 





GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



HE Father of our Country was born in West- 
moreland County, Va., February 22, 1732. 
His parents were Augustine and Marj' (BallJ 
Washington. The family to which he belonged 
has not been satisfactorily traced in England. 
His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi- 
grated to Virginia about 1657, and became a 
prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence 
and John. The former married Mildred Warner, 
and had three children, John, Augustine and 
Mildred. Augu.stine, the father of George, first 
married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, 
two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of six children by his second mar- 
riage, George was the eldest, the others being 
Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and 
Mildred. 

Augustine Washington, the father of George, 
died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. 
To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an 
estate on the Potomac, afterwards known as Mt. 
\'ernou, and to George he left the parental resi- 
dence. George received only such education as 
the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a 
short time after he left school, when he received 
private instruction in mathematics. His spelling 
was rather defective. Remarkable stories are 
told of his great physical strength and develop- 
ment at an early age. He was an acknowledged 
leader among his companions, and was early 
noted for that nobleness of character, fairness and 
veracity which characterized his whole life. 

When George was fourteen years old he had a 
desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant 
was .secured for him, but through the opposition 
of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two 



years later he was appointed sur\'ej'or to the im- 
mense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this bu.siness 
he spent three years in a rough frontier life, 
gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to hiin. In 1751, though only nineteen 
years of age, he was appointed Adjutant, with the 
rank of Major, in the Virginia militia, then being 
trained for active service against the French and 
Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West 
Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there 
to restore his health. They soon returned, and 
in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a 
large fortune to an infant daughter, who did not 
long survive him. On her demise the estate of 
Mt. Vernon was given to George. 

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle as Lieu- 
tenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia 
was reorganized, and the pro\'ince divided into 
four military di.stricts, of which the northern was 
assigned to Washington as Adjutant-General. 
Shortly after this a verj' perilous mission, which 
others had refused, was assigned him and ac- 
cepted. This was to proceed to the French post 
near Lake Erie, in northwestern Pennsjlvania. 
The distance to be traversed was about six hun- 
dred miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey 
was to be made without military escort, through 
a territory occupied by Indians. The trip was a 
perilous one, and several times he nearly lost his 
life, but he returned in safety and furni.shed a full 
and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
of three hundred men was rai.scd in Virginia and 
put in command of Col. Joshua Frj', and Maj. 
Wa.shington was commi.ssioned Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel. Active war was then begun against the 
French and Indians, in which Washington took 



20 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



a most important part. In the memorable event 
of July 9, 1755, known as "Braddock's defeat," 
Washington was almost the only officer of dis- 
tinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. 

Having been for five years in the militarj^ ser\'- 
ice, and having vainly .sought promotion in the 
royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Ft. Du- 
quesne and the expulsion of the French from the 
valley of the Ohio to resign his commis.sion. Soon 
after he entered the Legi.slature, where, although 
not a leader, he took an active and important 
part. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha 
(Dandridgej Custis, the wealthy widow of John 
Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the 
port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the 
provinces, ' ' The cause ol Boston is the cause of 
us all! " It was then, at the suggestion of Vir- 
ginia, that a congress of all the colonies was 
called to meet at Philadelphia September 5, 
1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably 
if possible. To this congress Col. Washington 
was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
congress re-assembled, when the hostile inten- 
tions of England were plainly apparent. The 
battles of Concord and Lexington had been fought, 
and among the first acts of this congress was the 
election of a commander-in-chief of the Colonial 
forces. This high and responsible office was con- 
ferred upon W'ashington, who was still a member 
of the congress. He accepted it on June 19, but 
upon the express condition that he receive no sal- 
ary. He would keep an exact account of ex- 
penses, and expect congress to pay them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch 
to trace the military acts of Washington, to whom 
the fortunes and liberties of the people of this 
country were so long confided. The war was 
conducted by him under every po.ssible disadvan- 
tage; and while his forces often met with reverses, 
yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven 
years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he 
gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth. 
On December 23, 1783, Wa.shington, in a parting 
address of surpassing beauty, resigned his com- 
mission as Commander-in-Chief of the army to the 



Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
retired inunediately to Mt. Vemon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning 
all connection with public life. 

In Februar}% 1789, Washington was unani- 
mously elected President, and at the expiration 
of his first term he was unanimously re-elected. 
At the end of this term many were anxious that he 
be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third 
nomination. On March 4, 1797, at the expiration 
of his second term as President, he returned to his 
home, hoping to pass there his few remaining 
years free from the annoyances of public life. 
Later in the j'ear, however, his repose seemed 
likely to be interrupted by war with France. At 
the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the armj-, but he chose his sub- 
ordinate officers and left them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command, he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of these prepara- 
tions his life was suddenly cut off. December 12 
he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain, 
which, .settling in his throat, produced inflamma- 
tion, and terminated fatally on the night of the 
14th. On the 1 8th his body was borne with mili- 
tary honors to its final resting-place, and interred 
in the family vault at Mt. Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible 
to speak but in terms of the highest respect and 
admiration. The more we see of the operations 
of our government, and the more deeply we feel 
the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common 
Interest, the more highlj' we must estimate the 
forc.^ of his talent and character, which have been 
able ti, challenge the reverence of all parties, 
and principl'^s, and nations, and to win a fame as 
extended as tlK Hmits of the globe, and which we 
cannot but believe ■■'iU be as lasting as the exist- 
ence of man. 

Inper.son, Washington w.s unusually tall, erect 
and well proportioned, and his ruscular strength 
was great. His features were of a b°ausiful sym- 
metry. He conunanded respect without any ap- 
pearance of haughtiness, and was ever serious 
without being dull. 








mra 



JOHN ADAMS. 



(John ADAMS, the second President and the 
I first Vice-President of the United States, was 
C/ born in Braintree (now Quincy) Mass., and 
about ten miles from Boston, October 19, 1735. 
His great-grandfather, Hcnr\' Adams, emigrated 
from England about 1640, with a family of eight 
sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of 
John were John and Susannah (Boylston) 
Adams. His father, who was a farmer of limited 
means, also engaged in the business of shoe- 
making. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical 
education at Har\-ard College. John graduated 
in 1755, and at once took charge of the school at 
Worcester, Mass. This he found but a ' ' school 
of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain 
relief by devoting himself, in addition, tc the 
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. 
He had thought seriously of the clerical profes- 
.sion, but seems to have been turned from this bj- 
what he termed ' ' the frightful engines of ecclesi- 
astical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calvin- 
i.stic good nature," of the operations of which he 
had been a witness in his native town. He was 
well fitted for the legal profession, po.s.sessing a 
clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of 
speech, and having quick perceptive powers. He 
gradually gained a practice, and in 1764 married 
Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a 
lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, in 1765, the attempt at parliamentary- 
taxation tumed him from law to politics. He 
took initial steps toward holding a town meeting, 
and the resolutions he offered on the subject be- 
came very popular throughout the province, and 
were adopted word for word bj' over forty differ- 
ent towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and 
became one of the mo.st courageous and promi- 
nent advocates of the popular cause, and was 
chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- 
islature) in 1770. 
Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first dele- 



gates from Massachusetts to the first Continent- 
al Congress, which met in 1774. Here he dis- 
tinguished himself b}- his capacity for business 
and for debate, and advocated the movement for 
independence against the majoritj' of the mem- 
bers. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a res- 
olution in Congress that the Colonies should 
assume the duties of self-government. He was a 
prominent member of the committee of five ap- 
pointed June 1 1 to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn bj^ Jefferson, 
but on Adams devolved the task of battling it 
through Congress in a three-days debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independ- 
ence was passed, while his soul was j-et warm 
with the glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter 
to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to 
have been dictated bj^ the spirit of prophecy. 
"Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question 
was decided that ever was debated in America; 
and greater, perhaps, ne\-er was or will be de- 
cided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one dissenting colon}-, 'that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and in- 
dependent .states.' The day is pas.sed. The 
Fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch 
in the history of America. I am apt to believe it 
will be celebrated by succeeding generations as 
the great anniversary festival. It ought to be 
commemorated as the daj- of deliverance by 
solemn acts of devotion to Almight}- God. It 
ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, 
sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations 
from one end of the continent to the other, from 
this time for\vard forever. You will think me 
transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I 
am well aware of the toil and blood and treas- 
ure that it will cost to maintain this declaration 
and support and defend these States; yet, through 
all the gloom, I can .see the rays of light and 
glorj-. I can see that the end is wortli more than 
all the means, and that posterity will triumph, 



24 



JOHN ADAMS. 



although j'ou and I may rue, which I hope we 
shall not." 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed 
a delegate to France, and to co-operate with Ben- 
jamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then 
in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in 
arms and money from the French government. 
This was a .severe trial to his patriotism, as it 
separated him from his home, compelled him to 
cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to 
great peril of capture by the British cruisers, who 
were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the .same year he was 
again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold him- 
self in readiness to negotiate a treatj- of peace and 
of commerce with Great Britain, as soon as the 
British cabinet might be found willing to listen 
to such propo.sals. He sailed for France in No- 
vember, and from there he went to Holland, where 
he negotiated important loans and formed im- 
portant commercial treaties. 

Finally, a treaty of peace with England was 
signed, January- 2 1 , 1783. The re-actiou from the 
excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr. 
Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After 
suffering from a continued fever and becoming 
feeble and emaciated, he was advi.sed to go to 
England to drink the waters of Bath. While in 
England, still drooping and desponding, he re- 
ceived dispatches from his own government urg- 
ing the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health 
was delicate, yet he inunediately set out, and 
through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he 
made the trip. 

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. 
Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here 
he met face to face the King of England, who 
had so long regarded him as a traitor. As Eng- 
land did not condescend to appoint a minister to 
the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he 
was accomplishing but little, he sought permis- 
sion to return to his own country, where he ar- 
rived in June, 1788. 

When Washington was first chosen President, 
John Adams, rendered illustrious by his signal 
ser\-ices at home and abroad, was chosen Vice- 



President. Again, at the second election of Wash- 
ington as President, Adams was chosen \'ice- 
Pre-sident. In 1796, Washington retired from 
public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President, 
though not without much opposition. Serving 
ill this office four years, he was succeeded by Mr. 
Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 

While Mr. Adams was Vice-Preside; the 
great French Revolution shook the continent of 
Europe, and it was upon this point that he was 
at issue with the majority of his countrymen, led 
by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy 
with the French people in their struggle, for he 
had no confidence in their power of .self-govern- 
ment, and he utterly abhorred the class of atheist 
philosophers who, he claimed, caused it. On the 
other hand, Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence 
originated the alienation between these distin- 
tinguished men, and the two powerful parties were 
thus soon organized, with Adams at the head of 
the one whose sympathies were with England, 
and Jefferson leading the other in sympathy with 
France. 

The Fourth of July, 1826, which completed the 
half-centur\- since the signing of the Declaration 
of Independence, arrived, and there were but 
three of the signers of that immortal instrument 
left upon the earth to hail its morning light. 
And, as it is well known, on that day two of 
these finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coinci- 
dence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For 
a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly 
failing, and on the morning of the Fourth he 
found himself too weak to rise from his bed. On 
being requested to name a toast for the cus- 
tomary celebration of the day, he exclaimed 
"Independence forever!" When the day was 
ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing 
of cannons, he was asked by one of his attend- 
ants if he knew what day it was? He replied, 
' ' O yes, it is the glorious Fourth of July — God 
bless it — God bless you all!" In the course of 
the day he said, "It is a great and glorious 
day." The la.st words he uttered were, "Jeffer- 
son survives." But he had, at one o'clock, 
resigned his spirit into the hands of his God, 








?^^^^ 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



HOMAS JEFFERSON was bom April 2, 
1743, at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Va. 
His parents were Peter and Jane (Ran- 
dolph ) Jefferson, the fonner a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in London. To them were 
born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas 
was the elder. When fourteen jears of age his 
father died. He received a most liberal educa- 
tion, having been kept diligently at school from 
the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he 
entered William and Marj^ College. Williams- 
burg was then the seat of the Colonial court, and 
it was the abode of fashion and splendor. Young 
Jefferson, who was then seventeen years old, lived 
somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and 
going much into gay society; yet he was ear- 
nestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachable in 
his morals. In the second year of his college 
course, moved bj- some unexplained impulse, he 
discarded his old companions and pursuits, and 
often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study. 
He thus attained very high intellectual culture, 
and a like excellence in philosophy and the lan- 
guages. 

Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
study of law. For the short time he continued 
in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly, 
and distinguished himself by his energy and 
acuteness as a lawj-er. But the times called for 
greater action. The policy of luigland had awak- 
ened the .spirit of resistance in the American Col- 
onies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had 
ever entertained soon led him into active politi- 
cal life. In 1 769 he was chosen a member of the 
Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he mar- 



ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful, 
wealthy, and highly accomplished young widow. 

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed upon a number of important com- 
mittees, and was chairman of the one appointed 
for the drawing up of a declaration of independ- 
ence. This committee con.sisted of Thomas Jef- 
ferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger 
Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, 
as chainnan, was appointed to draw up the paper. 
Franklin and Adams .suggested a few verbal 
changes before it was .submitted to Congress. On 
June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by 
Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4, 
1776. 

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry as Governor of \'irginia. At one 
time the British officer Tarleton sent a secret 
expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor. 
Scarcely five minutes elapsed after the hurried 
escape of Mr. Jefferson and his family ere his 
mansion was in possession of the British troops. 
His wife's health, never very good, was much 
injured by this excitement, and in the summer 
of 1782 she died. 

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
Two years later he was appointed Minister Pleni- 
potentian,- to France. Returning to the United 
States in September, 1789, he became Secretary 
of State in Wa.shington's cabinet. This position 
he resigned January i, 1794. In 1797, he was 
chosen Vice-President, and four years later was 
elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron 



28 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



Burr as Vice-President. In 1804 he was re- 
elected with wonderful unanimity, George CUn- 
ton being elected Vice-President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefiferson's second ad- 
ministration was disturbed by an event which 
threatened the tranquilhty and peace of the Union; 
this was the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated 
in the late election to the Vice-Presidency, and 
led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraor- 
dinary man formed the plan of a military ex- 
pedition into the Spanish territories on our south- 
western frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
a new republic. This was generalh' supposed 
to have been a mere pretext; and although it has 
not been generally known what his real plans 
were, there is no doubt that they were of a far 
more dangerous character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term 
for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he de- 
termined to retire from political life. For a period 
of nearly forty years he had been continually be- 
fore the public, and all that time had been em- 
ployed in ofSces of the greatest trust and respon- 
sibility. Having thus devoted the best part of 
his life to the service of his countrj', he now felt 
desirous of that rest which his declining years re- 
quired, and upon the organization of the new ad- 
mini-stration, in March, 1809, he bade farewell for- 
ever to public life and retired to Monticello, his 
famous country home, which, next to Mt. Vernon, 
was the most distinguished residence in the land. 

The Fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth an- 
niversary of the Declaration of American Inde- 
pendence, great preparations were made in every 
part of the Union for its celebration as the nation's 
jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to 
the solemnity of the occasion, invited Mr. Jeffer- 
son, as the framer and one of the few surviving 
signers of the Declaration, to participate in their 
festivities. But an illness, which had been of 
several weeks' duration and had been continually 
increasing, compelled him to decline the invita- 
tion. 

On the 2d of July the disease under which he 
was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical attendants entertained no 
hope of his recoverj'. From this time he was 



perfectl}' sensible that his last hour was at hand. 
On the next day, which was Monday, he asked 
of those around him the day of the month, and 
on being told it was the 3d of July, he ex- 
pressed the earnest wish that he might be per- 
mitted to breathe the air of the fifiieth anniver- 
sary. His prayer was heard — that day whose 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our 
land burst upon his ejes, and then they were 
closed forever. And what a noble consummation 
of a noble life! To die on that day — the birth- 
day of a nation — the day which his own name 
and his own act had rendered glorious, to die 
amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole 
nation, who looked up to him as the author, un- 
der God, of their greatest blessings, was all that 
was wanting to fill up the record of his life. 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
him company, left the sceneof his earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the cham- 
pions of fi-eedom; hand in hand, during the dark 
and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they 
had cheered and animated their desponding coun- 
trj-men; for half a century they had labored to- 
gether for the good of the countrj% and now hand 
in hand they departed. In their lives they had 
been united in the same great cause of liberty, 
and in their deaths they were not divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair, originally red, in after life be- 
came white and siherj-, his complexion was fair, 
his forehead broad, and his whole countenance 
intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great 
fortitude of mind as well as personal courage, and 
his command of temper was such that his oldest 
and most intimate friends never recollected to 
have seen him in a passion. His manners, though 
dignified, were simple and unaffected, and his 
hospitality was so unbounded that all found at 
his house a ready welcome. In conversation he 
was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic, and his 
lang:uage was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writ- 
ings is di.scemible the care with which he formed 
his style upon the best models of antiquity. 




-^^ 




Joyt^'^'^L^ aZC e*-"^^^ '^^'^ 



JAMES MADISON. 



(Tames MADISON, "Father of the Consti- 

I tution," and fourth President of the United 
Q) States, was born March i6, 1757, and died 
at his home in Virginia June 28, 1836. The 
name of James Madison is inseparably connected 
with most of the important events in that heroic 
period of our countrj- during which the founda- 
tions of this great repubUc were laid. He was 
the last of the founders of the Constitution of the 
United States to be called to his eternal reward. 

The Madison family were among the early emi- 
grants to the New World, landing upon the shores 
of the Chesapeake but fifteen years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison 
was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine 
estate called Montpelier, in Orange County, Va. 
It was but twenty -five miles from the home of Jef- 
ferson at Monticello, and the closest personal and 
political attachment existed between these illustri- 
ous men from their early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was con- 
ducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At 
the age of eighteen he was sent to Princeton Col- 
lege, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to 
study with the most imprudent zeal, allowing him- 
self for months but three hours' sleep out of the 
twenty-four. His health thus became so seriously 
impaired that he never recovered any vigor of 
constitution. He graduated in 1 77 1 , with a feeble 
body, but with a character of utmost purity, and 
a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with 
learning, which embellished and gave efficiency 
to his subsequent career. 

Returning to \'irginia, he commenced the study 
of law and a course of extensive and systematic 
reading. This educational cour.se, the spirit of 
the times in which he lived, and the society with 
which he associated, all combined to inspire him 
with a strong love of liljerty, and to train him for 
his life-work as a statesman. 

In the spring of 1 776, when twenty-six years of 



age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Con- 
vention to frame the constitution of the State. The 
next year (1777), he was a candidate for the Gen- 
eral Assembl}-. He refused to treat the whisky-lov- 
ing voters, and consequently lost his election; but 
those who had witnes.sed the talent, energy and 
public spirit of the modest young man enlisted 
themselves in his behalf, and he was appointed to 
the Executive Council. 

Both Patrick Henrj- and Thomas Jefierson were 
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison re- 
mained member of the Council, and their apprecia- 
tion of his intellectual, social and moral worth 
contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. 
In the year 1780 he was elected a member of the 
Continental Congress. Here he met the most il- 
lustrious men in our land, and he was immediately 
assigned to one of the most conspicuous positions 
among them. For three years he continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential mem- 
bers. In 1784, his term having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no 
national go\-ernment, and no power to form trea- 
ties which would be binding, or to enforce law. 
There was not any State more prominent than 
Virginia in the declaration that an efficient na- 
tional government must be formed. In January, 
1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through 
the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the 
other States to appoint commissioners to meet in 
convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject. 
Five States only were represented. The conven- 
tion, however, issued another call, drawn up by 
Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to Philadelphia in May, 1787, to draft 
a Constitution for the United States, to take the 
place of the Confederate League. The delegates 
met at the time appointed. EverA- State but 
Rhode Island was represented. George Washing- 



32 



JAMES MADISON. 



ton was chosen president of the convention, and the 
present Constitution of the United States was then 
and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind 
and no pen more active in framing this immortal 
document than the mind and the pen of James 
Madison. 
The Constitution, adopted by a vote of eight}--one 
to seventy-nine, was to be presented to the several 
States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was 
<"elt. Should it be rejeeted, we should be left but a 
.•onglomeration of independent States, with but 
little power at home and little respect abroad. Mr. 
Madison was elected by the convention to draw up 
an address to the people of the United States, ex- 
pounding the principles of the Constitution, and 
urging its adoption. There was great opposition 
to it at first, but at length it triumphed over all, 
and went into effect in 1789. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became 
the avowed leader of the Republican party. While 
in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. 
Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fas- 
cination, whom he married. She was in person 
and character queenly, and probaby no lady has 
thus far occupied so prominent a position in the 
very peculiar societj' which has constituted our 
republican court as did Mrs. Madison. 

Mr. Madison ser\'ed as Secretary of State under 
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration 
was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of E^ngland had brought us to the verge of 
war. British orders in council destroyed our com- 
merce, and our flag was exposed to constant insult. 
Mr. Madi.son was a man of peace. Scholarly in 
his taste, retiring in his disposition, war had no 
charms for him. But the meekest spirit can be 
rou.sed. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to 
think of an American ship brought to upon the 
ocean by the guns of an ICnglish cruiser. A 
young lieutenant .steps on board and orders the 
crew to be paraded before him. With great non- 
chalance he selects any number whom he may 
please to designate as British subjects, orders them 
down the .ship's side into his boat, and places them 
an the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by 
compulsion, the battles of England. This right 



of search and impressment no efforts of our Gov- 
ernment could induce the British cabinet to re- 
linquish. 

On the 1 8th of June, 1812, President Madison 
gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring 
war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the 
bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the 
countrj- in general approved; and Mr. Madison, 
on the 4th of March, 1813, was re-elected by a 
large majority, and entered upon his second term 
of office. This is not the place to describe the 
various adventures of this war on the land and on 
the water. Our infant navy then laid the found- 
ations of its renown in grappling with the most 
formidable power which ever swept the seas. The 
contest commenced in earnest by the appearance 
of a Briti.sh fleet, early in FebruaiT, 18 13, in 
Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast 
of the United States under blockade. 

The Emperor of Russia offered his ser^-ices as 
mediator. America accepted; England refu.sed. 
A British force of five thousand men landed on the 
banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into 
Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of 
Bladensburg, upon Washington. 

The straggling little city of Washington was 
thrown into consternation. The cannon of the 
brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the 
streets of the metropolis. The whole population 
fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs. 
Madison in the White House, with her carriage 
drawn up at the door to await his speedy return, 
hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. 
He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not 
go back without danger of being captured. But 
few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, 
the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Wash- 
ington were in flames. 

The war closed after two years of fighting, and 
on Februarv^ 13, 18 15, the treaty of peace was 
signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 18 17, his 
second term of office expired, and he resigned the 
Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. 
He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelier, and 
there passed the remainder of his days. On June 
28, 1836, at the age of eighty-five years, he fell 
asleep in death. Mrs, Madison died July 12, 1849. 



JAMES MONROE. 



(Iambs MONROE, the fifth president of the 
I United States, was born in Westmoreland 
G) County, Va., April 28, 1758. His early life 
was passed at the place of his nativity. His an- 
cestors had for many years resided in the province 
in which he was born. When he was seventeen 
years old, and in process of completing his educa- 
tion at William and Mary College, the Colonial 
Congress, assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate 
upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great 
Britain, declared the separation of the Colonies, 
and promulgated the Declaration of Independence. 
Had he been born ten years before, it is highly 
probable that he would have been one of the 
signers of that celebrated instrument. At this 
time he left school and enlisted among the pa- 
triots. 

He joined the army when everything looked 
hopeless and gloomj-. The number of deserters 
increased from day to day. The invading armies 
came pouring in, and the Tories not onl)- favored 
the cau.se of the mother countrj% but disheartened 
the new recruits, who were sufficientl}' terrified 
at the prospect of contending with an enemy 
whom they had been taught to deem invincible. 
To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went 
right onward undismayed through difficult}' and 
danger, the United States owe their political 
emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks 
and espoused the cause of his injured country-, 
with a firm determination to live or die in her 
strife for liberty. Firmly, yet sadly, he shared in 
the melancholy retreat from Harlem Heights 
and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited 
army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. 
In four months after the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, the patriots had been beaten in seven 
battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the van- 
guard, and in the act of charging upon the enemy 
he received a wound in the left shoulder. 



As a reward for his braverj', Mr. Monroe was 
promoted to be captain of infantry, and, having re- 
covered from his wounds, he rejoined the army. 
He, however, receded from the line of promotion 
by becoming an officer on the staff of Lord Ster- 
ling. During the campaigns of 1777 and 1778, 
in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and 
Monmouth, he continued aide-de-camp; but be- 
coming desirous to regain his position in the 
army, he exerted him.self to collect a regiment for 
the Virginia line. This scheme failed, owing to 
the exhau.sted condition of the State. Upon this 
failure he entered the ofiice of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that period Governor, and pursued with consid- 
erable ardor the study of common law. He did 
not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for 
the green bag, but on the invasion of the enemy 
served as a volunteer during the two years of his 
legal pursuits. 

In 1782 he was elected from King George 
County a member of the Legislature of \'irginia, 
and by that bod}- he was elevated to a seat in the 
Executive Council. He was thus honored with 
the confidence of his fellow-citizens at twenty- 
three 3'ears of age, and having at this early period 
displayed some of that ability and aptitude foi 
legislation which were afterward employed with 
unremitting energy for the public good, he was 
in the succeeding j-ear chosen a member of the 
Congress of the United States. 

Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of 
the old Confederacj-, he was opposed to the new 
Constitution, thinking, with many others of the 
Republican party, that it gave too much power to 
the Central Government, and not enough to the 
individual States. vStill he retained the esteem 
of his friends who were its warm supporters, and 
who, notwithstanding his opposition, secured its 
adoption. In 1789 he became a member of the 
United States Senate, which ofl&ce he held for 



36 



JAMES MONROE. 



four years. Every month the line of distinction 
between the two great parties which divided the 
nation, the Federal and the Republican, was 
growing more distinct. Tlie differences which 
now separated them lay in the fact that the Repub- 
lican party was in sympathy with France, and 
also in favor of such a strict con.struction of the 
Constitution as to give the Central Government as 
little power, and the vSlate Governmtnts as much 
power, as the Constitution would warrant; while 
the Federalists sympathized with England, and 
were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could pos- 
sibly authorize. 

Washington was then President. England had 
espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the 
principles of the French Revolution. All Europe 
was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and 
far away. Washington issued a proclamation of 
neutrality between these contending powers. 
France had helped us in the struggles for our 
liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now 
combined to prevent the French from escaping 
from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that 
which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more mag- 
nanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a gener- 
ous and noble nature, and Washington, who could 
appreciate such a character, showed his calm, se- 
rene, almost divine, greatness, by appointing that 
very James Monroe who was denouticing the pol- 
icy of the Government, as the minister of that 
Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Conven- 
tion in France with the most enthusiastic dem- 
onstration. 

Shortly after his return to this countrj', Mr. 
Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and 
held the office for three years. He was again 
sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Liv- 
ingston in obtaining the vast territory then known 
as the province of Louisiana, which France had 
but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their 
united efforts were successful. For the compara- 
tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the 



entire territory of Orleans and district of Loui- 
siana were added to the United States. This was 
probably the largest transfer of real estate which 
was ever made in all the history of the world. 

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to 
obtain from that country some recognition of our 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against 
those odious impressments of our seamen. But 
England was unrelenting. He again returned to 
England on the same mission, but could receive 
no redress. He returned to his home and was 
again chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon 
resigned to accept the position of Secretary- of 
State under Madison. While in this office war 
with England was declared, the Secretar>' of War 
resigned, and during these trying times the 
duties of the War Department were also put upon 
him. He was truly the armor-bearer of President 
Madison, and the most efficient business man in 
his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he re- 
signed the Department of War, but continued in 
the office of Secretary of State until the expira- 
tion of Mr. Madison's administration. At the 
election held the previous autumn, Mr. Monroe 
himself had been chosen President with but little 
opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, he was in- 
augurated. Four years later he was elected for 
a second term. 

Among the important measures of his Presi- 
dency were the cession of Florida to the United 
States, the Missouri Compromise, and the famous 
" Monroe doctrine." This doctrine was enun- 
ciated by him in 1823, and was as follows: " That 
we should consider any attempt on the part of 
European powers to extend their sj-stem to any 
portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our 
peace and safety," and that " we could not view 
any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or 
controlling American governments or provinces 
in any other light than as a manifestation by 
European powers of an unfriendly disposition 
toward the United States." 

At the end of his second term, Mr. Monroe re- 
tired to his home in Virginia, where he lived un- 
til 1830, when he went to New York to live with 
his son-in-law. In that city he died, on the 4th 
of July, 1831. 




j, S, cALom^ 



JOHN OUINCY ADAMS. 



30HN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President 
of the United States, was born in the rural 
home of his honored father, John Adams, in 
Quinc}-, Mass., on the iithof Jnly, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over 
his childhood during the almost con.stant ab- 
sence of his father. When but eight j-ears of 
age, he stood with his mother on an eminence, 
listening to the booming of the great battle on 
Bunker's Hill, and gazing out upon the smoke 
and flames billowing up from the conflagration of 
Charle.stown. 

When but eleven years old he took a tearful 
adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Eu- 
rope, through a fleet of hostile British crui.sers. 
The bright, animated boy spent a year and a-half 
in Paris, where his father was associated with 
Franklin and Lee as Minister Plenipotentiary. 
His intelligence attracted the notice of these dis- 
tinguished men, and he received from them flat- 
tering marks of attention. 

John Adams had scarcely returned to this 
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. 
Again John Quincy accompanied his father. At 
Paris he applied himself to study with great dil- 
igence for six months, and then accompanied his 
father to Holland, where he entered first a school 
in Amsterdam, then the University at Leyden. 
About a year from this time, in 1781, when the 
manly boy was but fourteen years of age, he was 
selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Rus- 
sian court, as his private secretary. 

In this school of inces.sant labor and of ennobl- 
ing culture he spent fourteen months, and then 
returned to Holland, through Sweden, Denmark, 
Hamburg and Bremen. This long journey he 
took alone in the winter, when in his sixteenth 
year. Again he resumed his studies, under a pri- 
vate tutor, at The Hague. Then, in the .spring of 
1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, travel- 
ing leisurely, and forming acquaintances with the 
most distinguished men on the continent, examin- 



ing architectural remains, galleries of paintings, 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he 
again became as.sociated with the most illustrious 
men of all lands in the contemplation of the 
loftiest temporal themes which can engross the 
human mind. After a short visit to England he 
returned to Paris, and con.secrated all his energies 
to study until May, 1785, when he returned to 
America to fini.sh his education. 

Upon leaving Hanard College at the age of 
twenty, he studied law for three years. In June, 
1794, being then but tvventy-.seven years of age, 
he was appointed by Wa.shington Resident Min- 
ister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in 
July, he reached London in October, where he 
was immediately admitted to the deliberations ol 
Messrs. Jay & Pinckney, as.sisting them in nego- 
tiating a commercial treaty with Great Britain. 
After thus spending a fortnight in London, he 
proceeded to The Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Por- 
tugal as Minister Plenipotentiarj-. On his way to 
Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with 
despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but 
requesting him to remain in London until he 
should receive his instructions. While waiting 
he was married to an American lady, to whom he 
had been previously engaged — Miss Louisa Cath- 
erine Johnson, a daughter of Joshua Johnson, 
American Con.sul in London, and a lady en- 
dowed with that beauty and those accomplish- 
ments which eminently fitted her to move in the 
elevated sphere for which she was destined. He 
reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797, 
where he remained until July, 1799, when, hav- 
ing fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he so 
licited his recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen 
to the Senate of Mas.sachusetts from Boston, and 
then was elected Senator of the United States for 
six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His rep- 
utation, his ability and his experience placed 



40 



JOHX QL'INCY ADAMS. 



him immediately among the most prominent and 
influential members of that body. 

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the 
Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated 
John Quincy Adams Minister to St. Petersburgh. 
Resigning his profe.ssorship in Harvard Col- 
lege, he embarked at Boston in Augu.st, 1809. 

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense 
student. He devoted his attention to the lan- 
guage and historj- of Ru.ssia; to the Chinese trade; 
to the luiropean .system of weights, measures and 
coins; to the climate and astronomical observa- 
tions; while he kept up a familiar acquaintance 
with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the 
universities of Europe, a more accomplished 
scholar could scarcely be found. All through 
life the Bible con.stituted an important part of his 
studies. It was his rule to read five chapters 
ever>- day. 

On the 4th of March, 1S17, Mr. Monroe took 
the Presidential chair, and immediately appointed 
Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of 
his numerous friends in public and private life in 
Europe, he sailed in June, 1S19, for the United 
States. On the i8th of August, he again crossed 
the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the 
eight years of Mr. Monroe's administration, Mr. 
Adams continued Secretary of State. 

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's 
second term of office, new candidates began to be 
presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. 
Adams brought forward his name. It was an 
exciting campaign, and party spirit was never 
more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral 
votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninety- 
nine; John Quincy Adams eighty-four; William 
H. Crawford forty-one; and Henry Clay thirty- 
seven. As there was no choice by the people, 
the question went to the House of Representa- 
tives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to 
Mr. Adams, and he was elected. 

The friends of all the di.sappointed candidates 
now combined in a venomous and per.sistent as- 
sault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more 
disgraceful in the past history of our country than 
the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted 
Stream upon this high-minded, upright and pa- 



triotic man. There never was an administration 
more pure in principles, more conscientiously de- 
voted to the best interests of the country- , than 
that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps, 
was there an administration more unscrupulously 
and outrageously assailed. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by An- 
drew Jack.son. John C. Calhoun was elected 
Vice-President. The slavery question now be- 
gan to assume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams 
returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he 
pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not 
long pennitted to remain in retirement. In No- 
vember, 1830, he was elected Representative in 
Congress. For seventeen years, or until his death, 
he occupied the post as Representative, towering 
above all his peers, ever ready to do brave battle 
for freedom, and winning the title of "the Old 
Man Eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the 
House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never 
was a member more devoted to his duties. He 
was usually the first in his place in the morning, 
and the last to leave his seat in the evening. 
Not a measure could be brought forward and es- 
cape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams 
fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery 
party in the Government was sublime in its 
moral daring and heroism. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slaverj', 
he was threatened with indictment by the grand 
jurj', with expulsion from the Hou.se, with assas- 
.sination; but no threats could intimidate him, and 
his final triumph was complete. 

On the 2ist of Februarj-, 184S, he rose on the 
floor of Congress with a paper in his hand, to 
address the speaker. Suddenly he fell, again 
.stricken by paralysis, and was caught in the arms 
of those around him. For a time he was sense- 
less, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the ro- 
tunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened 
his eyes, looked calmly around and .said "This 
is the end of earth;" then after a moment's pause 
he added, " I am content." These were the last 
words of the grand ' ' Old Man Eloquent. ' ' 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



Gl NDREW JACKSON, the seventh President 
Ll of the United States, was born in Waxhaw 
/ I settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few 
days after his father's death. His parents were 
poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their 
abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived 
in deepest povertj*. 

Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called, 
grew up a very rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form ungainh-, and there 
was but verj- little in his character made visible 
which was attractive. 

When only thirteen years old he joined the 
volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion. 
In 1 78 1, he and his brother Robert were captured 
and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British 
officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered 
boots. "lam a prisoner of war, not your serv- 
ant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. 

Andrew supported himself in various waj'S, such 
as working at the saddler's trade, teaching .school, 
and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when 
he entered a law office at Salisbur\-, N. C. He, 
however, gave more attention to the wild amuse- 
ments of the times than to his studies. In 1788, 
he was appointed solicitor for the Western District 
of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then 
a part. This involved many long journeys amid 
dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never 
knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to re- 
peat a skinnish with "Sharp Knife." 

In 1791, Mr. Jack.son was married to a woman 
who supposed herself divorced from her former 
husband. Great was the surprise of both parties, 
two years later, to find that the conditions of the ! 
divorce had just been definitely settled by the 
first husband. The marriage ceremony was per- 
formed a second time, but the occurrence was 
often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson 
into disfavor. 



In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee 
then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabi- 
tants, the people met in convention at Knoxville 
to frame' a constitution. Five were sent from 
each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson 
was one of the delegates. The new State was 
entitled to but one member in the National House 
of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen 
that member. Mounting his horse, he rode to 
Philadelphia, where Congress then held its ses- 
sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
cratic party, and Jefferson was his idol. He ad- 
mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated Eng- 
land. As Mr. Jack.son took his seat. Gen. Wash- 
ington, whose -second term of office was then 
expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. 
A committee drew up a complimentary- address in 
reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the 
address, and was one of the twelve who voted 
against it. He was not willing to say that Gen. 
Washington's administration had been "wise, 
finn and patriotic." 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1 797 , but soon resigned and returned 
home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the 
Supreme Court of his State, which position he 
held for six years. 

When the War of 181 2 with Great Britain com- 
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron Burr .sent word to the President that there 
was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jack- 
son, who would do credit to a commission if one 
were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. 
Jackson offered his .ser\-ices and those of twenty- 
five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted, 
and the troops were assembled at Nasln-ille. 

As the British were hourly expected to make 
an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wil- 
kinson was in command, he was ordered to dc- 



44 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



scencl the river with fifteen hundred truops to aid 
Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez, 
and after a delay of several weeks there without 
acconiplishing anything, the men were ordered 
back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jack- 
son had displayed, and his entire de\otion to the 
comfort of his .soldiers, won for him golden opin- 
ions, and he became the most popular man in the 
State. It was in this expedition that his tough- 
ness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickory." 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip 
Col. Thomas Benton for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking part as second in a duel 
in which a younger brother of Benton's was en- 
gaged, he received two severe pistol wounds. 
While he was lingering upon a bed of suffering, 
news came that the Indians, who had combined 
under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes to ex- 
terminate the white settlers, were committing the 
most awful ravages. Decisive action became nec- 
essar>'. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone 
ju.st beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and 
unable to mount his horse without a.ssiatance, 
gave his amazing energies to the rai.sing of an 
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Ala. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong 
fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, 
near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles be- 
low Ft. Strolher. With an army of two thousand 
men. Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilder- 
ness in a march of elev^en days. He reached their 
fort, called Tohopeka or Honse-shoe, on the 27th 
of March, 1814. The bend of the river enclo.sed 
nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and 
wild ravine. Acro.ss the narrow neck the Indians 
had constructed a fonnidable breastwork of logs 
and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with 
an ample supply of arms, were as.sembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly 
desperate. Not an Indian would accept quarter. 
When bleeding and dying, they would fight those 
who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten 
in the morning until dark the battle raged. The 
carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw 
themselves into the river; but the unerring bul- 
lets struck their heads as they swam. Nearly 
every one of the nine hundred warriors was 



killed. A few, probably, in the night swam 
the river and escaped. This ended the war. 

This closing of the Creek War enabled us to 
concentrate all our militia upon the British, who 
were the allies of the Indians. No man of le.ss 
resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have con- 
ducted this Indian campaign to so successful an 
issue. Immediately he was appointed Major- 
General. 

Late in August, with an army of two thousand 
men on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson went to 
Mobile. A British fleet went from Pensacola, 
landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the 
little fort, and from both ship and shore com- 
menced a furious assault. The battle was long 
and doubtful. At length one of the ships was 
blown up and the rest retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his 
little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
and the battle of New Orleans, which .soon ensued, 
was in reality a ver>' arduous campaign. This 
won for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. 
Here his troops, which numbered about four 
thousand men, won a signal victory over the 
British army of about nine thousand. His loss 
was but thirteen, while the loss of the British was 
twenty-six hundred. 

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be 
mentioned in connection with the Presidency, 
but in 1824 he was defeated by Mr. Adams. 
He was, however, succes.sful in the election of 
1828, and was re-elected for a second term in 
1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins 
of government, he met with the most terrible 
affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom 
he had lo\-ed with a devotion which has perhaps 
never lieen surpassed. From the shock of her 
death he never recovered. 

His administration was one of the mo.st mem- 
orable in the annals of our country — applauded 
by one party, condemned by the other. No man 
had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At 
the expiration of his two terms of office he retired 
to the Hermitage, where he died June 8, 1845. The 
last years of Mr. Jackson's life were those of a de- 
voted Christian man. 









-:^' 



■^ r 




^ > >^^2^ ^^^^-^5"^^^^^^^ 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



yyiARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth Presi- 

Y dent of the United States, was born at Kin- 
(9 derhook, N. Y., December 5, 1782. He 
died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body 
rests in the cemeter>- at Kinderhook. Above it is 
a plain granite shaft, fifteen feet high, bearing a 
simple inscription about half-waj- up on one face. 
The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded 
by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van 
Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles, 
engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life 
was stormj' in political and intellectual conflicts, 
and he gained manj' signal victories, his days 
passed uneventful in those incidents which give 
zest to biographj'. His ancestors, as his name indi- 
cates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the 
earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of 
the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing 
in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also 
of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and exemplary piety. 

He was decidedlj- a precocious boy, developing 
unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At 
the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic 
studies in his native village, and commenced the 
study of law. As he had not a collegiate educa- 
tion, seven years of study in a law-ofiice were re- 
quired of him before he could be admitted to the 
Bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and con- 
scious of his powers, he pur.sued his studies with 
indefatigable indu.strj-. After spending six years 
in an oflSce in his native village, he went to the city 
of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the 
seventh year. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years 



of age, commenced the practice of law in his na- 
tive village. The great conflict between the Federal 
and Republican parties was then at its height. 
Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politi- 
cian. He had, perhaps, imbibed that .spirit while 
listening to the many discussions which had been 
carried on in his father's hotel. He was in cordial 
sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and elo- 
quently espoused the cause of State Rights, though 
at that time the Federal party held the supremacy 
both in his town and State. 

His success and increa.sing reputation led him 
after six years of practice to remove to Hudson, 
the county seat of his county. Here he spent 
seven years, constantly- gaining strength by con- 
tending in the courts with some of the ablest men 
who have adorned the Bar of his State. 

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years she .sank into the grave, a victim of con- 
sumption, leaving her husband and four sons to 
weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. 
Van Buren was an earnest, successful, a.ssiduous 
lawyer. The record of those years is barren in 
items of public interest. In 18 12, when thirty 
years of age, he was cho.sen to the State Senate, 
and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's 
admini.stration. In 18 15, he was appointed At- 
torney-General, and the next year moved to Al- 
bany, the capital of the State. 

While he was acknowledged as one of the most 
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 
the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
not require that "universal suffrage' ' which admit.s 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right 



48 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



of governing the State. In true consistency with 
his democratic principles, he contended that, while 
the path leading to the privilege of voting should 
be open to every man without distinction, no one 
should be invested with that sacred prerogative 
unless he were in some degree qualified for it by 
intelligence, virtue, and some property interests in 
the welfare of the State. 

In 1 82 1 he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate, and in the same year he took a 
seat in the convention to revise the Constitution of 
his native State. His course in this convention 
secured the approval of men of all parties. No 
one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to 
promote the interests of all classes in the com- 
munity. In the Senate of the United States, he 
rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active 
and useful legislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected 
to the Senate. He had been from the beginning 
a determined opposer of the administration, adopt- 
ing the "State Rights" view in opposition to what 
was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governor 
of the State of New York, and accordingly resigned 
his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the 
United States contributed so much towards eject- 
ing John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair, 
and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin 
Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation 
or not, he certainly was regarded throughout the 
United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious 
and cunning of politicians. It was supposed that 
no one knew' so well as he how to touch the secret 
springs of action, how to pull all the wires to 
put his machinery in motion, and how to organize 
a political army which W(nild secretly and stealth- 
ily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these 
powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr. 
Clay, and Mr. Webster, and secured results which 
Kw then thought could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jackson was elected President 
he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. 
This position he resigned in 1831, and was im- 
mediately appointed Mini.ster to England, where 
he went the same autumn. The Senate, however, 



when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and 
he returned home, apparently untroubled. Later 
he was nominated Vice-President in the place of 
Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson, 
and with smiles for all and frowns for none, he 
took his place at the head of that Senate which had 
refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. 

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal 
of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated 
favorite; and this, probably, more than any other 
cause secured his elevation to the chair of the 
Chief Executive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. 
Van Buren received the Democratic nomination 
to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the Ihiited 
States. He was elected by a handsome majority, 
to the delight of the retiring President. ' 'Leaving 
New York out of the canva.ss," says Mr. Parton, 
"the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency 
was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though 
the Constitution had conferred upon him the power 
to appoint a successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting 
events. The insurrection in Canada, which 
threatened to involve this country in war with 
England, the agitation of the .slavery question, 
and finally the great commercial panic which 
spread over the country, all were trials of his wis- 
dom. The financial distress was attributed to 
the management of the Democratic party, and 
brought the President into such disfavor that he 
failed of re-election, and on the 4th of March, 
1 84 1, he retired from the presidency. 

With the exception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats in 1848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of 
frugal habits, and, living within his income, had 
now fortunately a competence for his declining 
years. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, he 
still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics 
of the country. From this time until his death, 
on the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty 
years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of 
leisure, of culture and wealth, enjoying in a 
healthy old age probably far more happiness than 
he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes 
of his active life. 




^ />^;fe^z-2^^^'»^ 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



pCJlLUAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth 
\A/ Piesident of the United States, was born 
YV at Berkeley, Va. , February 9, 1773. His 
father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively 
opulent circumstances, and was one of the most 
distinguished men of his day. He was an inti- 
mate friend of George Washington, was early 
elected a member of the Continental Congress, 
and was conspicuous among the patriots of Vir- 
ginia in resisting the encroachments of the British 
crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Ben- 
jamin Harrison and John Hancock were both 
candidates for the office of Speaker. 

Mr. Harri.son was subsequently chosen Gov- 
ernor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His 
son William Henrj-, of cour.se, enjoyed in child- 
hood all the advantages which wealth and intel- 
lectual and cultivated .society could give. Hav- 
ing received a thorough common-school educa- 
tion, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where 
he graduated with honor soon after the death of 
his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to 
study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush 
and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of 
whom were, with his father, signers of the Dec- 
laration of Independence. 

Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and 
notwith.standing the remonstrances of his friends, 
he abandoned his medical studies and entered the 
army, having obtained a connnission as Ensign 
from President Washington. He was then but 
nineteen years old. From that time he passed 
gradually upward in rank until he became aide 
to Gen. Wayne, after whose death he resigned 
his commi.ssion. He was then appointed Secre- 
tar>- of the Northwestern Territory. This Terri- 
torj- was then entitled to but one member in Con- 



gress, and Harrison was chosen to fill that position. 
In the spring of 1800 the Northwestern Terri- 
tory was divided by Congress into two portions. 
The eastern portion, comprising the region now 
embraced in the State of Ohio, was called ' ' The 
Territory' northwest of the Ohio. ' ' The western 
portion, which included what is now called Indi- 
ana, lUinois and Wisconsin, was called "the Indi- 
ana Territory'." William Henry Harrison, then 
twenty-seven years of age, was appointed by John 
Adams Governor of the Indiana Territor3% and 
immediately after also Governor of Upper Loui- 
siana. He was thus ruler over almost as exten- 
sive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. 
He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and 
was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over 
the then rapidly increasing white population. The 
ability and fidelity with which he discharged 
these responsible duties may be inferred from the 
fact that he was four times appointed to this 
office — first by John Adams, twice by Thomas 
Jefferson, and afterwards by President Madison. 

When he began his administration there were 
but three white settlements in that almost bound- 
less region, now crowded with cities and resound- 
ing with all the tumult of wealth and traffic. 
One of these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly 
opposite Loui.sville; one at Vincennes, on the 
Wabash; and the third was a French settlement. 

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. 
About the year 1806, two extraordinary men, 
twin brothers of the Shawnee tribe, rose among 
them. One of the.se was called Tecumseh, or 
"the Crouching Panther;" the other Olliwa- 
checa, or "the Prophet." Tecumseh was not 
only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagac- 



52 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



ity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perse- 
verance in any enterprise in which he might en- 
gage. His brother, the Prophet, was an orator, 
who could sway the feelings of the untutored In- 
dians as the gale tos.sed the tree-tops beneath 
which they dwelt. With an enthusiasm unsur- 
passed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the 
crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, a.ssuming 
that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to con- 
ciliate the Indians, but at last war came, and at 
Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great 
.slaughter. October 28, 18 12, his army began its 
march. When near the Prophet's town, three 
Indians of rank made their appearance and in- 
quired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them 
in so hostile an attitude. After a short confer- 
ence, arrangements were made for a meeting the 
next day to agree upon terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted 
with the Indian character to be deceived by such 
protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his 
night's encampment, he took ever>- precaution 
against surprise. His troops were posted in a 
hollow square and slept upon their arms. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock 
in the morning, had ri.sen, and was sitting 
in conversation with his aides by the embers 
of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning, 
with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the In- 
dians had crept as near as possible, and just then, 
with a savage yell, rushed, with all the despera- 
tion which superstition and passion most highly 
inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little armj'. The savages had been amply pro- 
vided with guns and ammunition by the English, 
and their war-whoop was accompanied by a 
shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as 
the light aided the Indians in their aim, and 
Gen. Harri.son's troops stood as inunovable as 
the rocks around them until day dawned, when 
they made a simultaneous charge with the bayo- 
net and swept everything before them, completely 
routing the foe. 

Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The British, descending from the 



Canadas, were of themselves a ven,- formidable 
force, but with their savage allies rushing like 
wolves from the forest, burning, plundering, scalp- 
ing, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into 
a .state of con.sternation which even the mo.st vivid 
imagination can but faintly conceive. Gen. Hull 
had made an ignominious surrender of his forces at 
Detroit. Under the.se despairing circumstances, 
Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madi- 
son Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern 
Army, with orders to retake Detroit and to protect 
the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man 
in a situation demanding more energj', sagacity 
and courage, but he was found equal to the 
po.sition, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet 
all the responsibilities. 

In 1816, Gen. Harri.son was cho.sen a member 
of the National House of Representatives, to rep- 
resent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved 
an active member, and whenever he spoke it was 
with a force of reason and power of eloquence 
which arrested the attention of all the members. 

In 1819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio, and in 1824, as one of the Presidential Elec- 
tors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry 
Clay. The .same year he was chosen to the Uni- 
ted States Senate. In 1836 his friends brought 
him forward as a candidate for the Presidency 
against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the 
close of Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nom- 
inated by his party, and Mr. Harrison wasunani- 
mou.sl)' nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler 
for the Vice-Pre.sidency. The contest was very 
animated. Gen. Jackson gave all his influence to 
prevent Harrison's election, but his triumph was 
signal. 

The cabinet which he fonned, with Daniel Web- 
-ster at its head as Secretary of vState, was one of 
the mo.st brilliant with which any Pre.sident ha I 
ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects 
of an administration tnore flattering, or the hopes 
of the country more .sanguine. In the midst of 
these bright and joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison 
was seized by a pleuri.sy-fever, and after a few 
days of violent sickness died, on the 4th of April, 
just one month after his inauguration as President 
of the United States. 



JOHN TYLER. 



(John TYLER, the tenth President of the 
I United States, and was born in Charles 
C/ ^'ity County, Va., March 29, 1790. He was 
the favored child of affluence and high social po- 
sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered 
William and Mary College, and graduated with 
much honor when but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted himself with great assi- 
duity to the study of law, parth- with his father 
and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the 
most distinguished lawyers of Virginia. 

At nineteen years of age, he commenced the 
practice of law. His success was rapid and as- 
toni.shing. It is said that three months had not 
elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the 
docket of the court in which he was not retained. 
When but twenty -one years of age, he was almost 
unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legis- 
lature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures 
of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive 
years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving 
nearly the unanimous vote of his county. 

When but twenty-six 3-ears of age, he was 
elected a Member of Congress. Here he acted ear- 
nestly and ably with the Democratic party, oppos- 
ing a national bank, internal improvements by 
the General Government, and a protective tariff; 
advocating a .strict con.struction of the Constitu- 
tion and the most careful vigilance over State 
rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous 
that before the close of his .second term he found 
it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in 
Charles City County to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in 
the State Legi.slature, where his influence was 
powerful in promoting public works of great 
utility. With a reputation thus con.stantly in- 
creasing, he was chosen by a very large majority 
of votes Governor of his native State. His ad- 
ministration was a signally successful one, and his 
popularity secured his re-election. 



John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of 
the United States. A portion of the Democratic 
party was displeased with Mr. Randolph's way- 
ward cour.se, and brought forivard John Tyler as 
his opponent, considering him the only man in 
Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed 
against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr. 
Tyler was the victor. 

In accordance with his professions, upon tak- 
ing his seat in the Senate he joined the ranks of 
the opposition. He opposed the tariff, and spoke 
against and voted against the bank as unconsti- 
tutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions 
upon slaverj', resisting all projects of internal im- 
provements by the General Government, and 
avowed his .sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view 
of nullification; he declared that Gen. Jackson, 
by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned 
the principles of the Democratic party. Such 
was Mr. T>ler's record in Congress — a record in 
perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice 
of his profession. There was a split in the Demo- 
cratic party. His friends still regarded him as a 
true Jeffersonian, gave him a dinner, and show- 
ered compliments upon him. He had now at- 
tained the age of forty-six, and his career had been 
verj^ brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to 
public business, his private affairs had fallen into 
some disorder, and it was not without satisfac- 
tion that he resumed the practice of law, and de- 
voted himself to the cultivation of his plantation. 
Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for 
the better education of his children, and he again 
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

By the .southern Whigs he was sent to the 
national convention at Harrisburg in 1839 to nom- 
inate a President. The majority of votes were 
given to Gen Harrison, a genuine Whig, much 
to the disappointment of the South, which wished 



56 



JOHN TYLER. 



for Henry Clay. To conciliate the southern 
Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention 
then nominated John Tyler for Vice-President. 
It was well known that he was not in sj'mpathy 
with the Whig party in the North; but the Vice- 
President has very little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to 
preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it 
happened that a Whig President and, in reality, 
a Democratic Vice-President were chosen. 

In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice- 
President of the United States. In one short 
month from that time, President Harrison died, 
and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own 
.surprise and that of the whole nation, an occu- 
pant of the Presidential chair. Hastening from 
Williamsburg to Washington, on the 6th of 
April he was inaugurated to the high and re- 
sponsible office. He was placed in a position of 
exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long 
life he had been opposed to the main principles of 
the party which had brought him into power. 
He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with 
an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had se- 
lected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, 
and thus surround himself with counselors whose 
views were antagonistic to his own ? or, on the 
other hand, should he turn against the party 
which had elected him, and select a cabinet in 
harmony with himself, and which would oppose 
all those views which the Whigs deemed essen- 
tial to the public welfare ? This was his fearful 
dilennna. He invited the cabinet which Presi- 
dent Harrison had selected to retain their seats, 
and recommended a day of fasting and prayer, 
that God would guide and bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for 
the incorporation of a fiscal bank of ^he United 
States. The President, after ten days' delay, re- 
turned it with his veto. He suggested, however, 
that he would approve of a bill drawn up upon 
such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was ac- 
cordingly prepared, and privately submitted to 
him. He gave it his approval. It was passed 
without alteration, and he sent it back with his 
veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is 
said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 



ure by a published letter from the Hon. Jolm M. 
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who se- 
verely touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now exultingly received the 
President into their arms. The partj- which 
elected him denounced him bitterly. All the 
members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, 
resigned. The Whigs of Congress, both the 
Senate and the House, held a meeting and i.ssued 
an address to the people of the United States, 
proclaiming that all political alliance between the 
Whigs and President Tyler was at an end. 

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs 
and Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong 
party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary 
to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig 
friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's un- 
fortunate administration passed sadly away. No 
one was satisfied. The land was filled with mur- 
murs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats 
alike assailed him. More and more, however, he 
brought himself into sympathy with his old 
friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his 
term he gave his whole influence to the support 
of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his 
successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, President Tyler re- 
tired from the harassments of office, to the regret 
of neither party, and probably to his own unspeak- 
able relief The remainder of his days were 
pas.sed mainly in the retirement of his beautiful 
home — Sherwood Forest, Charles City County, 
Va. His first wife. Miss Letitia Christian, died 
in Washington in 1842; and in June, 1844, 
he was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia 
Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and 
intellectual accomplishments. 

When the great Rebellion rose, which the 
State Rights and nullifying doctrines of John C. 
Calhoun had inaugurated. President Tyler re- 
nounced his allegiance to the United States, and 
joined the Confederates. He was chosen a mem- 
ber of their Congress, and while engaged in 
active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the 
Government over which he had once presided, he 
was taken sick and soon died. 




.J^ 




JAMES K. POLK. 



(Tames K. TOLK, the eleventh President of 
I the United States, was boni in Mecklenburgh 
(*) Couiitj', N. C, November 2, 1795. His 
parents were Samuel and Jane (Knoxj Polk, the 
fonner a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located 
at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 
1735. In 1806, with his wife and children, and 
soon after followed by most of the members of the 
Polk family, Samuel Polk emigrated some two or 
three hundred miles farther west, to the rich val- 
ley of the Duck River. Here, in the midst of the 
wilderness, in a region which was subsequently 
called Maur>' County, they erected their log huts 
and established their homes. In the hard toil of 
a new farm in the wilderness, James K. Polk 
spent the early years of his childhood and youth. 
His father, adding the pursuit of a .surveyor to 
that of a farmer, gradually increased in wealth, 
until he became one of the leading men of the 
region. His mother was a superior woman, of 
strong common .sense and earnest piety. 

Very earl)- in life James developed a taste for 
reading, and expressed the strongest de.sire to ob- 
tain a liberal education. His mother's training 
had made him methodical in his habits, had taught 
him punctuality and industry', and had in.spired 
him with lofty principles of morality. His health 
was frail, and his father, fearing that he might not 
be able to endure a sedentary life, got a situation 
for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for 
commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He 
had no taste for these duties, and his ciaily tasks 
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this 
uncongenial occupation but a few wjeks, when, 
at his earnest solicitation, his fanner removed 
him and made arrangements for him to pros- 
ecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Mur- 
freesboro Academy. With ardor which could 
scarcely be surpa.ssed, he pressed forward in his 



studies, and in less than two and a-half yenrs, in 
the autumn of 1S15, entered the .sophomore class 
in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the mo.st exemplary of 
scholars, punctual in ever>- exercise, never allow- 
ing himself to be absent from a recitation or a 
religious service. 

Mr. Polk graduated in 1818, with the highest 
honors, being deemed the best scholar of his class, 
both in mathematics and the classics. He was 
then twenty-three years of age. His health was 
at this time much impaired by the assiduity with 
which he had prosecuted his studies. After a 
short season of relaxation, he went to Nashville, 
and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to study 
law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance 
with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his planta- 
tion, the " Hermitage," but a few miles from 
Nashville. They had probably been slightly ac- 
quainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican 
and James K. adhered to the .same political faith. 
He was a popular public speaker, and was con- 
stantl}^ called upon to address the meetings of his 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such 
that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the 
stump. He was a man of unblemished morals, 
genial and courteous in his bearing, and with that 
sympathetic nature in the joy.= and griefs of oth- 
ers which gave him hosts of friends. In 1823, 
he was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee, 
and gave his strong influence toward the election 
of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of 
the United States. 

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford County, Tenn. His 
bride was altogether worthy of him — a lady of 
beauty and culture. In the fall of 1825 Mr. Polk 
was chosen a member of Congress, and the satis- 
faction he gave his constituents may be inferred 



6o 



JAMES K. POLK. 



from the fact, that for fourteen successive years, 
or until 1839, he was continued in that office. He 
then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might 
accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In 
Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent 
and a popular speaker. He was always in his 
seat, always courteous, and whenever he spoke 
it was always to the point, without any ambitious 
rhetorical di.splay. 

During five sessions of Congress Mr. Polk was 
Speaker of the Hou.se. Strong passions were 
roused and stormy scenes were witnessed, but he 
performed his arduous duties to a very general 
.satisfaction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to 
him was passed by the House as he withdrew on 
the 4th of March, 1839. 

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, 
as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. 
He was elected by a large majority, and on Octo- 
ber 14, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. 
In 1841 his term of office expired, and he was 
again the candidate of the Democratic party, but 
was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was in- 
augurated President of the United States. The 
verdict of the country in favor of the annexation 
of Texas exerted its influence upon Congress, 
and the last act of the administration of President 
Tyler was to affix his .signature to a joint resolu- 
tion of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, ap- 
proving of the annexation of Texas to the Union. 
As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her 
provinces, the Mexican Minister, Almonte, im- 
mediately demanded his passports and left the 
country, declaring the act of the annexation to be 
an act hostile to Mexico. 

In his first message. President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be 
received into the Union on the same footing with 
the other States. In the mean time. Gen. Taylor 
was .sent with an army into Texas to hold the 
countr}-. He was first sent to Nueces, which the 
Mexicans said was the western boundary of Tex- 
as. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles 
further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected 
batteries which conunanded the Mexican city of 
Matamoras, which was situated on the western 



banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, 
and war was declared again.st Mexico by President 
Polk. The war was pushed forward by his ad- 
mini.stration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, 
whose army was fir.st called one of " obsen'ation," 
then of "occupation," then of "invasion," was 
sent forward to Monterej-. The feeble Mexicans 
in every encounter were hopelessly slaughtered. 
The day of judgment alone can reveal the mi.serj^ 
which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity 
of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was 
brought on. 

"To the victors belong the spoils," Mexico 
was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our 
hands. We now consented to peace upon the 
condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in 
addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of 
Upper and Lower California. This new demand 
embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred 
thou.sand square miles. This was an extent of 
territory equal to nine States of the size of New 
York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen ma- 
jestic States to be added to the Union. There 
were some Americans who thought it all right; 
there were others who thought it all wrong. In 
the pro.secution of this war we expended twenty 
thou.sand lives and more than $100,000,000. Of 
this money $15,000,000 were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired 
from office, having sen-ed one term. The next 
day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was 
inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to 
the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Tay- 
lor, and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he 
commenced his return to Tennessee. He was 
then but fifty-four years of age. He had always 
been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his 
health was good. \\'ith an ample fortune, a 
choice library', a cultivated mind, and domestic 
ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though 
long years of tranijuillity and happiness were be- 
fore him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge 
— was then sweeping up the Valley of the Missis- 
sippi, and he contracted the disease, dying on the 
15th of June, 1S49, in the fifty-fourth year of his 
age, greatly mounied by his countrj-men. 




'y/::uo/C€^<^'?yyyccy^'^^^^ 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



G7ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth President of 
1. the United States, was born on the 24th of 
/r) November, 1784, in Orange County, Va. 
His father, Col. Taylor, was a Virginian of 
note, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, 
his father, with his wife and two children, emi- 
grated to Kentucky, where he settled in the path- 
less wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In 
this frontier home, away from civilization and all 
its refinements, young Zachary could enjoy but 
few social and educational advantages. When 
six 5-ears of age he attended a common school, 
and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of 
character. He was strong, fearless and self-reli- \ 
ant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the i 
army to fight the Indians, who were ravaging the 
frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the j 
uneventful years of his childhood on his father's 
large but lonely plantation. 

In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for ! 
him a commission as Lieutenant in the United 
States army, and he joined the troops which were I 
stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. ' 
Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, 
a young lady from one of the first families of 
Maryland. 

Immediately after the declaration of war with 
England, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then 
been promoted to that rank) was put in command 
of Ft. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles 
above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the 
wilderne.ss by Gen. Harrison, on his march to 
Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of at- 
tack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garri- 
son consisted of a broken company of infantrj', 
numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. 

Early in the autumn of 181 2, the Indians, 
stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the 



fort. Their approach was first indicated by the 
murder of two .soldiers just outside of the stockade. 
Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to 
meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of Sep- 
tember, a band of forty painted and j)lumed sav- 
ages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and 
informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their 
chief would come to have a talk with him. It 
was evident that their object was merely to ascer- 
tain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, 
kept them at a distance. 

The sun went down; the savages disappeared; 
the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour 
before midnight the war-whoop burst from a 
thousand lips in the forest around, followed by 
the discharge of musketry and the rush of the 
foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his 
post. Ever>' man knew that defeat was not 
merely death, but, in the case of capture, death by 
the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No 
pen can describe, no imagination can conceive, the 
scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in 
setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six 
o'clock in the morning this awful conflict con- 
tinued, when the savages, baffled at every point 
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. 
Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defense, was pro- 
moted to the rank of Major by brevet. 

Until the close of the war, Maj. Taylor was 
placed in such situations that he saw but little 
more of active sen-ice. He was sent far away 
into the depths of the wilderness to Ft. Craw- 
ford, on Fox River, which empties into Green 
Bay. Here there was httle to be done but to 
wear away the tedious hours as one best could. 
There were no books, no society, no intellectual 
stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years 
rolled on. Gradually he rose to the rank of 
Colonel. In the Black Hawk War, which re- 



64 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



suited in the capture of that renowned chieftain, 
Col. Taylor took a subordinate, but a brave and 
efficient, part. 

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged 
in the defense of the frontiers, in scenes so re- 
mote, and in employments so obscure, that his 
name was unknown beyond the limits of his own 
immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he 
was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indi- 
ans to vacate that region, and retire beyond the 
Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty had prom- 
ised they should do. The ser\-ices rendered here 
secured for Col. Ta^-lor the high appreciation of 
the Government, and as a reward he was ele- 
vated to the high rank of Brigadier-General by 
brevet, and .soon after, in May, 1838, was ap- 
pointed to the chief conunand of the United 
States troops in Florida. 

After two >ears of wearisome employment 
amidst the everglades of the Peninsula, Gen. Tay- 
lor obtained, at his own request, a change of 
connnand, and was stationed over the Department 
of the Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana, 
Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing 
his headquarters at Ft. Jessup, in Louisiana, he 
removed his family to a plantation which he pur- 
chased near Baton Rouge. Here he remained 
for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, 
but faithfully discharging every duty imposed 
upon him. 

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the 
land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the 
latter river being the boundary of Texas, which 
was then claimed by the United States. Soon 
the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo 
Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won 
brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank 
of Major-General by brevet was then conferred 
upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received 
with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the na- 
tion. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vista, in which he won signal victories 
over forces much larger than he commanded. 

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena 
Vista .spread the wildest enthusiasm over the 
country'. The name of Gen. Taylor was on 
every one's lips. The Whig party decided to 



take advantage of this wonderful popularity in 
bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, hon- 
est soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. 
Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announce- 
ment, and for a time would not listen to it, de- 
claring that he was not at all qualified for such 
an office. So little interest had he taken in poli- 
tics, that for forty years he had not cast a vote. 
It was not without chagrin that several distin- 
guished statesmen, who had been long years in 
the public .service, found their claims set aside in 
behalf of one whose name had never been heard 
of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de 
la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said 
that Daniel Webster, in his haste, remarked, " It 
is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent .speaker nor a 
fine writer. His friends took possession of him, 
and prepared such few communications as it was 
needful should be presented to the public. The 
popularity of the successful warrior swept the 
land. He was triumphantly elected over two 
opposing candidates, — Gen. Ca.ss and Ex-Presi- 
dent Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an 
excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself 
in a very uncongenial pcsition, and was at times 
sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental suf- 
ferings were very severe, and probabl)' tended to 
hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was 
pushing its claims with tireless energ>-; expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California 
was pleading for admission to the Union, while 
slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. 
Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington 
to be far more trying to the nerv'es than battles 
with Mexicans or Indians. 

In the niid.st of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but 
little over a year, took cold, and after a brief 
sickness of but little over five daj^s, died, on the 
9th of July, 1850. His last words were, "I am 
not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeav- 
ored to do my duty . ' ' He died universally re- 
spected and beloved. An honest, unpretending 
man, he had been steadily growing in the affec- 
tions of the people, and the Nation bitterl>' la- 
mented his death. 



"•"Ss^, 










'^^^"Car iC • ^-^A^ r- iT? <:^ 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



I ILLARD FILLMORE, thirteenth President 
of the United States, was born at Summer 
Hill, Cayuga Countj-, N. Y., on the yth of 
Jauuar)-, iSoo. His father was a farmer, and, owing 
to misfortune, in humble circumstances. Of bis 
mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of 
Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she pos- 
sessed an intellect of a high order, tinited with 
much personal loveliness, sweetness of disposi- 
tion, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities. 
She died in 1831, having lived to see her son a 
young man of distinguished promise, though she 
was not permitted to witness the high dignity 
which he finally attained. 

In consequence of the .secluded home and limited 
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender 
advantages for education in his early jears. The 
common schools, which he occasionally attended, 
were very imperfect institutions, and books were 
.scarce and expensive. There was nothing then 
in his character to indicate the brilliant career 
upon which he was about to enter. He was a 
plain farmer's boj' — intelligent, good-looking, 
kind-hearted. The sacred influences of home 
had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid 
the foundations of an upright character. When 
fourteen years of age, his father sent him some 
hundred miles from home to the then wilds of 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Near the mill there was a small village, where 
some enterprising man had commenced the col- 
lection of a village library. This proved an in- 
e.stimable bles.sing to young Fillmore. His even- 
ings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure 
moment was occupied with books. His thirst for 
knowledge became insatiate, and the selections 
which he made were continually more elevating 
and instructive. He read history, biography, 
orator)-, and thus gradually there was enkindled 



in his heart a desire to be something more than a 
mere worker with his hands. 

The young clothier had now attained the age 
of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appear- 
ance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hap- 
pened that there was a gentleman in the neigh- 
borhood of ample pecuniary- means and of benev- 
olence, — ^Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck 
with the prepossessing appearance of young Fill- 
more. He made his acquaintance, and was so 
much impressed with his ability and attainments 
that he advised him to abandon his trade and de- 
vote himself to the study of the law. The 3-oung 
man replied that he had no means of his own, 
no friends to help him, and that his previous edu- 
cation had been ver\- imperfect. But Judge Wood 
had so much confidence in him that he kindly 
offered to take him into his own oifice, and to 
lend him such money as he needed. Most grate- 
fully the generous offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion 
about a collegiate education. A young man is 
supposed to be liberally educated if he has gradu- 
ated at some college. But many a boy who loi- 
ters through university halls and then enters a 
law office is by no means as well prepared to 
prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fill- 
more when he graduated at the clothing-mill at 
the end of four years of manual labor, during 
which ever>- leisure moment had been devoted to 
intense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he 
was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. 
He then went to the village of Aurora, and com- 
menced the practice of law. In this secluded, 
quiet region, his practice, of course, was limited, 
and there was no opportunit>- for a sudden rise in 
fortune or in fame. Here, in 1826, he married a 
lady of great moral worth, and one capable of 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



adorning anj- station she might be called to fill, — 
Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industrj-, 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advo- 
cate, gradually attracted attention, and he was 
invited to enter into partnership, under highly ad- 
vantageous circumstances, with an elder member 
of the Bar in Bufifalo. Just before removing to 
Buffalo, in 1829, he took his .seat in the House of 
Assembly of the .State of New York, as a Repre- 
sentative from Erie County. Though he had 
never taken a ver>' active part in politics, his vote 
and sympathies were with the Whig party. The 
State was then Democratic, and he found himself 
-n a helpless minority in the Legi.slature; still the 
testimony comes from all parties that his courtesy, 
ability and integrity won, to a very- unusual de- 
gree, the respect of his a.ssociates. 

In the autumn of 1S32, he was elected to a 
seat in the United States Congress. He entered 
that troubled arena in the most tunuiltuous hours 
of our national lii.story, when the great conflict 
respecting the national bank and the removal of 
the deposits was raging. 

His term of two years closed, and he returned 
to his jirofession, which he pursued with increas- 
ing reputation and .success. After a lapse of two 
years he again became a candidate for Congress; 
was re-elected, and took his seat in -"837. His 
pa.st experience as a Representative gave him 
strength and confidence. The first term of service 
in Congress to any man can be but little more 
than an introduction. He was now prepared for 
active duty. All his energies were brought to 
bear upon the public good. Every measure re- 
ceived his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore WL : now a man of wide repute, 
and his popularity filled the State. In the year 
1847, when he had attained the age of forty- 
seven years, he was elected Comptroller of the 
State. His labors at the Bar, in the Legi.sla- 
ture, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given 
him very considerable fame. The Whigs were 
casting about to find suitable candidates for Presi- 
dent and Vice-President at the approaching elec- 
tion. Far away on the waters of the Rio Grande, 
there was a rough old soldier, who had fought 



one or two successful battles with the Mexicans, 
which had caused his name to be proclaimed in 
trumpet-tones all over the land as a candidate for 
the presidency. But it was necessary- to associate 
with him on the same ticket some man of repu- 
tation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
names of Zacharj' Taylor and Millard Fillmore 
became the rallying-crj- of the Whigs, as their 
candidates for President and Vice-President. The 
Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the 
4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President, 
of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, 
about one year and four mouths after his inaugura- 
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the 
Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus be- 
came President. He appointed a very able cabi- 
net, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was 
Secretar\- of State; nevertheless, he had serious 
difficulties to contend with, since the opposition 
had a majority in both Houses. He did all in his 
power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavery 
part)- in the South felt the inadequacy of all 
measures of transient conciliation. The popula- 
tion of the free States was so rapidly increa.sing 
over that of the slave States, that it was inevitable 
that the power of the Government should soon 
pass into the hands of the free States. The fa- 
mous compromise mea.sures were adopted under 
Mr. Fillmore's administration, and the Japan ex- 
pedition was sent out. On the 4th of March, 
1S53, he, having .served one term, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Know-Nothing" party, but 
was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. 
Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terri- 
ble conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It 
was generally supposed that his sympathies were 
rather with those who were endeavoring to over- 
throw our institutions. President Fillmore kept 
aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words 
of cheer to one party or the other. He was thus 
forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, 
and died in Buffalo, N. Y., March 8, 1874. 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



r"RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth Presi- 
ry dent of the United States, was born in Hills- 
I borough, N. H., November 23, 1804. His 
father was a Revolutionar>' soldier, who with his 
own strong arm hewed out a home in the wilder- 
ness. He was a man of inflexible integrity, of 
strong, though uncultivated, mind, and was an un- 
compromising Democrat. The mother of Frank- 
lin Pierce was all that a son could desire — an in- 
telligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian w'oman. 

Franklin, who was the sixth of eight children, 
was a remarkably bright and handsome boy, 
generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won 
alike the love of old and young. The boys on 
the play-ground loved him. His teachers loved 
him. The neighbors looked upon him w-ith pride 
and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman, 
always speaking kind words, and doing kind 
deeds, with a peculiar, unstudied tact which 
taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar, and in 
body and mind a finely developed boy. 

When sixteen 3' ears of age, in the j-ear 1820, 
he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. 
He was one of ihe most popular young men in 
the college. The purity of his moral character, 
the unvar>ing courtesy of his demeanor, his rank 
as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a 
univer.sal favorite. There was .something pe- 
culiarly winning in his address, and it was evi- 
dently not in the slightest degree studied — it was 
the simple outgu.shing of his own magnanimous 
and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin 
Pierce commenced the study of law in the office 
of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished 



lawyers of the State, and a man of great private 
worth. The eminent social qualities of the young 
lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, 
and the brilliant political career into which Judge 
Woodburj- was entering, all tended to entice Mr. 
Pierce into the fascinating yet perilous path of 
political life. With all the ardor of his nature he 
espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presi- 
dency. He commenced the practice of law in 
Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent 
the town in the State Legislature. Here he 
served for four years. The last two years he was 
chosen Speaker of the House by a ver>' large 
vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was 
elected a member of Congress. In 1837, being 
then but thirtj'-three years old, he was elected to 
the Senate, taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren 
commenced his administration. He was the 
youngest member in the Senate. In the year 
1834, he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a 
lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one 
admirably fitted to adorn everj- station with which 
her husband was honored. Of the three sons Who 
were born to them, all now sleep with their par- 
ents in the grave. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing 
fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up 
his residence in Concord, the capital of New 
Hampshire. President Polk, upon liis accession 
to office, appointed Mr. Pierce Attorney-General 
of the United States; but the offer was declined 
in consequence of numerous professional engage- 
ments at home, and the precarious state of Mrs. 
Pierce's health. He also, about the .same time, 
declined the nomination for Governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called 



72 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



Mr. Pierce into the annj-. Receiving the appoint- 
ment of Brigadier-General, he embarked with a 
portion of his troops at Newport, R. I., on the 
27th of May, 1847. He took an important part 
in this war, proving himself a brave and true sol- 
dier. 

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his na- 
tive State, he was received enthusiastically by the 
advocates of the Mexican War, and coldly by his 
opponents. He resumed the practice of his pro- 
fession, verj' frequentlj' taking an active part in 
political questions, giving his cordial support to 
the pro-slaven,- wing of the Democratic party. 
The compromise measures met cordiallj- with his 
approval, and he strenuously advocated the en- 
forcement of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law, 
which .so shocked the religious .sensibilities of the 
North. He thus became distinguished as a 
" Northern man with vSouthern principles." The 
strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom the}- could 
safely trust in office to carrj' out their plaiis. 

On the i2th of June, 1852, the Democratic con- 
vention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate 
for the Presidency. For four days they contin- 
ued in session, and in thirty -five ballotings no one 
had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus 
far had been thrown for Gen. Pierce. Then the 
Virginia delegation brought forward his name. 
There were fourteen more ballotings, during which 
Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at 
the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred 
and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates 
eleven. Gen. ^\'infield Scott was the Whig can- 
didate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great una- 
nimity. Only four States — Vermont, Massachu- 
setts, Kentucky and Teimes.see — cast their elec- 
toral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 

His administration proved one of the most 
stormy our countrj* had ever experienced. The 
controversy between slaverj- and freedom was 
then approaching its culminating point. It be- 
came evident that there was to be an irrepressible 
conflict between them, and that this nation 
could not long exist " half slave and half free." 



President Pierce, during the whole of his admin- 
istration, did everj-thing he could to conciliate the 
South; but it was all in vain. The conflict ever>' 
year grew more violent, and threats of the disso- 
lution of the Union were borne to the North on 
every Southern breeze. 

Such was the condition of affairs when Presi- 
dent Pierce approached the close of his four- 
years term of office. The North had become 
thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery 
sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been 
rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and 
social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in 
deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The 
slaveholders of the South also, unmindful of the 
fidelity' with which he had advocated those meas- 
ures of Government which they approved, and 
perhaps feeling that he had rendered himself 
so unpopular as no longer to be able to accepta- 
bly ser\'e them, ungratefullj' dropped him, and 
nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4tli of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
turned to his home in Concord. His three chil- 
dren were all dead, his last surviving child hav- 
ing been killed before his e3-es in a railroad acci- 
dent; and his wife, one of the most estimable and 
accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in 
consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom soon 
came, and he was left alone in the world without 
wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth which 
divided our countrj- into two parties, and two 
only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the prin- 
ciples which he had always cherished, and gave 
his sympathies to that pro-slaverj- party with 
which he had ever been allied. He declined to 
do anything, either by voice or pen, to .strengthen 
the hand of the National Government. He con- 
tinued to reside in Concord until the time of his 
death, which occurred in October, 1869. He was 
one of the most genial and social of men, a!i hon- 
ored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and 
one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a 
fault, he contributed liberally toward the allevia- 
tion of suffering and want, and many of his 
towns-people were often gladdened by his material 
bounty. 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



(Tames BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President 
I of the United States, was born in a small 
G/ frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge 
of the Alleghanies, in Franklin County, Pa., on 
the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the 
humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat- 
ter. His father was a native of the north of Ire- 
land, who had emigrated in 1783, with little prop- 
erty save his own strong arms. Five years after- 
ward he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter 
of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride, 
plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim, 
reared his log hut, opened a clearing with his 
axe, and settled down there to perform his obscure 
part in the dr<ima of life. When James was eight 
years of age, his father removed to the village of 
Mercersburg, where his son was placed at .school, 
and commenced a course of study in English, 
Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and 
at the age of fourteen he entered Dickin.son Col- 
lege, at Carlisle. Here he developed remarkable 
talent, and took his stand among the first scholars 
in the institution. 

In the year z"-^^ he graduated with the high- 
est honors of his class He was then eighteen 
years of age; tall ana graceful, vigorous in health, 
fond of athletic sports, an unerring shot, and en- 
livened with an exuberant flow of animal .spirits. 
He immediately commenceo the .study of law in 
the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the 
Bar in 18 12, when he was bu twenty-one years 
of age. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Lower 
House. During the vacations of Congress, he 



occa.'sionally tried .some important case. In 1831 
he retired altogether from the toils of his profes- 
sion, having acquired an ample fortune. 

Gen. Jack.son, upon his elevation to the Presi- 
dency, appointed Mr. Buchanan Minister to Rus- 
sia. The duties of his mission he performed 
with ability, and gave .satisfaction to all parties. 
Upon his return, in 1833, he was elected to a .seat 
in the United States Senate. He there met as 
his associates Webster, Clay, Wright and Cal- 
houn. He advocated the measures proposed by 
President Jackson, of making reprisals against 
France to enforce the payment of our claims 
again.st that country, and defended the course 01 
the President in his unprecedented and wholesale 
removal from office of those who were not the 
supporters of his administration. Upon this 
question he was brought into direct collision with 
Henry Clay. He al.so, with voice and vote, ad- 
vocated expunging from the journal of the Senate 
the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for re- 
moving the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the 
abolition of .slavery in the Di.strict of Columbia, 
and urged the prohibition of the circulation of 
anti-.slaverj' documents by the United States 
mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery, 
he advocated that they should be respectfully re- 
ceived, and that the reply .should be returned 
that Congress had no power to legislate upon the 
subject. "Congress," .said he, "might as well 
undertake to interfere with slaven,- under a for- 
eign goverinnent as in any of the States where it 
now exi.sts. ' ' 

ITpoi! Mr. Polk's acce.s.sion to the Presidency, 
Mr. Buchanan became Secretar>- of State, and as 
such took his share of the responsibility in the 



76 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed 
that crossing the Nueces by the American 
troops into the disputed territorj- was not wrong, 
but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande 
into Texas was a declaration of war. No candid 
man can read with pleasure the account of the 
course our Government pursued in that movement. 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly 
with the party devoted to the perpetuation and 
extension of .slavery, and brought all the energies 
of his mind to bear against the Wilniot Proviso. 
He gave his cordial appro\-al to the compromise 
measures of 1850, which included the Fugitive 
Slave Law. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the 
Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mis- 
sion to England. 

In the year 1856, a national Democratic Con- 
vention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presi- 
dency. The political conflict was one of the most 
severe in w'hich our country has ever engaged. 
All the friends of slavery were on one side; all 
the advocates of its restriction and final abolition 
on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the 
enemies of slaverj', received one hundred and 
fourteen electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
one hundred and seventy-four, and was elected. 
The popular vote stood 1,340,618 for Fremont, 
1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4, 1857, 
the latter was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only 
four years v^-ere wanting to fill up his three-score 
years and ten. His own friends, those with 
whom he had been allied in political principles 
and action for years, were seeking the destruc- 
tion of the Government, that they might rear 
upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation 
whose corner-stone .should be human slavery. In 
this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly 
bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed 
principles, con.sistently oppose the State Rights 
party in their assumptions. As President of the 
United States, bound by his oath faithfully to 
administer the laws, he could not, without per- 
jury of the grossest kind, unite with those en- 
deavoring to overthrow the Republic. He there- 
fore did nothing. 

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administra- 



tion nominated Abraham Lincoln as their stand- 
ard-bearer in the next Presidential canvass. 
The pro-slavery party declared that if he were 
elected and the control of the Government were 
thus taken from their hands, they would secede 
from the Union, taking with them as they retired 
the National Capitol at Washington and the 
lion's share of the territorj- of the United States. 

As the storm increased in violence, the slave- 
holders claiming the right to .secede, and Mr. 
Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power 
to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions 
of governmental imbecility was exhibited that the 
world has ever seen. He declared that Congress 
had no power to enforce its laws in any State 
which had withdrawn, or which was attempting 
to withdraw, from the Union. This was not the 
doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand 
upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed: "The Union 
must and shall be preserved!" 

South Carolina seceded in December, i860, 
nearly three months before the inauguration of 
President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in 
listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in 
Charleston; Ft. Sumter was besieged; our forts, 
navy-yards and arsenals were seized; our depots 
of military stores were plundered, and our cus- 
tom-houses and post-oiEces were appropriated by 
the rebels. 

The energy of the rebels and the imbecility of 
our Executive were alike marvelous. The na- 
tion looked on in agony, waiting for the slow 
weeks to glide awaj' and close the administration, 
so terrible in its weakness. At length the long- 
looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abra- 
ham Lincoln was to receive the scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan was 
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- 
perienced. His best friends can not recall it with 
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his 
fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled 
its billows of flame and blood over our whole 
land, no word came from his lips to indicate his 
wish that our countrj's banner should triumph 
over the flag of the Rebellion. He died at his 
Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868. 




/y^fU^ 



U, c^-t (lyv-^y^ 



Q^y^^TZ^'^-^^'^^^^.r-^C^ 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



(31 BRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth Presi- 
r I (lent of the United States, was born in Hardin 
I I County, Ky., February 12, 1809. About 
the year 1 780, a man by the name of Abraham 
Lincohi left Virginia with his family and moved 
into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years 
after this emigration, and while still a young man, 
he was working one day in a field, when an Indian 
stealthily approached and killed him. His widow 
was left in extreme poverty with five little chil- 
dren, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the 
youngest of the boys, and the father of President 
Abraham Lincoln, was four years of age at his 
father's death. 

When twenty -eight years old, Thomas Lincoln 
built a log cabin, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky- 
emigrants, who had also come from Virginia. 
Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the sub- 
ject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was 
a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created 
to adorn a palace, but doomed to toil and pine, and 
die in a hovel. " All that I am, or hope to be," 
exclaimed the grateful .son, " I owe to itiy angel- 
mother. ' ' When he was eight years oi age, his 
father sold his cabin and small farm and moved 
to Indiana, where two years later his mother died. 

As the jears rolled on, the lot of this lowly 
family was the usual lot of humanity. There 
were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals. 
Abraham's sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly 
attached, was married when a child of but four- 
teen j-ears of age, and soon died. The family 
was gradually scattered, and Thomas Lincoln 
sold out his .squatter's claim in 1830, and emi- 
grated to Macon County, 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years 
of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father 
in rearing another log cabin, and worked quite 
diligently at this until he saw the family com- 
fortably settled, and their small lot of enclo.sed 
prairie planted with corn, when he announced to 



his father his intention to leave home, and to gc 
out into the world and seek his fortune. Little 
did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that 
fortune was to be. He saw the value of educa- 
tion and was inten.sely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his power. Religion he 
revered. His morals were pure, and he was un- 
contaminated by a single vice. 

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired 
laborer among the farmers. Then he went to 
Springfield, where he was employed in building 
a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of .swine, 
floated them down the Sangamon to Illinois, and 
thence by the Mississippi to New Orleans. What- 
ever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed 
so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his 
employers. In this adventure the latter, were 
so well pleased, that upon his return they placed 
a store and mill under his care. 

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk 
War, he enlisted and was chosen Captain of a 
company. He returned to Sangamon County, 
and, although onh' twenty-three years of age, was 
a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. 
He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the 
appointment of Postmaster of New vSalem. His 
only post-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there, ready to deliver to those 
he chanced to meet. He studied sur\-eying, and 
soon made this his business. In 1834 he again 
became a candidate for the Legislature and was 
elected. Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advi.sed him 
to study law. He walked from New Salem to 
Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load ol 
books, carried them back, and began his legal 
studies. When the Legislature assembled, he 
trudged on foot with his pack on his back one 
hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here 
it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 
he removed to Springfield and began the practice 
of law. His success with the jury was so great 



So 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



that he was soon engaged in almost even* noted 
case in the circuit. 

In 1854 the great di.scussion began between Mr. 
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas on the slavery ques- 
tion. In the organization of the Republican party 
in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at 
once became one of the leaders in that party. 
Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator 
Douglas in the contest in 1858 for a .seat in the 
Senate, form a most notable part of his hi-story. 
The issue was on the slavery question, and he 
took the broad ground of the Declaration of In- 
dependence, that all men are created equal. Mr. 
Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a 
far higher prize. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chi- 
cago on the 1 6th of June, i860. The delegates 
and strangers who crowded the city amounted to 
twenty-five thousand. An immense building 
called " The Wigwam," was reared to accommo- 
date the convention. There were eleven candi- 
dates for whom votes were thrown. William H. 
Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had 
long filled the land, was the mo.st prominent. It 
was generally supposed he would be the nomi- 
nee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the 
nomination on the third ballot. 

Election day came, and Mr. Lincoln received 
one hundred and eighty electoral votes out of two 
hundred and three cast, and was, therefore, con- 
stitutionally elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this 
good and merciful man, especially by the slave- 
holders, was greater than upon any other man 
ever elected to this high position. In Februarj', 
1861, Mr. Lincoln .started for Washington, stop- 
ping in all the large cities on his way, making 
.speeches. The whole journey was fraught with 
nuich danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already seceded, and several attempts at assassi- 
nation were afterward brought to light. A gang 
in Baltimore had arranged upon his arrival to 
"get up a row," and in the confusion to make 
sure of his death with revolvers and hand-gren- 
ades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret 
and special train was provided to take him from 
Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at au unexpected 



hour of the night. The tram started at half-pa.st 
ten, and to prevent any possible communication 
on the part of the Sece.ssionists with their Con- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train 
had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. 
Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was 
inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by 
all loyal people. 

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to 
other prominent opponents before the convention 
he gave important positions; but during no other 
administration had the duties devolving upon the 
President been so manifold, and the responsibilities 
so great, as those which fell to his lot. Knowing 
this, and feeling his own weakness and inability 
to meet, and in his own strength to cope with, 
the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine 
wi.sdom and guidance in determining his plans, 
and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal 
and national. Contrary to his own estimate of 
hinuself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most cour- 
ageous of men. He went directly into the rebel 
capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with 
no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had 
been made for his assa.ssination, and he at last 
fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, 
with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend 
Ford's Theatre. It was announced that they 
would be present. Gen. Grant, however, left the 
city. President Lincoln, feeling, with his char- 
acteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a 
disappointment if he should fail them, very re- 
luctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play, an actor by the name of John Wilkes 
Booth entered the box where the President and 
family were seated, and fired a bullet into his 
brain. He died the next morning at seven 
o'clock. 

Never before in the history of the world was 
a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death 
of its ruler Strong men met in the streets and 
wept in speechless anguLsh. His was a life which 
will fitly become a model. His name as the 
Savior of his country will live with that of Wash- 
ington's, its Father. 




7 ^?\jzx^i 



^ 




'^li^-^^'^^'T^ 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 



Gl NDREW JOHNSON, seventeenth President 
LA of the United States. The early life of An- 
f I drew Johnson contains but the record of pov- 
erty , destitution and friendlessness. He was born 
December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, N. C. His par- 
ents, belonging to the class of "poor whites" 
of the South, were in such circumstances that the)' 
could not confer even the slightest advantages of 
education upon their child. When Andrew was 
five years of age, his father accidentally lost his 
life, while heroically endeavoring to save a friend 
from drowning. Until ten j-ears of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by 
the labor of his mother, who obtained her living 
with her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one 
day, and being unable either to read or write, was 
apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gen- 
tleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's 
shop occasionally, and reading to the boj-s at 
work there. He often read from the speeches of 
distinguished Briti.sh statesmen. Andrew, who 
was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary 
ability, became much interested in these speeches; 
his ambition was rou.sed, and he was inspired with 
a strong desire to learn to read. 

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, 
and with the assistance of some of his fellow- 
workmen learned his letters. He then called upon 
the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches. 
The owner, plea.sedwith his zeal, not only gave 
him the book, but assisted him in learning to com- 
bine the letters into words. Under such difficul- 
ties he pressed onward laboriously, spending usu- 
ally ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and 
then robbing himself of rest and recreation to de- 
vote such time as he could to reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 



Greenville, where lie married a young lady who 
po.s.sessed .some education. Under her iii.structicjns 
he learned to write and cipher. He became 
prominent in the village debating society, and a 
favorite with the .students of Greenville College. 
In 1828, he organized a working man's party, 
which elected him Alderman, and in 1830 elected 
him Mayor, which position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in 
political affairs, identifyinghimself with the work- 
ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, he 
was elected a member of the House of Represent- 
atives of Temiessee. He was then just twenty- 
seven years of age. He became a verj' active 
member of the Legislature, gave his support to 
the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the 
State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to 
the Presidency, in opposition to tho.se of Gen. 
Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, 
he was elected a Member of Congress, and b\- suc- 
cessive elections held that important post for ten 
years. In 1 853, he was elected Governor of Tenn^ 
essee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these 
responsible positions, he discharged his duties 
with distinguished ability, and proved himself the 
warm friend of the working cla.s.ses. In 1857, Mr. 
Johnson was elected United States Senator. 

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated 
the annexation of Texas, stating, however, as his 
reason, that he thought this aimexation would 
probably prove "to be the gateway out of which 
the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage 
to freedom, and become merged in a ])opulation 
congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also .sup- 
ported the compromise measures, the two essen- 



84 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 



tial features of which w er^ , that the white people 
of the Territories should be permitted to decide 
for themselves whether they would enslave the 
colored people or not, and that the free States of 
the North should return to the South persons who 
attempted to escape from slavery. 

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly 
origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in 
avowing that he owed his distinction to his own 
exertions. ".Sir," .said he on the floor of the 
Senate, "I do not forget that I am a mechanic; 
neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and 
sewed fig-leaves, and that our Savior was the son 
of a carpenter. ' ' 

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of 1 860, 
he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for 
the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of 
the Southern Democracy became apparent, he took 
a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held 
that "slavery must be held subordinate to the 
Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tenn- 
essee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to 
protect the Unionists of that State. Tennessee 
having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, 
on March 4, 1862, appointed him Military Gov- 
ernor of the State, and he established the most 
Stringent militarj' rule. His numerous proclama- 
tions attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was 
elected Vice-President of the United States, and 
upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865, 
became President. In a .speech two days later he 
said, "The American people must be taught, if 
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime 
and nuistbe punished; that the Government will 
not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong 
not only to protect, but to punish. * * The 
people must understand that it (treason) is the 
blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished. ' ' 
Yet his whole administration, the historj^ of which 
is so well known, was in utter inconsistenc}^ with, 
and in the most violent opposition to, the princi- 
ples laid down in that speech. 

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress, and he 
characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and 
lawlessly defied it in everything possible to the ut- 
most. In the beginning of 1868, on account of 



"High crimes and misdemeanors," the principal 
of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton in 
violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of 
impeachment w-ere preferred against him, and the 
trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was 
at length submitted to the court for its action. It 
was certain that as the court voted upon that ar- 
ticle .so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices 
pronounced the Pre.sident guilty. As a two-thirds 
vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was 
pronounced acquitted, notwith.standing the great 
majority again.st him. The change of one vote 
from the nol guilty side would have sustained the 
impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, 
was but little regarded. He continued, though 
impotentlj-, his conflict with Congress. His own 
party did not think it expedient to renominate 
him for the Presidency. The Nation rallied with 
enthu.siasm, unparalleled since the days of Wash- 
ington, aroinid the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew 
Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin 
introduced him to the President's chair. Not- 
withstanding this, never was there presented to a 
man a better opportunity to immortalize his name, 
and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed 
utterl}'. He retired to his home in Greenville, 
Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until 
1875. On January 26, after an exciting struggle, 
he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee 
United States Senator in the Forty-fourth Congess, 
and took his seat in that body, at the .special ses- 
sion convened by President Grant, on the 5th of 
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-Presi- 
dent made a vi.sit to his daughter's home, near 
Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his 
journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous 
health, but on reaching the residence of his child 
the following day, he was stricken with paralysis, 
which rendered him unconscious. He rallied oc- 
casionally, but finally passed away at 2 A. m., 
July 31 , aged sixty -seven j-ears. His funeral was 
held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with, 
everj' demonstration of respect. 





T^e^ 



-^ 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 



I ILYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi- 
K^l dent of the United States, was born on the 
Vj 29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in 
a humble home at Point Pleasant, on the banks 
of the Ohio. Shortlj' after, his father moved to 
Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common - 
school education. At the age of seventeen, in 
the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy 
at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid, 
sensible young man, of fair ability, and of sturdy, 
honest character. He took respectable rank as a 
scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as Lieutenant of 
Infantrj' to one of the distant military posts in the 
Missouri Territory. Two j-ears he passed in these 
dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond Indians. 
The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His 
first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no 
chance here for the exhibition of either skill or 
heroism, nor at Resaca de la Palma, his .second 
battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third en- 
gagement, it is said that he performed a signal 
ser\4ce of daring and .skillful honsemanship. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant 
returned with his regiment to New York, an 1 
was again .sent to one of the militarj- po.sts on the 
frontier. The discoverj' of gold in California 
causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to 
the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a 
battalion to Ft. Dallas, in Oregon, for the protec- 
tion of the interests of the immigrants. But life 
was wearisome in those wilds, and he resigned 
his commission and returned to the States. Hav- 
ing married, he entered upon the cultivation of a 
small farm near St. Louis, Mo., but having little 



skill as a farmer, and finding his toil not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering 
into the leather bu.siness, with a younger brother 
at Galena, 111. This was in the year i860. As 
the tidings of the rebels firing on Ft. Sumter 
reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting- 
room, he said: "Uncle Sam has educated me 
for the army; though I have served him through 
one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the 
debt. I am still ready to discharge my obliga- 
tions. I shall therefore buckle on mj' sword and 
see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the .streets, raised a company of 
volunteers, and led them as their Captain to 
Springfield, the capital of the State, where their 
ser\ices were offered to Gov. Yates. The Gov- 
ernor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward 
executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a de.sk 
in his office to assist in the volunteer organiza- 
tion that was being fonned in the State in behalf 
of the Government. On the 15th of June, 1861, 
Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of 
the Twenty-fir.st Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. 
His merits as a West Point graduate, who had 
.served for fifteen years in the regular army, were 
such that he was soon promoted to the rank of 
Brigadier-General, and was placed in connnand at 
Cairo. The rebels raised their banner at Padu- 
cah, near the mouth of the Tennes-see River. 
Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere 
Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled, their 
banner fell, and the Stars and Stripes were un- 
furled in its .stead. 

He entered the ser\-ice with great determina- 
tion and immediately began active duty. This 
was the beginning, and until the surrender of 
Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy 



88 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 



with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont, 
a few days later, he surprised and routed the 
rebels, then at Ft. Henry won another victory. 
Then came the brilliant fight at Ft. Donelson. 
The nation was electrified by the victory, and the 
brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately 
made a Major- General, and the military district 
of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well 
how to secure the results of victory. He imme- 
diately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then 
came the terrible battles of Pitt.sburg Landing, 
Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. 
Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of 
the city w^ith over thirty thousand men and one 
hundred and seventy -two cannon. The fall of 
Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which 
the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened 
up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown 
from his horse, and received severe injuries, from 
which he was laid up for months. He then 
rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas 
at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of 
strategic and technical measures put the Union 
army in fighting condition. Then followed the 
bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Moun- 
tain and Missionary- Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great loss. This won for him 
unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of 
Februarj', 1864, Congress revived the grade of 
lieutenant-general, and the rank was conferred 
on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to 
receive his credentials and enter upon the duties 
of his new office. 

Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge 
of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed 
National troops for an attack upon Richmond, 
the nominal capital of the rebellion, and endeavor 
there to destroy the rebel armies which would be 
promptly assembled from all quarters for its de- 
fense. The whole continent seemed to tremble 
under the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing 
to the decisive battle-field. Steamers were crowd- 
ed with troops. Railway trains were burdened 



with closely -packed thousands. His plans were 
comprehensive, and involved a series of cam- 
paigns, which were executed with remarkable 
energy and ability, and were consummated at the 
surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The war was ended. The Union was saved. 
The almo.st unanimous voice of tlie nation de- 
clared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent in- 
.strument in its salvation. The eminent services 
he had thus rendered the countrj^ brought him 
conspicuously forward as the Republican candi- 
date for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, 
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated 
for the Presidency, and at the autunni election 
received a majority of the popular vote, and two 
hundred and fourteen out of two hundred and 
ninety-four electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican 
party, which met at Philadelphia on the 5th 01 
June, 1S72, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for 
a second term by a unanimous vote. The .selec- 
tion was emphaticall}' indorsed b}- the people five 
months later, two hundred and ninety-two elect- 
oral votes being ca.st for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term. Gen. 
Grant started upon liis famous trip around the 
world. He visited almost everj- country of the 
civilized world, and was everj'where received 
with such ovations and demonstrations of respect 
and honor, private as well as public and official, 
as were never before bestowed upon any citizen 
of the United States. 

He was the most prominent candidate before 
the Republican National Convention in 1880 for 
a renomination for President. He went to New 
York and embarked in the brokerage business 
under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The 
latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant's fortune, 
and for larceny was sent to the penitentiarj'. 
The General was attacked with cancer in the 
throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never 
complaining. He was re-instated as General of 
the Army, and retired by Congress. The cancer 
soon finished its deadly work, and July 23. 1885, 
the nation went in mourning over the death ot 
the illustrious General. 




o c/W62-^^ 




6 



u 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth 
President of the United States, was born in 
Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822, ahnost 
three months after the death of his father, Ruther- 
ford Hayes. His ancestn,' on both the paternal and 
maternal sides was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as 
1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two 
vScottish chieftains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both 
families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive 
estates, and had a large following. Misfortune 
overtaking the family, George Hayes left vScotland 
in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
George was born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, 
married Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of 
his marriage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. 
Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was 
a mainifacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. 
Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather 
of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in 
August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and 
tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an 
unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he 
established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford 
Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was born. 
He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors 
emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having 
been among the wealthiest and best families of 
Norwich. Her ancestrj' on the male side is 
traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the 
principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grand- 
fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionan,- War. 

The father of President Hayes was nn industri- 
ous, frugal, yet open-hearted man. He was of a 



mechanical turn of mind, and could mend a plow, 
knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that 
he chose to undertake. He was a member of the 
church, active in all the benevolent enterprises 
of the town, and conducted his business on Chris- 
tian principles. After the close of the War of 
1812, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he 
resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vennont to Ohio in that day, 
when there were no canals, steamers, or rail- 
ways, was a very serious affair. A tour of in- 
spection was first made, occupying four months. 
Mr. Hayes decided to mo\-e to Delaware, where 
the family arrived in 181 7. He died July 22, 
1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three 
months before the birth of the son of whom we 
write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement, 
found the support she so much needed in her 
brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from 
Vermont, and in an orphan girl, whom she had 
adopted some time before as an act of charity. 

Rutherford was seven years old before he went 
to school. His education, however, was not neg- 
lected. He probably learned as much from his 
mother and sister as he would have done at 
school. His sports were almost wholly within 
doors, his playmates being his .sister and her asso- 
ciates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to 
foster that gentleness of disposition and that del- 
icate consideration for the feelings of others which 
were marked traits of his character. 

His uncle, Sardis Birchard, took the deepest 
interest in his education; and as the boj-'s health 
had improved, and he was making good progress 
in his studies, he proposed to send him to college. 
His preparation commenced with a tutor at home; 



92 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



but lie was afterwards sent for one year to a pro- 
fessor in the Wesleyan University in Middletown, 
Conn. He entered Kenyon College in 1838, at 
the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head 
of his class in 1842. 

Immediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the oifice of Thomas Sparrow, 
Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities 
for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he de- 
termined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, 
Mass. , where he remained two years. 

In 1845, after graduating at the Uaw School, he 
was admitted to the Bar at Marietta, Ohio, and 
shortly afterward went into practice as an at- 
torney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fre- 
mont. Here he remained three years, acquiring 
but a limited practice, and apparentlj- unambitious 
of distinction in his profession. 

In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his am- 
bition found a new stimulus. For several years, 
however, his progress was slow. Two events 
occurring at this period had a powerful influence 
upon his subsequent life. One of these was his 
marriage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter 
of Dr. James Webb, of Chillicothe; the other was 
his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Club, 
a body embracing among its members such men 
as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John 
Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others 
hardly less di.stingui.shed in after life. The mar- 
riage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of 
our Presidents was more universally admired, 
reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Ha3'es, and 
no one did more than she to reflect honor upon 
American womanhood. The Literarj-Club brought 
Mr. Hayes into constant association with young 
men of high character and noble aims, and lured 
him to display- the qualities so long hidden by his 
ba.shfulness and modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge 
of the Court of Common Pkas, but he declir.ed to 
accept the nomination. Two years later, the of- 
fice of City Solicitor becoming vacant, the City 
Council elected him for the unexpired term. 

In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he was 
at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at 



the Bar was among the first. But the news of 
the attack on Ft. Sumter found him eager to 
take up arms for the defense of his countrj-. 

His military record was bright and illustrious. 
In October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant- Colo- 
nel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of 
the Sevent3--ninth Ohio Regiment, but he refused 
to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. 
Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of 
his old regiment. At the battle of South Moun- 
tain he received a wound, and while faint and 
bleeding displaj^ed courage and fortitude that 
won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, 
after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, 
and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha 
division, and for gallant and meritorious services 
in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and 
Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. 
He was also breveted Major-General, "for gallant 
and distinguished sendees during the campaigns 
of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his 
arduous services, four horses were shot from un- 
der him, and he was wounded four times. 

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress 
from the Second Ohio District, which had long 
been Democratic. He was not present during the 
campaign, and after the election was importuned 
to resign his commission in the ami}'; but he fi- 
nally declared, " I shall never come to Washing- 
ton until I can come by waj' of Richmond." He 
was re-elected in 1866. 

In 1867, Gen. Hayes was elected Governor of 
Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular 
Democrat, and in 1869 was re-elected over George 
H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the 
third term in 1875. 

In 1876 he was the standard-bearer of the Re- 
publican party in the Presidential contest, and 
after a hard, long contest was chosen President, 
and was inaugurated Monday, March 5, 1877. 
He served his full term, not, however, with satis- 
faction to his party, but his administration was an 
average one. The remaining years of his life 
were passed quietly in his Ohio home, where he 
passed away January 17, 1893. 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



3 AMES A. GARFIELD, twentieth President 
of the United States, was boni Nuveniber 19, 
1831, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga 
County, Ohio. His parents were Abram and 
Eliza (Ballouj Garfield, both of New England 
ancestry, and from families well known in the 
early history of that .section of our countr}-, but 
who had moved to the Western Reserv^e, in Ohio, 
early in its settlement. 

The house in which James A. was born was 
not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of 
that day. It was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs, 
with the spaces between the logs filled with clay. 
His father was a hard-working farmer, and he 
soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, 
and a log barn built. The household comprised 
the father and mother and their four children, 
Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May, 
1823, the father died from a cold contracted in 
helping to put out a forest fire. At this time 
James was about eighteen months old, and 
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, 
can tell how much James was indebted to liis 
brother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty 
years succeeding his father's death. He now 
lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon, | 
Ohio, near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages young Gar- 
field enjoyed were verj- limited, yet he made the 
most of them. He labored at farm work for 
others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did 
anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid i 
his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the 
little family together. Nor was Gen. Garfield 
ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot 
the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and 
manhood; neither did they ever forget him. 
When in the highest .seats of honor, the humblest 
friend of his boyhood w'as as kindly greeted as 
ever. The poorest laborer was sure of tlie sym- 
pathy of one who had known all the bitterness of 1 



want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, 
plain, mode.st gentleman. 

The highest ambition of yomig Garfield until 
he was about sixteen jears old was to be cap- 
tain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious 
to go aboard a v^e.ssel, but this his mother strongly 
oppo.sed. She finally consented to his going to 
Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that 
he should try to obtain some other kind of em- 
])loyment. He walked all the w'ay to Cleveland. 
This was his first visit to the city. After making 
man)' applications for work, and trj'ing to get 
aboard a lake vessel and not meeting with suc- 
cess, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. 
He remained at this work but a short time, when 
he went home, and attended the seminary at 
Chester for about three years. He then entered 
Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few 
terms of school in the mean time, and doing other 
work. This school was started by the Disciples 
of Christ in 1850, of which body he was then a 
member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in 
order to help pay his way. He then became both 
teacher and pupil. Soon " exhausting Hiram," 
and needing a higher education, in the fall of 1854 
he entered Williams College, from which he grad- 
uated in 1856, taking one of the highest honors of 
his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram Col- 
lege as its President. As above stated, he early 
united with the Christian, or Disciples, Church at 
Ilirani, and was ever after a devoted, zealous 
member, often preaching in its pulpit and places 
where he happened to be. 

Mr. Garfield was united in mai-riage, Novem- 
ber II, 1858, with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, who 
proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom 
all the world loved. To them were born seven 
children, five of whom are still Living, four boys 
and one girl. 



96 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 
1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and 
three years later he began to speak at county 
mass-meetings, and became the favorite speaker 
wherever he was. During this jear he was 
elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to 
study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted 
to the Bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the 
early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once 
resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to 
defend the Old Flag. He received his commission 
as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Forty-second Regi- 
ment of Ohio Infantry August 14, 1861. He 
was immediately put into active service, and be- 
fore he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was 
placed in command of four regiments of infantrj^ 
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the able 
rebel officer, Humphrey Marshall, of Kentuckj'. 
This work was bravely and speedily accomplished, 
although against great odds, and President Lin- 
coln commissioned hira Brigadier-General, Janu- 
ary ID, 1862; and "as he had bee.i the youngest 
man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now 
he was the youngest General in the army." He 
was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its 
operations around Corinth and its march through 
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of 
the general court martial for the trial of Gen. 
Fitz-John Porter. He was next ordered to re- 
port to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the 
"Chief of Staff." The military history of Gen. 
Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chick- 
amauga, where he won the rank of Major-General. 

Without an effort on his part. Gen. Garfield 
was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862, from 
the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of 
Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty 
years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and 
Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a strug- 
gle that he resigned his place in the army. At 
the time he entered Congress he was the youngest 
member in that body. There he remained by 
successive re-elections until he was elected Presi- 
dent, in 1880. Of his labors in Congress, Senator 
Hoar says: "Since the j^ear 1864 you cannot 
think of a question which has been debated in 



Congress, or discussed before a tribunal of the 
American people, in regard to which you will not 
find, if you wish instruction, the argument on 
one side stated, in almost every instance better 
than by anybody else, in some speech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings 
by Mr. Garfield." 

Upon January 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elect- 
ed to the United States Senate, and on the 8th of 
June, of the same year, was nominated as the 
candidate of his party for President at the great 
Chicago Convention. He was elected in the fol- 
lowing November, and on March 4, 188 1, was 
inaugurated. Probably no administration ever 
opened its existence under brighter auspices than 
that of President Garfield, and every day it grew 
in favor with the people. By the ist of July 
he had completed all the initiatory and prelimi- 
nan- woili of his administration, and was prepar- 
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Will- 
iams College. While on his way and at the 
depot, in company with Secretary Blaine, a man 
stepped behind him, drew a' revolver, and fired 
directly at his back. The President tottered and 
fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second 
shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his 
victim, but inflicting no further injury. It has 
been \'ery truthfully said that this was ' ' the shot 
that was heard around the world. ' ' Never before 
in the history of the nation had anything occur- 
red which so nearly froze the blood of the people 
for the moment as this awful deed. He was 
smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his 
life, at the summit of his power and hope. For 
eighty days, all during the hot months of July 
and August, he lingered and suffered. He, how- 
ever, remained master of himself till the last, and 
by his magnificent bearing taught the country 
and the world one of the noblest of human les- 
sons — how to live grandly in the very clutch of 
death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great 
in death. He passed serenely away September 
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the ver>- bank of 
the ocean, where he had been taken shortly be- 
fore. The world wept at his death, as it rarely 
ever had done on the death of anj- other great 
and noble man. 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



g HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first Presi- 
dent of the United States, was born in Frank- 
lin County, Vt., on the 5th day of October, 
1 S30, and was the eldest of a family of two sons 
:ind five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr. 
William Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emi- 
grated to this countrj' from Countj' Antrim, Ire- 
land, in his eighteenth year, and died in 1875, in 
Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and suc- 
cessful ministrj'. 

Young Arthur was educated at Union College, 
Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies. 
After his graduation he taught school in Ver- 
mont for two years, and at the expiration of that 
time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
and entered the office of ex-Judge E. D. Culver 
as a student. After being admitted to the Bar, he 
formed a partnership with his intimate friend and 
room-mate, Henrj^ D. Gardiner, with the inten- 
tion of practicing in the West, and for three 
months they roamed about in the Western States 
in search of an eligible site, but in the end re- 
turned to New York, where they hung out their 
shingle, and entered upon a successful career al- 
most from the start. Gen. Arthur soon after mar- 
ried the daughter of Lieut. Henidon, of the j 
United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Con- 
gress voted a gold medal to his widow in recog- 
nition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died .shortly before Mr. 
Arthur's nominationto the Vice-Presidency, leav- 
ing two children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celeb- 
rity in his first great case, the famous Lenimon 
suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves 
will) had been declared free by Judge Paine, of 
the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 

LOfC. 



1852 that Jonathan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to 
New York with his slaves, intending to ship them 
to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. 
The Judge decided that they could not be held by 
the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl 
of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia 
Legislature authorized the Attorney-General of 
that State to assist in an appeal. \^'^illiam M. 
Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to 
represent the people, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the 
United vStates. Charles O' Conor here espoused 
the cause of the slaveholders, but he, too, was 
beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long 
step was taken toward the emancipation of the 
black race. 

Another great ser\ice was rendered by Gen. 
Arthur in the .same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jen- 
nings, a respectable colored woman, was put oflf 
a Fourth A\enue car with violence after she had 
paid her fare. Gen. Arthur .sued on her behalf, 
and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next 
day the company issued an order to admit colored 
persons to ride on their cars, and the other car 
companies quickly followed their example. Be- 
fore that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few 
special cars for colored persons, and the other lines 
refused to let them ride at all. 

Gen. Arthur was a delegate to the convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge- Advocate of 
the Second Brigade of the State of New York, 
and Gov. Morgan, of that State, appointed him 
Engineer-in-Chief of his .staff. In 1S61, he was 
made In.spector-General, and soon afterward be- 
came Quartermaster-General. In each of these 
offices he rendered great service to the Govern- 



lOO 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



ment during the war. At the end of Gov. Mor- 
gan's term' he resumed the practice of law, form- 
ing a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then 
Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New York, 
was added to the firm. The legal practice of this 
well-known firm was very large and lucrative, 
as each of the gentlemen composing it was an able 
lawyer, and possessed a splendid local reputa- 
tion, if not, indeed, one of national extent. 

Mr. Arthur always took a leading part in State 
and city politics. He was appointed Collector of 
the Port of New York by President Grant, No- 
vember 21, 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy, 
and he held the office until July 20, 1878, when 
he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the 
famous National Republican Convention held at 
Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the 
greatest political convention that ever assembled 
on the continent. It was composed of the lead- 
ing politicians of the Republican party, all able 
men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously 
and with signal tenacity for his respective can- 
didate that was before the convention for the 
nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the 
nomination for President, and Gen. Arthur for 
Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the his- 
tory of our country. Gen. Hancock, the stand- 
ard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular 
man, and his party made a valiant fight for his 
election. 

Finally the election came, and the countrj''s 
choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were in- 
augurated March 4, 1881, as President and Vice- 
President. A few months only had passed ere 
the newly-chosen President was the victim of the 
assassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of 
suffering — those moments of anxious suspense, 
when tlie hearts of all civilized nations were 
throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of 
the noble, the good President. The remarkable 
patience that he manifested during those hours 
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible 
suffering man has ever been called upon to en- 
dure, was seemingly more than human. It was 



certainl}^ godlike. During all this period of 
deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was 
watched, and, be it said to his credit, that his every 
action displayed only an earnest desire that the 
suffering Garfield might recover to serv'e the re- 
mainder of the term he had so auspiciously be- 
gun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in 
deed or look of this man, even though the mo.st 
honored position in the world was at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercj' relieved President 
Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as 
nev^er before in its historj' over the death of any 
other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the 
duty of the Vice-President to assume the respon- 
■sibilities of the high office, and he took the oath 
in New York, September 20, 1881. The position 
was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so 
from the fact that all eyes were on him, anxious 
to know what he would do, what policy he would 
punsue, and whom he would select as advi.sers. 
The duties of the office had been greatly neglected 
during the President's long illne.ss, and many im- 
portant measures were to be immediately decided 
by him; and to still further embarass him he did 
not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many 
on this point. Under these trying circumstances. 
President Arthur took the reins of the Govern- 
ment in his own hands, and, as embarrassing as 
was the condition of affairs, he happily surprised 
the nation, acting so wisely that but few criticized 
his administration. He .served the nation well 
and faithfully until the close of his administra- 
tion, March 4, 1885, and was a popular candidate 
before his part}- for a .second term. His name 
was ably presented before the convention at Chi- 
cago, and was received with great favor, and 
doubtless but for the personal popularity of one 
of the opposing candidates, he would have been 
selected as the .standard-bearer of his party for 
another campaign. He retired to private life, car- 
rying with him the best wishes of the American 
people, whom he had served in a manner .satisfac- 
tory to them and with credit to himself. One 
year later he was called to his final rest. 




^.^ 




^^-^^^^ <^^^^^^t^^^:^^^1^^^ 



STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. 



mTEPHEN GROVER CI^EVELAND, the 
/\ l\veiit>- -second President of the United States, 
\~/ was born in 1837, in the obscure town of 
Caldwell, Essex County, N. J., and in a little 
two-and-a-half-story white house, which is still 
standing to characteristically mark the humble 
birthplace of one of America's great men, in 
striking contrast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in origin and 
born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject 
of this sketch was three years of age, his father, 
who was a Presbyterian minister with a large 
family and a small salary, moved, by way of the 
Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, N. 
Y., in search of an increased income and a larger 
field of work. Fayetteville was then the mo.st 
straggling of country villages, about five miles 
from Pompej- Hill, where Governor Seymour 
was born. 

At the last- mentioned place j-oung Grover com- 
menced going to school in the good, old-fa.shioned 
waj-, and presumably distinguished himself after 
the manner of all village boys — in doing the 
things he ought not to do. Such is the dis- 
tinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent 
thinkers. When he arrived at the age of four- 
teen years, he had outgrown the capacity of the 
village .school, and expressed a most emphatic de- 
sire to be sent to an academy. To this his fa- 
ther decidedly objected. Academies in those 
days co.st money; besides, his father wanted him 
to become self-.supporting by the- (luickesl jios 
sible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville 
seemed to be a position in a countn,- .store, where 
his father and the large family on his hands had 



considerable influence. Grover was to be paid 
$50 for his services the first year, and if he proved 
trustworthy he was to receive $100 the second 
year. Here the lad commenced his career as 
salesman, and in two years he had earned so good 
a reputation for trustworthiness that his employ- 
ers desired to retain him for an indefinite length 
of time. 

But instead of remaining with this firm in 
Fayetteville, he went with the family in their re- 
moval to Clinton, where he had an opportunity 
of attending a High School. Here he industri- 
ously pursued his .studies until the family re- 
moved with him to a point on Black River known 
as the "Holland Patent," a village of five or six 
hundred people, fifteen miles north of Utica, N. Y. 
At this place his father died, after preaching but 
three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York City ii accept, 
at a small salary, the position of under- teacher 
in an a.sylum for the blind. He taught faithfullj- 
for two years, and although he obtained a good 
reputation in this capacity, he concluded that 
teaching was not his calling in life, and, revers- 
ing the traditional order, he left the citj- to seek 
his fortune, instead of going to the city. He first 
thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some 
charm in that name for him; but before proceed- 
ing to that place he went to Buffalo to ask ad\ice 
of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock- 
breeder of that place. The latter did not .speak 
enthusiastically. "What is it you want to do, 
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study 
law," was the reply "Good gracious!" remarked 
the old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? Whatever 



I04 



STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. 



put that into your head ? How much mone}' 
have you got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I 
haven't got any." 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him 
a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at 
JJ550 a year, while he could look around. One 
day soon afterward he boldly walked into the of- 
fice of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and 
told them what he wanted. A number of young 
men were already engaged in the oflBce, but Gro- 
ver's persistency won, and he was finally per- 
mitted to come as an office boy and have the use 
of the law librarj-, receiving as wages the sum of 
$3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for his 
board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and although 
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair, and as for his overcoat he 
had none; yet he was, nevertheless, prompt and 
regular. On the first day of his service there, his 
senior employer threw down a copy of Black- 
stone before him, with a bang that made the dust 
fly, saying "That's where they all begin." A 
titter ran around the little circle of clerks and 
students, as they thought that was enough to 
scare young Grover out of his plans; but in due 
time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleve- 
land exhibited a talent for executiveness rather 
than for chasing principles through all their 
metaphysical po.ssibilities. "Let us quit talking 
and go and do it," was practically his motto. 

The fir.st public office to which Mr. Cleveland 
was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie County, 
N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such 
capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital punish- 
ment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was 
elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the 
Democratic ticket, with especial reference to bring- 
ing about certain reforms in the administration 
of the municipal affairs of that city. In this of- 
fice, as well as in that of Sheriff, his performance 
of duty has generally been considered fair, with 
possibly a few exceptions, which were ferreted 
out and magnified during his Presidential cam- 
paign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an 



iniquitous street-cleaning contract: "This is a 
time for plain speech, and my objection to your 
action shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the 
culmination of a most bare-faced, impudent and 
shamele-ss scheme to betray the interests of the 
people and to worse than squander the people's 
money." The New York Sun afterward verj^ 
highly commended Mr. Cleveland's administra- 
tion as Mayor of Buffalo, and thereupon recom- 
mended him for Governor of the Empire State. 
To the latter office he was elected in 1882, and 
his administration of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory-. The mistakes he made, 
if any, were made verj- public throughout the na- 
tion after he was nominated for President of the 
United States. For this high office he 'was 
nominated July 11, 1884, by the National Demo- 
cratic Convention at Chicago, when other com- 
petitors were Thomas F. Bayard, Roswell P. 
Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F. 
Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc. ; and he was 
elected by the people, by a majority of about a 
thou.sand, over the brilliant and long-tried Re- 
publican statesman, James G. Blaine. President 
Cleveland resigned his office as Governor of New 
York in January, 1885, in order to prepare for 
his duties as the Chief Executive of the United 
States, in which capacity his term commenced at 
noon on the 4th of March, 1885. 

The silver question precipitated a controversy 
between those who were in favor of the continu- 
ance of silver coinage and those who were op- 
posed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter, 
even before his inauguration. 

On June 2, 1886, President Cleveland married 
Frances, daughter of his deceased friend and part- 
ner, Oscar Folsora, of the Buffalo Bar. Their 
union has been blessed by the birth of two daugh- 
ters. In the campaign of 1888, President Cleve- 
land was renominated by his party, but the 
Republican candidate. Gen. Benjamin Harrison, 
was victorious. In the nomination.^ of 1892 
these two candidates for the highest po.sition in 
the gift of the people were again pitted against 
each other, and in the ensuing election Pre.sident 
Cleveland was victorious by an overwhelming 
majority. 




^(^£A^Y , tvY^^2^/^--;^l *^Hi2-c<. 



BENJAMIN HARRISON. 



gEXJAMIN HARRISON, the twenty-third 
President, is the descendant of one of the 
historical families of this country. The first 
known head of the family was Maj.-Gen. Harrison, 
one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted followers and 
fighters. In the zenith of Croniwcll's power it be- 
came the dut>- of this Harrison to participate in 
the trial of Charles I., and afterward to sign the 
death warrant of the king. He subsequently 
])aid for this with his life, being hung October 13, 
1660. His descendants came to America, and 
the next of the family that appears in history is 
Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, great-grandfa- 
ther of the subject of this sketch, and after whom 
he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a mem- 
ber of the Continental Congress during the years 
'774- 1775 and 1776, and was one of the original 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He 
was three times elected Governor of \'irginia. 

Gen. William Henr>- Harri.son, the son of the 
di.stingui.shed patriot of the Revolution, after a 
successful career as a .soldier during the War of 
1S12, and with a clean record as Governor of the 
Northwestern Territorj-, was elected President of 
the I'nited States in' 1840. His career was cut 
short by death within one month after his in- 
auguration. 

President Harrison was born at North Bend, 



Hamilton County, Ohio, Augu.st 20, I033. His 
life up to the lime of his graduation from Miami 
University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful 
one of a country lad of a family of small means. 
His father was able to give him a good education, 
and nothing more. He became engaged while at 
college to the daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of 
a female school at Oxford. After graduating, he 
determined to enter upon the study of law. He 
went to Cinciiniati and there read law for two 
years. At the expiration of that time young Har- 
rison received the only inheritance of his life — his 
aunt, dying, left him a lot valued at $800. He 
regarded this legacy as a fortune, and decided to 
get married at once, take this money and go to 
some Ea.stern town and begin the practice of law. 
He sold his lot, and, with the money in his pocket, 
he started out with his young wife to fight for a 
place in the world. He decided to go to Indian- 
apolis, which was even at that time a town of 
promise. He met with slight encouragement at 
first, making scarcely anything the first year. 
He worked diligently, applying him.self closely to 
his calling, built up an extensive practice and 
took a leading rank in the legal profession. 

In 1S60, Mr. Harrison was nominated for the 
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- 
gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can- 



io8 



BENJAMIN HARRISON. 



vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by 
a handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 
Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its 
Colonel. His regiment was composed of the raw- 
est material, hut Col. Harrison employed all his 
time at first in mastering military tactics and drill- 
ing his men, and when he came to move toward 
the East with Sherman, his regiment was one of 
the best drilled and organized in the army. At 
Resaca he especially distinguished himself, and 
(br his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made 
a Brigadier-General, Gen. Hooker speaking of 
him in the most complimentary terms. 

During the absence of Gen. Harri.son in the 
field, the Supreme Court declared the office of 
Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another 
person was elected to the position. From the 
time of leaving Indiana with his regiment until 
the fall of 1864 he had taken no leave of absence, 
but having been nominated that year for the same 
office, he got a thirty -day leave of absence, and 
during that time made a brilliant canvass of the 
State, and was elected for another term. He then 
started to rejoin Sherman, but on the way was 
stricken down with scarlet fever, and after a most 
trying attack made his way to the front in time to 
participate in the closing incidents of the war. 

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election 
as Reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 
1876 he was a candidate for Governor. Although 
defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for 
him a national reputation, and he was much sought 
after, especially in the East, to make speeches. 
In 1880, as usual, he took an active part in the 
campaign, and was elected to the United States 
Senate. Here he served for six years, and was 
known as one of the ablest men, best law3ers and 
strongest debaters in that body. With the ex- 
piration of his senatorial term he returned to the 
practice of his profession, becoming the head of 
one of the strongest firms in the State. 

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the 
most memorable in the history of our country. 
The convention which assembled in Chicago in 
June and named Mr. Harrison as the chief stand- 
ard-bearer of the Republican party was great in 
every particular, and on t^is account, and the at- 



titude it assumed upon the vital questions of the 
day, chief among which was the tariff, awoke a 
deep interest in the campaign throughout the 
nation. Shortly after the nomination, delegations 
began to visit Mr. Harrison at Indianapolis, his 
home. This movement became popular, and from 
all sections of the country .societies, clubs and 
delegations journeyed thither to pay their re- 
spects to the distinguished .statesman. 

Mr. Harrison spoke daily all through the sum- 
mer and autumn to these vi-siting delegatior.s, 
and so varied, masterly, and eloquent were his 
.speeches that they at once placed him in the fore- 
most rank of American orators and statesmen. 
Elected by a handsome majority, he served his 
country faithfully and well, and in 1892 was nom- 
inated for re-election: but the people demanded a 
change and he was defeated by his predecessor 
in office, Grover Cleveland. 

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and 
his power as a debater, Gen. Harrison was called 
upon at an early age to take part in the dis- 
cussion of the great questions that then began to 
agitate the country. He was an uncompromisiiig 
anti-slavery man, and was matched against some 
of the most eminent Democratic speakers of his 
State. No man who felt the touch of his bla^'e 
desired to be pitted with him again. With all 
his eloquence as an orator he nex'er spoke for ora- 
torical effect, but his words always went like bul- 
lets to the mark. He is purely American in his 
ideas, and is a splendid type of the American 
.statesman. Gifted with quick perception, a logi- 
cal mind and a ready tongue, he is one of the 
mo.st distinguished impromptu speakers in the 
nation. Many of the.se speeches sparkled with the 
rarest eloquence and contained arguments of great 
weight, and many of his terse statements have 
already become aphorisms. Original in thought, 
precise in logic, terse in statement, yet withal 
faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as the 
sound statesman and brilliant orator of the day. 
During the last da3-s of his administration Presi- 
dent Harrison suffered an irreparable loss in the 
death of his devoted wife, Caroline (.Scott) Har- 
rison, a lady of man}- womaidy charms and vir- 
tues. They were the parents of two children, 










A\^ 



a 




GOVERNORS OF WISCONSIN. 



1'3 





-i^^' 



HE first Dodge in Aineriea 
settled on Hlock Island, .1 
portion of Riiode Island, in 
the 3'ear 1660, and is down 
in tlie records as Trustronie 
(Tristram) Daudge. Israel, 
father of (tov. Ileniy Dodge, 
settled in Kentucky during tlu; 
bloodiest period of the Indian 
massacres, and built the first 
stone house at Bairdslowu. He 
erected large mills at Ste. Gene- 
vieve, Mo., and during one of his 
journeys between his house an<l lliat 
place with his wife, was inter- 
cepted at Vincennes, Ind., where, on Oct. 12, 1782, 
Henr}- was born. The name Henry was liestowed 
in honor of a gunsmith named Moses Henry, who, 
when a sav.age had seized and was about to dash 
the child's brains out, by an extraordinary exhi- 
bition of intrepidit}', saved its life. 

A little later the Dodges moved to Ste. Gene- 
vieve. Henry's education was completed in a log 
school house at Bairdstown. but later he read law a 
little and at twenty-one was appointed Sheriff of 
Ste. (Jenevieve County, Mo. 

When the War of 1812 broke out, he enlisted as 
a subaltern and successively fille<l every intermedi- 
ate rank to that of brigaclier-general, which he re- 
ceived in 1814. 

In 1820 he was elected a member of the Consti- 
tutional Convention of Missomi, and appointed 
United Stat<;s .Marshal. In 1827 the discovery of 



lead in Wisconsin liaving created considerable ex- 
cilenient, he emigrated to tiie '"lead region," set- 
tling at Dodgeville, Iowa County, which was named 
in his honor. 

Here he erected the first smelting works and for 
some time carried on with great energy the busi- 
ness of mining and and smelting, going in person 
down tlie Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers on flat- 
boats t<) New Orleans with cargoes of lead. 

Soon after reaching what is now Wisconsin, the 
AVinnel)ago Indians began raiding the feeble settle- 
ments, killing and scalping men, women and child- 
ren. The settlers chose Gen. Doilge to le.ad them, 
who, after erecting block houses and forging spikes 
for defense, started in pursuit of the leaders of the 
uprising. His great energy and full knowledge of 
the i)eculiaritics of savage warfare so surprised and 
terrorized tlie Indians that they surrendered the 
originators of the raid, who, thougli tried and con- 
victed, were pardoned l)y President J. (J. Adams. 

Gen. Dodge's name became widely known 
through the Black Hawk War. The Sacs had 
yielded the lead regions to the Gf)vernment, and 
agreed to remove across the Mississippi into Iowa. 
Black Hawk contended the treaty had been improp- 
erly signed and refused to move. Finally in 18,'?1, 
United States troops forced him across; but calm, 
brave and patriotic, he recrossed in Aiiril. 1832, 
with 50(1 warriors and 1,.'>()0 women and children, 
to recover his villages ami country. 

Immedi.ati'ly 2,000 troops were raised. DociK-e 
recruiting the MintMal Point "free nm^ers," a tear- 
less, rough-and-ready and well armi' I bony ^. 



HENRY DODGE. 



men, who with their commander, commissioned 
Coionel by the Governor of Michigan, pursued 
Blaci< Hawk until he was finally captured. 

There is an immense amount of bragging and 
falsehood in the popular accounts of the Black 
Hawk War, but Gen. Dodge rendered valuable 
service by terrorizing the Winnebagoes, whose 
treacherous and sneaking character he seemed to 
understand, thus keeping them in subjection. 

In 1833, Gen. Dodge was placed in command of 
1,000 mounted rangers, raised hy special act of 
Congress, for the protection of the frontier. At 
the end of a year of this precarious service, he 
was placed in command of the first regiment of 
dragoons ever enlisted into the army of the United 
States, and sent towards the head waters of the Ar- 
kansas River for tl<e purpose of reclaiming whites 
held in captivity by the Commanches, Kiowas and 
other hostile tribes. 

In 1835 he penetrated the wild country at the 
head of the Platte River and formed treaties with 
more than thirty tribes of Indians. On his return 
Congress ordered the journal of his expedition, a 
rare and interesting volume now out of print, to 
be published. 

Wisconsin having been created into a territory 
in 1836, Gen. Dodge was nominated by President 
Jackson to be its first Governor and Superintendent 
of Indian affairs. 

A "grand independence celebration" having been 
arranged at Mineral Point, on July 4, 1836, Gen. 
Dodge was invited to be present and as part of the 
ceremonies solemnl}' subscribed to the oath of of- 
fice in the presence of the people, and made a brief 
speech. It was the most democratic inauguration 
ever held in Wisconsin. 

The first election having been held. Gen. Dodge 
convened the Legislature at Belmont, now in 
La Fayette County, on Oct. 25, 1836. His mes- 
sage, delivered in person to both Houses, was com- 
prehensive. He wished Congress to clear the Rock 
River of its obstructions, but thought that railways 
must furnish the future means of transportation, and 
asked the Government to construct a line from the 
Mississippi to Lake Michigan. 

Ht also recommended "the propriety of asking 
ti'CK congress a donation of one township of land 



to be sold and the proceeds of the s:iie placed un- 
der direction of the Legislative Assembly lor the 
establishment of an academy for tlie education of 
youth." This embodies precisely the pirnciple of 
the plan on which Universities were established in 
Wisconsin and other States, by grants of lands 
from Congress. 

There was a certain mixture of dash, self-conceit, 
energy and insight into tlie ways and wants of tiie 
pioneers, that made hira popular. Besides, he had 
recommended the "right of pre-emption, graduated 
prices for lands according to values," and tiiat the 
Government put a stop to "speculation in land, 
the immediate gift from God to man." He was 
re-appointed in 1839. 

On March 4, 1841, the Whigs came into power, 
under William H. Harrison and John Tyler, and 
Gov. Dodge was removed to make room for 
James Duane Doty. Thereupon the Democrats 
made him their nominee for delegate to Congress, 
and he was elected over Jonathan E. Arnold, of 
jMilwaukee; and he was re-elected in 1843, over 
Gen. Hicox. 

In March, 1845, the Democrats, under James K 
Polk, assumed national control and Gen. Dodge 
was re- appointed Governor of the Territory and 
continued to serve as such until Wisconsin wjis .ad- 
mitted as a State in 1848. 

The new State Legislature met in June and on 
the 8th elected Gov. Dodge and Isaac P. Walker to 
the United States Senate; ami in casting lots for 
the long and short terms. Gov. Dodge drew the 
former. He was re-elected in January, 1851, for 
the term ending on the 4th of March, 1857. This 
closed the public career of Henry Dodge. 

Though not an educated man he found delight 
in certain brandies of literature, especially during 
the latter part of liis life in careful jierusals of 
"Scott's Bible" and its notes, and at his death, 
which occurred on June 19, 1869, at the home of 
his son, Augustus C. Dodge, in Burlington, Iowa, 
he was a member of the Episcopal Church. 

His last years were passed mostly at Jlineral Point 
in a state of complete rest and peace, in emph.alic 
and beautiful contrast to the privatit)ns. warfare 
and stormy activity of his earlier life on the front- 
ier and far into the heart of the Indian country. 

In 1870 the Legislature of Wisconsin appropri- 
ated $2,000 for Knowles' marlile bust of (iov. 
Dodge, which stands in the Capitol at Madfeon. 
No other citizen was ever thus honored at pubuc 
expense. 



GOVERNORS OF WJSPON^^IN. 



ir 




.1. JAMES DUANE DOTY, 






I IK ablest ana most coninrc- 

i.jj lieiisive of our [jioneiT 

'^) slatesmen, and the one who 

/} [lossessed a hctter knowlcdjje 

of tlic 'rerritory mid its rc- 

and a surer insii;ht 



^ — """ into tiie future tlian a.\\\ other 



rccs, 



l^'irt?v\'J man of his time, was born at 
^^(W4,l Salem, Wasiuns^ton Co., N. y!, 
[.\ ] on Nov. ;j, 171(9. After eom- 

4- i)leting a thorough Knirlish 
course of study, he studied law, 
and in his twenlietb ^ycar settled in 
Detroit, where his suave manners, 
conspicuous ability and handsome, 
co:riifianding presence brouij;ht inuncdiatc popu- 
larity. 

In 1819 he was admitted to the bar of the Su- 
preme Court of Michigan, and soon after was 
elected Secretary of the Detroit City Council, Clerk 
of the Supreme Court, and Secretary of the Terri- 
torial Lejjislature. In these positions he incre:ised 
his reputation, for he seemed to know exactly how 
everything connected with administrative affairs 
should be done, and possessed the tact to do it ac- 
curatel}' and promptly. 

Charles C. Trowbridge, of Detroit, in a letter to 
layman C. Draper, of the Wisconsin Slate Histori- 
cal Society, saj-s: "I found Doty here when I 
came, in September, 1819, and roomed with him; 
made tne tour of the lakes with him in (Jen. Cass' 
expedition of 1820, and enjoyeil his uninterrujited 



frien(lshi|). He became the law partner of George 
AIcDougal, * * who predicted from the Ilrst that 
Doty would become a man of mark. The partner- 
ship continued several years — I think until Doty 
was made Ju<lge of the Northern District. * * 
^^■hile he lived in Detroit, Gov. Doty was dis- 
tiiiy:uislied for (lose application to his profession 
and for frugality." 

In 1820 Lewis Cass made his f;unoiis tour of the 
lakes, an<l peni'trated to Ihi' source of the Missis- 
sippi in a llotiiia of birch-bark canoes. Doty was 
secretary of the expedition, and his report is still 
looked upon as embodying the most aceuralc in- 
formation to be had in reference to the condition 
of tlie country before it was settled by the whites — 
irame, food-produits. Indian tribes and habits, tim- 
ber, etc. " Northern Wisconsin in 1820," in \'ol. 
\' 1 1 \\ isconsin Historical Collections. At the close* 
of tills expedition, at the age of twenty-two, having 
already revised and published the l.-nvs of Michi- 
gan, Doty went to Washington an<l wiis a<lniittcd 
to practice before the United States Suprenu' Court. 

In 1H2:5, all the country west of Lakes Michigan 
and Su|)erior, in the old Northwest Territory, wiis 
set off into a new judicial district, and ]Mr. Doty 
was apiKjinted b}' President Monroe to be its first 
judge. It is not possible now to fully apiireciate 
the dangers and responsibilities which this appoint- 
ment entailed. He was comitelled to cstiiblish this 
hitherto unknown authority at Prairie du Chien, 
Green 15ay and Mackinaw; traveling with his bookSi 
papers and records, on horseback, between Iheae 



il>j 



JAMES DUANE DOTY= 



widely-separated points through a liostile and un- 
known countiy. Besides, the condition of such I'.s 
called tlieinselves settlers was, in its way, even 
worse. At each point were a few soldiers; here and 
there were traders living with Indian woman and 
everywhere around and mixed in with them were 
Indians subject to no authority whatever, as they 
believed. He was compelled to hear murder trials, 
divorce suits, actions upon contracts, controversies 
between trappers, claims to lands yet unsurveyed, 
to settle conflicts between civil and military author- 
it}', and generall}' to bring oidcr out of social 
chaos; and here should be recorded Mr. Doty's 
most important and difficult work — laying the 
foundation of society and teaching these wild classes 
to respect and obey the laws. At first the people 
were dispo.sed to resist the -fudge's authority, as he 
at once began to compel those who had been living 
with Indian women to marr}' or leave them and 
provide for whatever offspring had been the fruits 
of these strange unions. 

Judge Dot3''s record, from the time of his first 
term at Mackinaw, beginning on July 2f, 1823, to 
November, 1832, is preserved in the vaults of the 
State Historical Society .at Madison, and is a 
model of neatness and perspicuit}'. 

In 1832 he was appointed by the Secretary of 
War to l.a}' out military roads from Green Bay to 
I'rairie du Cliien and to P't. Dearborn, now Chicago, 
and in 1834 was elected to serve as a member of 
the Territorial Legislature of Michigan, drafting 
and passing the act which made Michigan a State, 
and Wisconsin a Territory. 

The first legislature of the Territory of Wiscon- 
sin met in 1836 and fixed the seat of government. 
There were several candidates — some real places, 
like Fond du Lac, Mineral Point, Cassville, Bel- 
mont and Green Bay, and some cities on paper. 
Mr. Doty, knowing the topography of the country 
better than anj' other man, entered a large tract of 
land between the lakes at Madison — a beautiful lo- 
cation — platted it, and offered free a site in the 
midst of a fine n.atural park for the capitol buildings. 
After a bitter fight he was victorious, and Madison 
was chosen as the seat of government. From this 
event dated the unparalleled political assaults upon 
Mr. Doty, which did not cease until he was com- 



])letely out of the public eye — the foundation for 
it all — being the disappointment of speculators and 
politicians who wanted the capital located else- 
wliere; j'et all concede new that Gov. Doty selected 
the most beautiful locatioi: in the Sta* for the 
State House. 

In 1837 he was elected delegate to Coiig.3ss; was 
re-elected two years later, and served until he was 
made Governor and Superintendent of Indian 
Affairs of Wisconsin Territory, in which capacity 
he served from Oct. 5, 1841 to Sept. 16, 1844. 

Gov. Doty's first message was long and compre- 
hensive. He opposed all laws creating monopolies — 
charters granting exclusive privileges; recora- 
iiiended that steps be taken to organize a State; 
that bank circulation should be circumscribed and 
rendered more stable; that, to encourage the intro- 
duction of sheep and growth of wool, sheep and 
thojr fleeces be exempt from taxation; that a more 
effective system for the support of common schools 
should be devised, and that all the Indians be re- 
moved from the Territory. 

Although his administration was stormy and un- 
pleasant — an open rupture occurring between him- 
self and the Legislature — Gov. Dot}' was active 
and ambitious in behalf of the people of the Terri- 
tory. He made a vigorous at.teni|)t to have the 
southern boundary of AVisconsin established on a 
line drawn westward from the head of Lake Michi- 
gan, as the Ordinance of 1787 j)rovided, which 
would have made Chicago instead of Milwaukee 
the metropolis of Wisconsin. 

In 1846 he w!is chosen to serve in the conven- 
tion called to form a new State constitution, and in 
1849 was elected to Congress, and re-elected in 
18,51. While serving in this capacity he was 
branded as an Abolitionist, because, desiring to 
protect an important interest in his State, he re- 
fused to vote to repeal the duty on lead. 

In 1861 he was appointed Su[)erhitendent of In- 
dian Affairs of Utah, and made the first treaty ever 
had with the Shoshonees. In May, 1863 he was 
made Governor of Utah, in which capacity he was 
forced to contend with the blood}' and unscrupu- 
lous powers of the Mormon Clmrch, and which 
office he held at the time of his death. .lune 13. 
1865. 




cJ^:U^a^t^ ^> 7ajU^>.-.^9y^ 



GOVERNOUS OF WISCONSIN. 



1-^1 





^.A^A,AVj,^<.A.^ f .w,A ' Auvl■AiA ;=c:!FT^>-:F^■-A^^\•A>^A■'^■AVA^■.^^/a!i^'^^^^^ 



id Jj otter lallraadge. 








♦^SR^* 




lip] T'lllmadge family is of 
S.ixon ilcsoi'iit, as the n:iiiu', 
originally spelled ToUo- 
mache, indicates. Burke 
says, "It has tiourished wilh 
tiie greatest honor in an uiiiii- 
terriiptcd male succession in the 
. County of SulTulk since the first 

^^\^ii/'„ 'S arrival of the Saxons in Eng- 
land, a period of more than 
tiiirteen centuries. Tolleniai lie, 
Lord of Bentley, and Stoke Tolle- 
'§L§i* nia<'hc, in the County of Oxford, 
lived in the .Sixtli century; and 
upon the old manor-house of Bent- 
ley is still the following inscription: '"Before the 
Norman into England came, Bentley was my resi- 
dence and Tollemache my name." 

Joel, father of N. P. Tallm.adge, served with 
honor in the War of the Revolution, and w.as i)res- 
ent at the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne. Nathaniel 
P. wixsborn at Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y., on 
Feb. 8, ITilo. He first attracted attention by an 
unusual thirst for knowledge, beginning latin with- 
out a tutor, while yet in the district school. So 
conspicuous w.as the boy's al)ility to ac(iuire inform- 
ation that he was i)lace(l under the care of William 
II. Maynard, from whom he imbibed modes of 
thought that colored his entire life. 

After graduating from 'WilliMms College with 
honor in 181;), he began the study of law in the 
office of Gen. James Tallmadge, in Poughkecpsie, 
who taught liim to be thorough rather than in haste 
•opass an examination. In 1818 he w.as admitted to 
the bar and began the practice of his profession, 



whollj' eschewing politics until 1828, when he w.as 
elected to the Assembly from Duchess County. 

Though this Legislature was composed of excep- 
tionally able men, when it came to revising the 
statutes young Tallmadge showed such a complete 
knowledge of the princii)les of law and govern- 
ment that he was soon acknowledged to be a leader. 

In 1H29 he was elected to the State Senate, where 
he made a reputation that extended far beyond 
the borders of his state. DeWitt Clinton's I^rie 
canal i)rojeot having always been defended by him, 
he was made chairman of the committee on canals. 

The subject of railways had begun to attr.aet at- 
tention in the United States. No man in the 
country had a more thorough understanding than 
Mr. Tallm.adge of tlie experiments in Europe with 
steam transportation, and this knowledge was em- 
bodied in an elaborate report to the Senate, which 
discussed the subject in a manner that would do 
credit to the present day. He pointed out that 
railway transportation would sooner or later super- 
sede every other form, "as railwaj-s do not freeze in 
the winter nor dry up in the summer, besides in 
speed and safety, they will be incomparable." He 
especially desired to see a railroad built along the 
banks of the Hudson River, between New York 
and Albany, for the purpose of'testing his theory 
tliat boats could not long compete with locomotives. 

Before the expiration of his term in the State 
Senate he was elected to the United States Senate 
for the term of six years beginning March 4, 1833. 
Although perhaps the youngest man in that body. 
Mr. Tallmadge exerted a marked influence in shap- 
ing legislation. He was a sound logician ami pol- 
ished orator an<l had the reputation of full^- under- 



122 



NATHANIEL POTTER TALLMADGE. 



standinn; whatever matter he undertook to discuss. 
His controvers3' with Calhoun on the right of col- 
ored people to present petitions to Congress was 
able and memorable. 

But tiiat which disclosed his real strength and 
audacity of character was iiis controversy witii 
President Van Buren, some of whose recommend- 
ations lie opposed. At last the two were brought 
to a personal interview, which was described as 
very interesting owing to the attempt of the Presi- 
dent to intimidate the Senator from New York. 

On returning from Washington, Mr. Tallmadge 
received an ovation, which was intended as an ap- 
proval of his opiiosition to Van Buren. A process- 
ion mef him at the steamboat landing as an escort 
to the Astor House, and in the evening he w.os hon- 
ored with a reception at National Hall. 

His popularity was now great, and he proceeded 
to organize the Democracy of New York for the 
purpose of defeating Van Buren. While tiiis was 
going on, in 1839, he was triumphantly re-elected 
to the Senate. Having been ostracized by tlie ad- 
ministration organs of his party, hampered Ij^- the 
use of executive power and denounced as an apos- 
tate, liis re-election was generally regarded as fore- 
shadowing tlie fate of Van Buren, and so it proved. 
Mr. Tallmadge could have been the nominee for 
vice-president on the ticket with Gen. Harrison, 
but dechned that honor, as he did also the offer 
of a seat in Harrison's cabinet and a foreign mis- 
sion. 

In 1844, having purchased a beautiful tract of 
land near Fond du Lac, in every way lit for the es- 
tablishment of a baronial home, with tlie intention 
of making Wisconsin his future residence. Presi- 
dent Tyler nominated him for Governor of the 
Territory. After some deliberation he resolved to 
resign his position in the United States Senate and 
accept the office. 

Mr. Tallmadge succeeded James D. Doty as 
chief executive of this Territory, on Sept. 16, 
1844, and held the ottice until May 13, 184;"). when, 
the Democrats having again succeeded t<j power, 
he was removed and Gov. Dodge appointed. 

Mr. Tallmadge, on becoming Governor, found 
the people full of excitement, owing to the stormy 
controversy between the Legislature and Gov. Doty; 
hut he soon restored peace and harmon}', and 
worked hand in hand with that hody, to which 
he delivered his message in (jcrson on Jan. 17, 184.'). 

In this mess.age he pointed out that the famous 
Milwaukee &. Kock River Canal had been aband- 



oned, its projectors having sold enough of the 
hand grant to build a water power at Milwaukee, 
.and recommended that a railw.a^' from the Missis- 
sippi to Lake Miciiigan, should be Iniilt to take its 
place. 

He also op|)Osed .as too early in a new settlement 
to be wise, the proposed extension of the period 
required for naturalization to twenty-one years, 
and recommended the establishment for tlie pro- 
motion of .agriculture, of "pattern farms," agricul- 
tural societies, and agricultural schools. Those 
who now take note of our university farm and 
agricultural experiment station, our farmers' insti- 
tutes and our numerous agricultural associations, 
all fostered by public appropriations, must be im- 
pressed with the foresight of Gov. Tallmadge. 

So dignified, courteous .and able was this mes- 
sage that the LegisKature authorized 750 copies of 
it to be ]irinted in German; the first time such an 
unusual thing was ever done in Wisconsin. 

On retiring from the otHce of (Jovernor, Mr. 
T.allma<lge abandoned .active politics, and though 
continuing his residence at Fond du Lac, spent a 
large portion of his time in Washington, where he 
was ever ready to advance the interests of Wiscon- 
sin. 

Gov. T.allmadge was a lover of literature, phil- 
osophy and good com|)any. His speeches and 
writings atiound in apt and beautiful poetical quo- 
tations; he eagertj' espoused any controversy 
upon the problem of life, of which he took an 
ethereal though philosophical view, and his spa- 
cious home was ever open to his hosts of friends. 

There settled near Fond du Lac at an early day 
a considerable list of people remarkable for wealth, 
culture and hospitality. In fact there was no 
social coterie in the Territory at all to be compared 
with the one under mention at the time (!ovs. 
l)ot3' and Tallinadgff settled at Fond du Lac; and 
the life they lived of constantly interchanging 
social amenities of tho most cordial and polished 
character, can hardly lie understood by the present 
generation. Their chiklren were tauglit French, 
music and art by priv.ate tutors; they gave hunting 
and other parties on a broad scale; they regarded 
the poor with consideration and respect and they 
added in every w.ay a charm and wholesome gLa- 
mour to society that had never been seen in a new 
country and is not now to be found anjwhere. In 
all this tlie Tallmadge family were leaders for m.aiiy 
years and very popular. 

Gov. Tallmadge was romantic and fine-grained 
in his organization, as may be seen by reading an 
early volume published by him — "Healing of the 
Nations." He left an .autobiography, which Ls to 
be published in the future. 



CONKKNOKS OK WISCONSIN. 



125 




jf^^S"*"^^ '^ WVWVVVVWV-. -r v •/ -r ■•/ r ■'jT^x 




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R. DKWKV has been a con- 
spicuous cliaracter in Wis- 
consin for more than iialf a 
century, and unless IMoses 
M. Strong be excepted, is 
personally familiar with more 
men, events, facts, and political 
secrets than any man now living. 
About these matters, however, 
he was never very talkative, hav- 
ing been a believer in an early ad- 
monition by .Tames Buchanan : "Say 
little and write nothing for the 
public eye." Mr. Dewej^ is the 
son of Kbenezer and T.ucy (Web- 
ster) Dewc^-, and was born in the 
H.wn of ]-ebanon. State of Connecticut, on Decem- 
ber 19, 1813. The following year his parents re- 
moved to Otsego County, in the State of New 
York, where his youthful days were spent in the 
town of Butternuts, now Morris. 

The early education of Mr. Dewej- was com- 
menced in the district school of that place. At 
the age of sixteen he wa.s sent to Hamilton Acad- 
emy, then under charge of Prof. Zenos Moore, in 
the town of Hamilton, Chenango Co., N. Y., where 
he rein:iined three years. Among his classmates 
were William Pitt Lj-nde, for man^' years Member 



of Congress from Milwaukee, Mm! Prof. .1. W. 
Sterling, of the University of Wisconsin, l)olh now 
deceaseil. 

Aftor leaving tlie academy Mr. Dewey taughr 
school in t'le town of Morris one j'ear, after which, 
he read law, first with his father then with tiie law 
firm of Hansen & Davis, and later with Samuel S. 
Bowne, of Cooperstown. Leaving Bowne's office in 
May, 18;5(!, for Wisconsin, he arrived at the lead 
mines on the 19th of June, and in Cassville, 
his present home, in Grant County, on tiie Missis- 
sippi Piver, about a week later. He was admitted 
to tiie bar on an examination held by Charles Dunn, 
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of theTerritory 
of W^iscousin. in 1838, and p>-acticed law with . I. 
Allen Barber (deceased) until May, 1848. 

At the first election of county officers in (5 rant 
County, in 1837, Mr. Dewey was elected Register 
of Deeds. He moved to Lancaster the same year, 
wl'.ere he lived seventeen years. While residing 
there lie held various county ollices. and wjis elected 
to the Territorial Legislature three times, onco 
being chosen S4)eaker of the House of Represent- 
atives, and Vice-President of the Council. 

In May, 1818, Wisconsin having been admitted 
to the Union, Mr. Dewey was elected by the Demo- 
crats to be its firstOovernor, over John H.Tweeily. 
by a majority of over 5.0i»{). The various depart- 



126 



NELSON DEWEY 



inents being new, tlie functions strange and numer- 
ous, and manj^ of the subordinates unused to pub- 
lic service of any kind, his position was one of 
many difficulties and required great patience and 
care. For the first time all State matters were 
divorced from Federal control; appointments must 
be made in spite, or at the dictation of local in- 
fluence ; responsibilit}' for errors was transferred from 
Washington to Madison, and there was the general 
pressure and chaos attendant upon a new order of 
things on a large scale. So well, however, did he dis- 
charge the duties of his office, that he was re-nomi- 
nated and re-elected, in 1849 by a larger majority 
than before for the full term of two years. In J.inu- 
ary, 1853, at the end of his second gubernatorial 
term, he retired to private life, but at the first op- 
portunity, during the fall of that jear, was called out 
again, being nominated for the State Senate in the 
IGth District, and elected over Orsamus Cole, now 
Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, by a 
majority of three votes. 

In 1 855 he removed to Cassville, which h;is 
been his home since, except five years, from 1858 
to 1863, during which time he lived in Platteville. 
While living in Lancaster he was chosen chairman 
of the Town lioard one term, and also Cluiirman 
of the County Board of Supervisors one term, lie 
was Director of the School Board which built the 



first school-house in Lancaster. While at Platte- 
ville he was twice elected President of the Village 
Board, and was Director of the Sshool Board that 
built the brick school-house at that place. He was 
Chairman of the Town Board of Cassville seven 
years, and was director of the School Board that 
erected the new Cassville school building. In 1873 
lie was appointed State's Prison Commissioner by 
(iov. Taylor, and for half a century has been a 
member or nominee of every Territorial and 
St.ate Convention held in Wisconsin by the 
Democratic party, besides being many times a 
delegate to their national conventions for nomi- 
ating candidates for President, and frequently on 
the State electoral ticket, eitlier as district elector 
or olector-at- large. Everywhere, though quiet 
and reserved, he was a familiar figure, with his 
long, double-breasted frock coat of black broadcloth, 
Byronic collar, and intensely black beard and hair. 
Gov. Dewey w.as always a man of strong will 
and modest actions. It is said that the numberless 
honors with which his part}' h;is adorned his life, 
came always without solicitation, and in all his 
positions of trust no one has ever thought of ques- 
tioning his integrity. In his notions and habits he 
has been as changeless as in his |>olitical principles, 
and it is said tliat, until this sketch was prepared, 
the i)ulilic had no kuowledgeof the day or place of 
his birth. 



Note: — Gov. Dewey died at his late home in Cassville, July 21, 1889. 



-ui, 




^.J^di^/y^i^ir^ll:} 



GOVKIiNOHS OF WISCONSIN. 



123 





J_c3r.ard jD.rr.zs X an'/ell 



a'v.tiyvn'HiMMg^ ) 






Ills distinguisheo "entloman 
had fewer i>erson:il and po- 
litical enemies than any man 
who ever served as (Gov- 
ernor of the State, and he 
himself died without knowing 
exactl\' why it w:xs so, or why 
and liow he w:i.s ever made Gov- 
ernor. C'ai)t. James Farwell, of 
!iMassaohnsetts, married Reliecca 
Cadv, of Vermont, and settled 
near Watertown, N. Y., where the 
first fruit of this union, Leonard 
J., was born on .Jan. ,5, 1819. In 
1824, Mrs. Farwell died, and in 
1830 she was followed Ijy lierlius- 
band. Thus, at the age of eleven 
3-ears, Leonard was left an orphan 
and poor. He attended the dis- 
trict scliool until his fourteenth 
3^ear, and then entered a dry -poods 
store. Tliis business not suiting 
J his tastes, he applied hiinselt to 
m.Tstering the tinner's trade, at the same time mak- 
ing a careful study of book-keeping an<l the founda- 
datioQ principles of trade and commerce. 

In 1838, having completed his apprenticeship, 
j-oung Farwell settled at Lockport, 111., and with- 
out other cai>ital than energy, and the tools and 
knowledge of his trade, opened a small tinshop and 
iardwar» s»io-«. Although he soon built up a good 



business, he thought he could see that Lockpo'i 
was not destined to become a large city, and there- 
fore, on his twenty-first birthday, namely, Jan. 5, 
1840, sold out and removed at once to Milwaukee, 
where he opened a general hardware store on a 
large scale. 

Having a jierfect knowledge of the details of the 
business,' and possessing great energy' and capacity, 
Mr. Farwell soon made his new yen .re a success, 
and in a few years, by judicious and liberal adver- 
tising, built up the largest wholesale house in Wis- 
consin, and j>erliaps the largest in the West. 

In 1846 he made a tour of tlie West Indies, and 
on his return, having observed that the entire coun- 
try was growing steadily and rapidly, purchased 
about one-half of wliat is now the city of Madison, 
including the water-ix)wcr at the outlet of F^ourth 
Lake. 

In September 1847. he started on an extended 
tour of the Old World, visiting between that date 
and the spring of 1849, the chief points of interest in 
Europe, Asia, Africa, and (ireat Britain, contribut- 
ing regularl3' to the Milwaukee >S'e«/menncidents of 
travel and observations upon the countries visited. 

On returning from abroad, Jlr. Farwell disposed 
of his business in Milwaukee, and began to carry 
into execution his plan for making a beautiful and 
prosjierous city of Madison, the first move being to 
erect a saw-mill and grist-mill, so the people might 
have lumber and Hour without traveling great dis- 
tances over unimproved roads. He straightened 



130 



LEONARD JAMES FARWELL. 



and deepened the channel of the Catfish River, 
which connects Fourth and Third lalies; drained 
tile lowlands; laid out roads and streets far into 
the country; built bridges and sidewalks; planted 
trees along the streets of his entire purchase; erected 
many costly buildings and graded tlie thorough- 
fares; gave the lakes the Indian names they now 
bear and planted their waters with new varieties of 
fish (some of which are now caught by the ton) ; 
established the Madison Museum ; started a woolen 
factory and the first machine-shop and foundry; 
helped to build the gas works, water cure, Capitol 
House — in fact, either conceived or had a strong 
hand in building up almost everything that made 
Madison what it is. 

As he had, in 1851, given Madison what in these 
days would be called a "boom," some one, it is not 
possible to say who, conceived the idea of nominat- 
ing Mr. Farwell for Governor on the Wliig ticivet. 
The Wiiigs were in a hopeless minority, and Mr. 
Farwell was wholly unknown in politics; indeed, 
very few could say positively whether he was a 
Whig or Democrat. Ilis wealth, his energy, his un- 
bounded public-spirit, and his great personal pojju- 
larity, however, carried him tlirough the conven- 
tion with a hurr.ah. The unanimous enthusiasm of 
the convention became epidemic, and spread over 
the State like a prairie fire ; part}' lines were broken, 
the Democracy was demor.alized, and Mr. Farwell, 
though .all the other Whig nominees were defeated, 
was elected. 

Tiuis, at the age of thirty-two, and in ten years, 
he had acquired a fortune, made long journeys on 
both hemispheres, built a city, and became chief 
executive of his adopted State — an unparalleled 
achievement. 

As Governor he tried to do for the entire State 
what, as a private citizen, he had been doing for 
M.adison, promote maleri.al interests in a solid and 
wholesome way; .and though the Legislature was 
politically adverse, his important recommendations 
were all carried into effect by that body — a separate 
Supreme Court, a State banking system, a geologi- 
cal survey, an i migration agency, and other things 
of that sort. 

Mr. F.arwell did not wish to be a nominee for 
Governor, nor to fill the office, and the committee 



sent to notify him of his nomination could not at 
first discover his whereabouts — he was in hiding. 
Therefore he refused to permit the use of his name 
a second time, and returned to his mills, real-estate, 
and railroad enterprises, in January, 1854. 

Tlie financial revulsion of 1857 prostrated Mr. 
Farwell to such an extent that he never fully re- 
covered. His r.ailroad investments proved p.ar- 
ticularly disastrous, though M.adison property, of 
which he held large amounts, also became practi- 
cally worthless, and so remained for 3'ears. He then 
retired to a farm on Lake Mendota, just outside of 
Madison, where he superintended the erection of 
the buildings for the State Asylum for Insane, Imt 
otherwise eng.aged in no public enterprises. 

In 1859 he was elected to the State Legislature, 
in the hope of bringing him again into public life. 
In 1863 he was made Assistant Examiner in the 
Patent Office, and three montlis later Chief Ex- 
aminer of new inventions, which position he re- 
signed in 1870, for the i)urpose of embarking in the 
patent business in Chicago. 

On the night of the ass.assination of Lincoln, Mr. 
Farwell w.as in Ford's Theatre, and from his previ- 
ous information, comprehended at once that the 
threatened conspiracy to kill the principal officers 
of the administration was being carried into eflfect, 
and hastened at .all speed from the tlieatre to the 
room of Vice-President Johnson, re.aching there 
just in time to prevent Atzerot from executing that 
part of the terrible plot which had been assigned to 
him. 

For thus saving his life, Mr. Johnson tendered to 
Mr. F.arwell any position he might desire, but the 
offer was declined on the ground that public offices 
should not be used for the payment of debts of 
gratitude. 

The great fire in Chicago in 1872, inflicted an- 
other severe financial blow upon him, and Mr. 
Farwell then removed to Grant City, Mo., wiiere he 
was engaged in the real estate and banking l)usi- 
ness until his death on April 11, 1889, at the age of 
seventy years. 

Gov. Farwell was an .able, lionest, energetic 
patriotic, and useful citizen and public official, 
and cannot be remembered witii too iiuicli kindness 
and gratitude b}' the i)Cople of Wisconsin. 



^s^. 





OOVKKNOKS OF WISCONSIN. 



I 13 







William Auiiiistiis Barsto\Y. »- 




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a, ' 



y. 






IIARACTER is one Ihiiii,' 
and leputaliiin anotlicr. A 
kinderlieartora li-ucr fiiiiid 
than Gov. I'-ir.stD^v would 
be hard to find; yet |)aitisaii 
politics gavu to liiiii for a 
V time such a notorious and 

unenviable reputation that it was easy 
for tliose wlx) did not know him i)er- 
sonally to bi'lieve him ])raotically de- 
void of any good quality. Ihilcss it 
(: ® ;) was James Duane Doty, no other 
"^""/■'^ Governor was the victim of more 
-^i"^~ slander or more iiitter attacks. Some 
■O^.^ of this he may have deserved. hut much 
of it was as unjust as all of it w;i,s relentless. The 
IJarstows came from Yorkshire, England, where 
they bore a distinguished name, and settled in 
Massachusetts and Connecticut in Ki:!;"). William 
Augustus was born at I'lainfield, Conn., Sept. 13, 
1813. Ilis father, who served in the Revolution, 
was a man of great force of character, a farmer. 
William w.ns reared on the faniilj' homestead, attend- 
ing the district school during the winter, anil tilling 
tlie soil during the summer. 

An elder brother, Samuel H., opened a store at 
Norwich, Conn., in which at sixteen years of age 
William became a clerk. In April, 1 h;H he gave 
up this position and entered into partnership with 



another brother, Horatio N., at Cleveland, in mill- 
ing and forwai'ding, and built u|) an extensive 
business from a very modest beginning. 

The financial revolution of 1837, as it did many 
wealthier firms, compelled the brothers to suspend 
Afti'r settling up their affairs as best the^- could, 
William, in November, 1839, removed to what was 
then I'rairieville, where he had purchased tlu; water- 
power and 1()0 acres of land witliin what is now the 
city of Waukeslifi. lie at once erected a flouring- 
niill and opened a store, soon becoming the head 
of a prosperous business ami one of the foremost 
men of the pl.icc. In those d.ays Waukesha w:is 
called the "Hub," as il was really the politic:d cen- 
tre of the Territory. 

In a new country a nicrdiant and miller will llnd 
many op|)ortiniities to counsel, relieve, and materi 
ally encourage the poorer settlers. Mr. BarsUjw 
failed to see none of these opportunities, nor to 
help those in misfortune or distress. His course in 
this respect gained a wide circle of gr.atcful and 
devoted friends, who always remembered him when 
he was a i antlidate for office. 

In 1841 he was made l*ostm:ister,and for some time 
served as one of the three County Commissioners 
of Milwaukee County, which then embraced what 
is now AVaukeslia County. While filling the ollice 
of Connnissioner he was instrumeiiUtl in setting oflf 



134 



WILLIAM AUGUSTUS BARSTOW. 



the territory and creating the conntv of Waiike- 
slia in 11S4G, estahlisiiing llie county-seat in Wau- 
kesha village. It was also his iilea to have the 
State prison pjtablished in Waukesha, in which he 
so far succeefted as to have what is now the county 
iail, a stone building, used for the confinement of 
convicts sentenced to the State pf'nitenliary by the 
United States Courts. 

In 1849 Jlr. liarstow was nominated and elected 
by tlie Doniocrals to be Secretary of State. In this 
ortice he served two years from the 7lli of Janiuiry, 
1M.')(», and during that time was charged with tlie 
dillicult task of bringing into market and selling 
the State school lands. Probably no Secretary was 
ever called upon to perform more new and import- 
ant duties or settle more precedents. In these his 
business genius found ample o()portunity for dis- 
l)lav. Besides having a large amount of new work 
to perform, he was compelled, on finding the rec- 
ords of the otliee iu a condition of chaos, '-with his 
own hand," as has been s:ud by his private secre- 
tary, E. M. Hunter, '"to write out in the most com- 
plete and finished manner nearly the full record of 
the otliee up lo the moment it came under his con- 
trol." 

In 18o.'? INIr. Barstow w;is elected Governor by 
the Democrats, taking his seat iu January, lS.o-1. 
His first message g.'ive evidence of uiuisual .nbility 
and public-spirit; his appointments were creditalile 
and satisfactory, among them that of tlie ])uet; 
.lames tiatcs Percival, to succeed Edward I^aniels 
as State Geologist. 

Although his administration was stormy, he was 
renominated iu 1 «;'>;'), his opponent lieing Coles 
Bashford. The campaign against him was one of 
unparalleled bitterness and violent personalities. 
\Vhen it was over the returns showed that Gov. 
Barstow had been defeated by a few votes, but the 
board t>f canvassers accepted some "supplemental" 
returns from the pine forests, which, had they not 
turned out to l»e in every respect fraudulent, would 
have made him Governor again. 

Mr. Bashford carried the matter before the Su- 
preme Court, which enabled Gov. Barstow to see 
the spurious character of the "supplemental" re- 
turns, whereupon Iu; resigned, greatly to his own 
honor and to the disgust of those who laid the 
scheme to corrupt the billot and overturn the will 
of the people. Had he followed the advice of a 
few hot-heads, who were near to him and who were 
more responsilile than himself for whatever caused 
the attacks on his administration, there would have 
been bloodshed. 

Being at the head of his party Gov. Barstow 
naturally liecame the target for all the criticisms 
and odium wiruh this barefaced fraud upon tlie 



ballot called forth; but it h.as always been said by 
those who knew the truth, that he had no hand in 
suggesting or preparing the spurious returns, anil 
did not know their utterly fraudulent character 
until after his opponent, Bashford, had taken the 
case into court. 

Two 3'ears later lie removed to Janesville and 
entered into the business of banking with Alex T. 
(iray and E. M. Hunter, which soon proved a 
failure. (!<iv. Barstow then returned to milling, 
which he followed until he entered the army in 
1 si; 1 as Colonel of a regiment of cavalry recruited 
by himself. 

Col. Barstow's health being impaired, he was in 
1862 made I'rovost Marshal General of Kansas, 
charged with the responsible task of clearing that 
section of guerrillas. 

In l.S(;;3 his health becoming still further im- 
])aired bv his etTorts to command his regiment, he 
was detailed upmi court-martial duties at St. Louis, 
which lasteil to the end of his term of service, or 
to March 4, I8G.'). 

Col. Barstow then went to Leavenworth for the 
purpose of eng.aging in business. He was, however, 
loo feeble to do so, and slowly sank until Dec. 13, 
1 SOT), when he passed away at the age of fifty-two. 
"lie fills." says Col. E. A. Calkins, a firm and life- 
long friend, "a soldier's grave, for he as truly died 
in the cause of his country as if he had received a 
fatal wound in battle. I shall never cease to cher- 
isn his memory for his man}' manly virtues, for his 
intrepid spirit, which was not disturbed either in 
the decisive emergencies of ])olitical conflict or the 
more trying vicissitudes of peril and distress, and 
for the integrit}' with which he adhered to one set 
of principles, and one set of friends throughout his 
career." 

In his younger days Mr. Barstow was consid- 
ered the handsomest man in Wisconsin, and was 
very pojjular with all classes, so far as they could 
come in contact with him. His friendships were 
warm, sincere and lasting, and there w:is no sacri- 
fice too great for him to make for those he loved. 
Had he been less tenacious of his friendships, es- 
pecially unworthy ones, his public reputation would 
not have been so much in need of defense. 

Like Alex W. Uandall, whose frieml and associate 
he was for many years. Gov. Barslow was a great 
lover of sociability and fun; like James Duane 
Doty, he had no enemies save those made by politics, 
and it is sad to record that one who had occupied 
such high places and possessed so many friends, 
and who loved so dearly the kind offices of friend- 
ship, should, !is (Jov. Barstow did, die among 
strangers and be compelled to receive the last sad 
attentions of life from strangir hands. 



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(JOVKKNOKS OK WISCONSIN. 



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OLES I5ASI1K( )KD arquiicd 
IMipuhiiit y ciiiiuiili t'l (•ii!il)le 
liiiii to reach the liighest 
ollicc ill thejiiftof the jieo- 
|iU' III' tlif State ill a sliorter 
pciioil — li'ss than live years 
•■.,/ "' frtrni the lime lie settled in 
^®ij^ •& Wisconsin — tlian lias evi r suHieed to 
^T'fiiifeii^' niakeany other man ( iuvciiior of AVis- 
consin. I'ut few men ever possessed 
an equal faculty for making aii<l re- 
taining friends. Mr. liasliford was 
born at Cold Spring. Putuani Co., 
N. v.. Jan. 21, l.sjii. He was edn- 
caled in the Wesleyan Seminaiy, now 
(ienesee College, at Lima. N. Y., where he was a 
brilliant .studei.t. He studied law with John M. 
Holley, at I^yons, N. Y., and in 1841 was admitted 
to the bar. During the following year he renK)ve<l 
to, and in 1H17 was elected District Attorney of 
Wayne County. Though re-elected with increased 
popularity, he resigned in 18.50, and removed to 
the growing city of Oshkosh, Wis., where he at 
once became a prominent figure at the bar and in 
politics. 

In 1851 he was in the Whig State convention. 
and asslotcd in tlio nomination of Leonard J. Far- 




well for Oovernor, and the next year, almost a.« 
soon as he was eligible, was elected l« the State 
Senate as a Whig and Free Soilcr. Proving an 
able and useful Senator he was re-elected in 1851. 
for the years ' !<.J5-5C but resigned to become, in 
1S5.'), the first Republican candidate for (iovernor. 
The campaign w.as more hotly contested than any 
of its predecessors, and by the first and true returns 
Mr. U.'ishford was I'lected by a small majority, 
tliougli the other Republican nominees were de- 
feated 

However, several sets of ■•supplcinentar' returns 
were concocted as coming from i-enioli' points in 
the pineries. These, pnrijorting in some cases to 
have come from places known to be without white 
inliabitaiils, were <iverwhelniingly in favor of the 
Democratic candidate, Ijarstow,aiid were of course 
manufactured in suflicnent numbers to overcome the 
small majority honestly cast for Mr. Hitshford. 
The State ISoard of Canvassers were partisans of 
Barstow, and so received and counted the.se spurious 
returns from uninhabited districts, and declared 
him elected. 

Mr. Barstow took the oath of OHice, .-is usual, in 
the executive chamber, on the Ttli of .laniiary, 
I85(), and continued per.son:illy in ch.Mrge of the 
oflice. On the same day, at noon, Mr. B:tshford 



138 



COLES BASHFORD. 



nppeaieil liefoic tin- Siipieine Court and was sworn 
in as Governor li\ (liief .Iiistive Whiton. Thence 
he proceed I'll to the executive chaniliei and form- 
ally demanded i)ossession ; but Mr. Barstow, pre- 
senting his compliments and resijects, declined to 
abdicate or vacate. Thereafter, on tiie request of 
Mr. Bashford, the Attorney (Jeneral of the .State 
filed an information with the Supreme Court in- 
quiring ))y what rigiil or title Barstow held the 
otliee of Governor, and the Court summoned the 
defendant to a|>pear and m.ake answer tiiereto. He 
did not appear until February 2, when his attorneys 
«oved to qii.ash all jvroccedings thus far had under 
\,\e writ, for tiie reason t hat the Court had no juris- 
di ^tion of the case. This motion was tleiiied, the 
Co \rt holding at the same time, that the filing of 
the motion was an admission b}' Mr. Barstow that 
the allegations in the information tiled by the At- 
torney General were true. lie was ordered also to 
appear and plead before a certain fixed day. 

The acting Governor's attorneys pleaded to the 
jurisdiction of the Court. Mr. Bashford interposed 
a demurrer to this plea, which was sustained and 
IMr. Barstow reipiired to answer within foiu' days. 
His attorneys then withdrew from the case, on the 
gioiind that to continue fui'tlier would lie an ad- 
mis>ioa that the Court had riglitful and final juris- 
diction over it. The Court then held that every- 
thing pleaded by Mr. Bashford was confessed by 
the default of Mr. Barstow; yet declined to con- 
form to general usage and enter juilgment for the 
jilaintiff then and there, but ordered plaintitf to 
produce evidence to prove his case. Mr. Bashford 
niiglit have demamled ju<lgment upon the default 
of the defenilant, but instead ])i(iceeded to bring in 
proof of the truth of his allegations. 

The evidence thus jiroduced was so clear in es- 
tablishing the spuriousncss of the "supplemental" 
returns that Mr. Barstow resigned on March 21, 
and Arthur JlacArlhur, liieutenant-Ciovernor, be- 
came Governor instead of liashford, because the 
Court had not jet rendered a final decision. The 
Su) reme Court now entered judgment in favor of 
Mr. Basliford, deehiring him duly .and rightfully 
elected to the ollice of ( iovernor, and entitled to 
the executive chair. On the 25th he called on 
ISIacArthur and demanded possession, intimating 
that he '-preferred peaceable measures to force, but 
that the latter would be used if necessary." The 
LieutcnanUGovernor thereupon vacated the chair, 
and Air. Bashford became (Jovernor. 

This is a memorable case, and one that will make 
Mie names of Barstow and BashfonI forever promi- 
nent in history. It was a time of intense excite- 
ment, and had it not been for the coolness of both 



principals, bloodshed might have followed. The Re- 
publicans i)roposed, if Barstow sliouhl refuse to 
obey the order of the Court, in case it shouhl be 
.against him, to take [)ossession and inaugurate 
Bashford by force. On the other hand the Demo- 
crats claimed that the Court had no right to in- 
quire into whether Barstow had been legally or 
frauilulenlly elected, or whether he li.ad beiMi elected 
at all, and were piepared to resist with force and 
arms »uy movement the Republicans might make. 
Arms were stored in the basement of the capitol, 
and in some of the hotels in Madison, and for a 
time a reign of civil strife seemed inevitable. But 
as liasliford ordy Jisked to have both parlies obey 
and abide by the judgment of the Court, and as 
Barstow was opposeil to using force to resist carry- 
ing out that judgment, should it be unfavorable to 
him, an armed collision was averted. 

The legal aspect of the case was no less interest- 
ing, Bashford's attorneys being IvlwanlG. Hj'an, 
Alex. M. Randall and Timothy O. Howe; and 
Barstow's being Ilarlow .S. Orton, .Jonathan E. 
Arnold and Matt. II Carpenter, and the case itself 
the very first of its kind in the United States. 
\'ery little of imi)ortanee occurretl during the in- 
cumbency of i\Ir. Bashford, save the disposal of 
the St. Croix land grant, which disastrously in- 
volved a large numlier of prominent men. At the 
end of his term he declined to be a candidate for 
re-election, and afterword, in 18G3, removed to 
Tucson, Arizona, resuming the practice of law in 
the meantime at Oshkosh. 

In Arizona his upward career was as rapid and 
)iopular as it had been at Oslikosh. In 1 Sf! 1 he was 
elected to the Territorial Council, anil cliosin presi- 
dent of tli.-it body almost without opposition. In 
18(56 he was nuiile Attorney (ieneral of the Terri- 
tory, and the same year elected delegate to Con- 
gress. After the expiration of a term in Congress 
he was appointed .Seci'etary of the Territory, which 
position he held until 187C, when he resigned to 
resume the j)ractice of law, in which he became 
very prominent and made a great deal of money. 

Mr. ISashford died, on the 2.')th of April, 1H78, 
of heart disease, |)osse^sed of an am|)le fortune. He 
is described by Gen. David Atwood, who knew him 
well, as '-able, well-read in the law, genial and pop- 
ular. He wiis warm in his attachments to friends, 
and would stand by them through any emergency; 
in conversation he was always .agreealile and in- 
structive. He was even-tempered and cool at all 
times. Even in the excitement of the guberna- 
torial contest he was the coolest man to be found. 
Well do I lemember the eonte.^l. .•nid nobly did 
Coles Bashford conduct himself through the trying 
ordeal " 



OOVKRNORS OF WISCONSIN. 



141 




I-/ A. 

4&-S' H i(;xMii(iK;i^ Uyiiiiaiiig 




Randall. M 



mmummmivmm 




sM-^ 




ISCONSIN has had some aljle 
men and some strong men as 
trovernors; but Mr. Randall 
was able, stroni;, patriotic and 
honest. He was a man of 
Y\ deep convictions, and always 
gave expression to them in an 
unmistakable manner, or put 
them into practical effect with 
a great deal of force. Mr. Ran- 
dall was of Scotch descent, and 
born at Ames, Montgomery Co., 
N. y., Oct. 30, 181 !». After a 
successful course in the village 
school, he c()m|)leted his education 
\!{ at Cherry Valley, Schoiiarie Co., 
N. v., and then studied law and 
w!is admitted to the bar at the 
age of nineteen. lieing ambitious 
and thinking a new and growing 
country better foi' a puiii- young 
m;in, he " put his tiaps into a 
handkerchief" and started for the 
West, finally settling at Waukesha — tlnii I'lairie- 
ville — in 1840, at the age of twenty-one. Here he 
at once opened an office, and, being handsome, 
manl}', genial, strong and friendly, soon had a 
profitable business. Indeed, so well did he pros- 
per, that in 1842 he returned to New York for a 
bride, SusaTi \'an Vechten. 

Tliougli very successful au<l popular a.s a law- 
yer, Mr. Randall gave so much attention to politics 
and general public affairs as to seriously interfere 
with liis income. In 184(i he was elected and 
served as a very valuable inemljcr of the Con- 



stitutional Convention. He joined the Free Soil 
Democracy, l)ut did not become very active with 
that p.-irty on account of tlic radicalism of some 
of the leaders, and remained nominally- a Democrat 
until the formation of the Republican party in 
1854. 

In 184 7 he took a prominent part in furthering 
the interests of the first railroad in Wisconsin, the 
Milwaukee A Mississippi, now a part of the Chi- 
cago. Miiw.-uikee it St. Paul Railway sj-stem, draft- 
ing the charter and being one of the first directors 
or commissioners. 

In 1854 he w.os elected to the Assembly and 
vot.ed for Charles Durkee, the first avowed Repub- 
lican ever elected to the United States Senate as 
such. During the next year he was nominated 
by the Republicans for Attorney-General, but was 
defeated, as were the other nominees except Coles 
Basliford, who secured his seat through legal pro- 
ceedings before the Supreme Court, in which Mr. 
Randall was one of the attorneys. 

In 1856 he was made Judge of the Second 
Judicial District, composed of the counties of Mil- 
waukee and Waukesha, and the next 3ear was 
elected Governor. His administration w;is firm, 
able and popular, and in 1859 he was re-elected. 

(iov. Randall earl}' foreshadowed the \\'ar of 
the Rebellion, and earnestly desired to have Wis- 
consin prepared for it. In his messjige to the 
Legislature in January, IHCl, he said that secession 
W.1S upon the country, adding: ".Secession is revo- 
lution; revolution is war; war against the govern- 
ment is treason. * * It is time now to know 
whether we have a government, and, if so, whether 



14-2 



ALEXANDER WILLIAMS RANDALL. 



H lias any strength. Is our written constitution 
iDorf tlian a sheet of parchment.' The nati<in must 
be lost or pn^crved b}- its own strength. Its 
Strength is the patriotism of the pvople. Now is 
the time when politicians must become patriots and 
men, and show their love of country by every sac- 
rifice save that of princiiJJe." In closing this re- 
markable message, he urged the Legislature to 
prepare "to respond to the call of the National 
Government for men and means to preserve the 
integrity of the Union." 

Three months later Ft. Sumter was fired upon, 
and Lincoln startled the North with his call for 
troops. It was then tliat the real character of 
Gov. Randall Iwcame conspicuous — it was then 
that he was onable(l to display his native Ixildness 
and ability, and bis tremendous force of character. 
To bini the year ISHl was one of intense activity 
and great, resixmsibility, the State being without 
military organizatici or an overflowing treasury. 
But he was fully equal to the occasion. Bonds 
were issued, mone}- borrowed from the trust 
funds, authority granted to place the State on a 
war footing, military appointments made, camps 
estalilished, anil general piepar.-ilions for war cai- 
ried on throughout the State with vigor. A good 
illustration of his mental makeup is this sentence, 
uttered at the e.\:tra session of the Legislature 
called after the news came that Beauregard had 
fired upon Ft. Sumter: -The Rebellion begins 
where Charleston is; let it end where Charleston 
was." 

(tOv. Randall visited all the camps to .address 
and cheer the recruits; made frequent journeys to 
Washington to encourage and advise with Lincoln, 
and amidst his thousand new and pressing duties, 
found time to attend personally to many of the 
details necessary to prepare the soldiers for active 
duty. He was in frequent conference with Gov. 
Morton, of Indiana, and materially aided in con- 
ceiving and carrying out those plans of the "war 
governors" of the Northwest which were of such 
signal service to tiie Federal Government. 

At the close of his second term, in January', 
18()2, Gov. Randall was made Minister to Rome by 
President Lincoln. In 1863 he was appointed 
Assistant Postmaster General, and in July, 1865, 



on the resignation of William Dennison. was in- 
vited into the Cabinet by President .Johnson, as 
head of the PtistoHice Dejiartinent, in which posi- 
tion he continued until the accession of President 
Grant, in March, 1869. He then opened a law 
office in Washington, and, until failing health com- 
pelled him to retire, enjoyed a very lucrative 
practice. 

In 186;') Mr. Randall abandoned his residence .at 
Waukesha, and later made his home at Elmira. 
N. Y., where he died, on the 26th of July, 1S72, 
aged fifty-three. 

f)ne of the difficult tasks successfully [lerformed 
by Gov. Randall was that of re-establishing and 
maintaining the postal service throughout the 
States that had been in rebellion. It was not a 
thing that could be done by a mere manifesto or 
jiroclamation, but one that reijuired genius, tact, 
and a profound knowledge of human nature. 

The experiment of assorting and distributing 
mail on moving cars was begun while he was As- 
s'^tant Postmaster General, in 1803, and during 
his term as ^"ostmaster General this service made 
its greatest strides. He labored constantly to 
simplify this system, clearing away, with his strong, 
decisive hand, the red tape and cumbrous regula- 
tions that at first seriously hinrlered the operations 
of what is now the most perfect and marvelous 
public service in the world. 

As a jovial, fun-loving person, it is not probable 
that Mr. Randall had his equal in the Northwest. 
His jokes and burlesques were famous for years 
throughout the State. He saw and appreciated the 
bright, the ludicrous and the funny in everything; 
and, to lighten the cares and burdens of life, made 
the most of every opportunity that presented it- 
self. He was perhaps the f<jremost member of 
that unpar.alleled secret organization, the "Ancient 
Evanic Order of 1001," and was the author and 
promoter of some of the most unspeakable of the 
many unspe.akable "initiatory" ceremonies for which 
that institution was famous. He was familiarly 
known throughout the country as "Aleck," and, 
when occupying his highest positions of honor, was 
the siirae "Aleck" — never an aristocr.'it, but a man 
of the masses — warin-liearted and generous, genial 
and kind to all. 





lyi^^^ 



GOVERNORS OF WISCONSIN. 



145 








LOUIS POWELL HARVEY 






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'iM 




'KREisn niMii who liiis not 
been aviieniUy appreci 
ated at liiri full worth l)y 
tiie people of Wisconsin, 
owing prol)!ilily to tiic 
fact tliat the few months 
he was permitted to serve as Gover- 
nor did not afford an ojiportunity 
^^J^ for liini to become familiar to the 
masses, either in person or ofBcially, 
■while liis unnatural death occurred 
■wlien- the niigiity tragedies of the 
Rebellion overshadowed all things 
else and almost buried them forever. 
Mr. Harvey was born July 22, 1820, 
at East Haddam, Conn. During his eighth year 
his parents removed to Strongville, Ohio, where, 
the family being poor, he was compelled to help 
earn a livelihood at rude labor. ISIanual labor, 
however, intensified rather than dami)ened the 
natural ardor of ambition. He studied as he 
worked, and at nineteen entered the Western Re- 
serve College, at Hudson, Ohio, paying for his 
board by working for it, part of the time as a 
hook-binder. 

A lack of books and clothing forced him to leave 
school for a time, and ill health drove him ])erma- 
nanentlj' from college before he could graduate. 
On recovering his health young Harvey taught 
school at Nicholsonville, Ky., and then became 
a tutor in Wootlward College, Cincinnati. .In 



1841 he settled in Kenosha, Wis., and there openpf' 
an academy, becoming also, two 3'ears later, the 
editor of the American, a Whig newspaper. Ilis 
pajjcr was able and spirited, though courteous, and 
wielded considerable influence. Though several 
times a nominee he w:is elected to no office in Ken- 
osha, the Whigs being in the minority. However, 
he was appointed I'o.stmaster I)y President Tyler, 
and made a [jopular and ellicient oHicer. 

In 1817 Mr. Harvey removed to Clinton, in Rock 
County, and opened a general store. Still main- 
taining his interest in politics and public affairs, he 
was elected, in 1847, to the second constitutional 
convention, in which he helped to frame the organ- 
ic law of the new State. 

Abandoning the pursuit of a merchant, he bought 
the water power at Slioi)iere. in Rock County, 
erected a large flouring mill on the site of the dis- 
tillery, opened a retail store, and began generally 
to build up the place. The stone church eilifice 
of the Congregationalists was built mainly by him 
and the public schools received his constant aid 
and attention. 

In 1853 he was elected to the SUite Senate and 
re-elected in ISo.'), serving four years. In 1859 he 
was elected Secretiiry of State and was very popu- 
l.ar. He was considered one of the ablest men and 
the best debater in the Senate, and was a careful 
Secretary of State. Indeed, he was one of the ris- 
ing men of Wisconsin, and, the war of the reljel- 
lion requiring increased activity and ability on the 



146 



LOUIS POWELL HARVEY. 



part of public officials, Mr. Harvey was nominated, 
in 1861, 1)3' the Republicans, for Governor, and 
was elected by a good majority to succeed Alex. 
'W.Randall. On Jan. 10, 1862, lie read his inaugural 
message to the Legislature in jjerson, saying: "No 
previous Legislature Las convened under equal in- 
centives to a disinterested zeal in the public ser- 
vice. The occasion pleads with you in rebuke of 
all the meaner passions, admonishing to the exer- 
cise of a conscientious patriotism becoming the 
representatives of a Christian people called in God's 
providence to pass through the furnace of a great 
trial of their virtue and of the strength of the 
Government." 

After the battle of Pittsburg Landing, in which 
Wisconsin troops suffered severel3^ Gov. Harvey 
asked Surgeon-General Walcott for a list of such 
articles and their relative quantities as would be of 
greatest service in the hospitals and on the field. 
In a very brief space of time after receiving the 
desired information, more than one hundred boxes 
of material had been collected, and were with the 
Governor on their way to the front. Major Jonas 
JL Bundy, who was with the Governor, saj-s: 
"Although pressed with a thousand cares, he made 
it his dut3' to visit our wounded in the hospital 
boats, taking them each by the hand and cheering 
them more than can well be described. As he 
came round among them, his heart full of kind- 
ness, and his face showing it, tears of joj- would 
run down the cheeks of those brave fellows who 
had borne the battle's brunt unmoved, and they 
lost at once the languor that had settled upon 
them. Then, at Mound City and Paducah, in the 
hospitals and on the hospital boats, it would have 
moved a heart of stone to witness the interviews 
between the Governor and our wounded heroes. 
There was something more than formality- in those 
visits, and the men knew it by sure instinct. 
When we went ashore at Savannah for a few hours, 
on our way to Pittsburg, these scenes became still 
more affecting. Over 200 of our wounded were 
there, suffering from neglect and lack of kind care. 
The news of the Governor's arrival spread as if 
by magic, and at every house those who could stand 
clustered around him, and those who had not raised 
their heads for days sat up, their faces aglow with 



gratitude for the kind looks, and words, and acts, 
which showed their Governor's tender care for 
them. At times these scenes were so affecting that 
even the Governor's self-control failed him, and he 
could not trust himself to talk." 

On the 1 'Ml of April Gov. Harvey Lade farewell 
to the soldiers at Pittsburg Landing, aci after visit- 
ing Savannah, ten miles below on the river, retired 
for the night on the "Dunleith," expecting to take 
the "Minnehaha" on the following morning for 
Cairo. At 10 o'clock that night, however, the 
"Minnehaha" came alongside, and in the darkness 
and rain, while attempting to step from one boat 
to the other, he missed his footing and fell between 
the steamers. The rapid current swept him down 
and under a flat bo.at, and Gov. Harvey was never 
seen alive. A few daj'S later the body was dis- 
covered by children sixty-five miles down the river, 
and buried b^' residents of the neighborhood. His 
remains were immediatel}' disinterred by the author- 
ities and sent to Madison, where, after lying in 
state in the capitol, they were buried with impres- 
sive public ceremonies in the presence of a great 
concourse of people. 

After the death of Mr. Harvey his wife entered 
the army as a nurse, and there carried forwanl 
as best she could without the backing and authority 
which he enjo3'ed as Governor, the noble work 
begun by her husband and which resulted in mak- 
ing her a widow. It is doubtful whether if he had 
lived, he could have accomplished more for our 
soldiers and soldiers' widows and orphans, than 
stands credited to his indomitable and self-sacrific- 
ing consort. 

Several attempts have been made to induce the 
State to erect a suitable public monument to the 
memory of (tov. Harvey, which, though apparentl3' 
sustained by public sentiment, always resulted in 
failure. He certainly lost his life for his country, 
and while performing a dut3' not required or ex- 
pected of Governors. 

IJesides being a man of good ability and ('(luca- 
tion, Gov. Harvey was large-hearted and philan- 
thropic in an eminent degree. He was a practicn.1, 
generous Christian, eyer eager to right any wrong 
he might have done and to help the poor, the weak, 
and the suffering. He was Irul)- a good man. 





iT^^^i^iT'^^'^t^iT^^^..^ 



GOVKKNOUfS OF WISCONSIN. 



149 






-"•^"♦-C- 




ISCONSIN never had but 
one naturalized German in 
tlio gul)eruat()ri:il chair 
— Kdward Salomon — and 
ho was in every respect a 
credit to his native, as well 
as his adoi)ted, country. lie 
was born in 1828, near the cfty of Hal- 
berstidt, in Prussia, where his father was 
aproniinent civil and military oflicial. 
He was educated in the Lutheran faith in 
1 his native city and afterward was a stu- 

dent in the University of Berlin. Having 
more than the average share of enterprise 
^^^ and ambition, j'oung Salomon cniiiiratod 
to America in 1849, settling at Manitowoc, AVis. 
Here he jumijed into instant favor, being hand- 
.some, polisiied, and of courtly but pleasant man- 
ners. 

In 1852, after serving as school teacher. County 
Survej'or and Deputj- Clerk of the Court, wiiich 
ollices came to him about as rapidlj' as possible, he 
moved to Milwaukee for the purpose of studying 
law, having already become, by the closest applica- 
tion, a fluent and correct writer and speaker of the 
English language. In IS.'io he was admitted to the 
bar after a tliorough examination b}- the .Justices 
of the Supreme Court and at once formed a part- 
nership with Winfield Smith, which continued until 



Mr. Salomon removed to New York City in No- 
vember, 1869. In Jlilwaukee he soon became by 
his personal qualities as poi>idar .as he Jiad been at 
Manitowoc and by conscientious and tliorough 
study earned also the reputation of being a sound 
and accurate lawyer. 

On arriving in America Mr. Salomon quite nat- 
urally espoused the cause of the Democratic partj', 
but during Buchanan's time was "estranged by the 
palpable truckling of its leaders to the slave 
power," and in IHCO openly declared his conver- 
sion to Republican principles. In 1861 he was 
nominated for Lieutenant-Governor on the ticket 
with Louis P. Harve}-, and was elected by a larger, 
majority than had up to that time been given to 
any gubernatorial candidate on either ticket. He 
served with dignity and fairness iis President of 
the Senate, and on A\ml 19, 18G2, owing to the 
death by drowning of Gov. Harve}-, was called to 
exercise the functions of chief executive. His 
comparative youth, and supposed unfamiliarily 
with polilicnl matters, caused some apprehensions to 
many of his own party, but these were allaj'ed 
within a very short time after he assumed the chair. 
He remained Governor until .lanuarj', 1861, and it 
is certain that during his time the lal>oi-s of that 
ollice were continuously more arduous than they 
ever were before or have been since. The duties "f 



150 



EDWARD SALOMON. 



carrying out within this State the war measures of 
tiie national govornnienl, of organizing the regi- 
ments furnished by tiie State during that time, and 
of the selection of officers, of overseeing tlieir 
equipment and maintenance, which were afterward 
transferred to federal ollieers, devolved during the 
time largely upon the Governor. His zeal was un- 
tiring, and his industry unceasing. 

For months in succession he was found in tlie 
executive ofHce at Madison at all hours, from eight 
in the morning until twelve at night; and no labor 
was deemed by him too arduous, no fatigue too 
great to be borne, if it seemed likely to insure suc- 
cess in the great work which he took upon liiinself. 
His activity necessarily brought upon him tlie hos- 
tility of many of the opposite party, and espec- 
ially of those individuals ui)on whom the war 
secmea to impose special hardships. 

I'he vigorous measures by which he promptly 
subdued the insurrection against the draft in Ozau- 
kee and Washington counties were the occasion of 
much praise, and upon the other hand of the bit- 
terest censure. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of 
War, issued in 1862, what was then known as the 
"stay-at-home order." It prohibited citizens liable 
to military service from leaving for Canada, or any 
foreign country. Tliis order was particularly obnox- 
ious to a certain large class of naturalized citizens 
who proposed to, and did in considerable luimbers 
return to tlieir native lands to escape the draft] 
Gov. Salomon having been born abroad, these peo- 
ple were very angry because he took sucli a decided 
stand in enforcing the terms of Stanton's obnox- 
ious order. He caused a number of people who 
were arrested for participating in the riotous pro- 
ceedings to be brought to Madison, and there con- 
fined in camp prison for some weeks, until, partly 
by the intervention of writs of habeas corpus, and 
partly by the voluntary act of the Governor un- 
der authority of the general government, they were 
discharged. This prompt and energetic action was 
the means of all;iying all future dangers of resist- 
ance to the draft, although it made for the Gover- 
nor aimost as many enemies as new friends. 

Gov . Salomon's official acts are i)art of the history 
of the ;itate, but among them may be named the 
calling oi an extra session of the Legislature in the 



year 1862, for the purpose of conferring the right 
upon the soldiers to take part in the elections, 
which right was duly conferred; and for the pur- 
pose of empowering the municipalities of the State 
to raise money for the payment of bounties to vol- 
unteers. During his term of office a very large pro- 
portion of the troops who saw active service in the 
field were sent from the State, and each regiment 
and each company carried into the field the evi- 
dences of the conscientious care and the earnest 
forethought of Gov. Salomon. He visited the 
army in order to see with his own eyes how the 
boys fared in the field, and was a great favorite 
among the Wisconsin troo])s wherever he met them. 
He spared no pains to contribute to their welfare, 
and among the old veterans there will always exist 
the warmest remembrance of Kdwnrd Salomon. 

Gov. Salomon was warmly urged by his friends 
to be a candidate for the nomination of Governor 
in the fall of 1863, but declined persistentlj-, until 
at the request of his friends in the army, who made it 
a ])oint of duty with him, he reluctantly consented, 
but so late in the campaign that James T. Lewis, 
then Secretary of State, had become conspicaious as 
a candidate. Gov. Salomon, being prompted by 
his first position from making efforts for his own 
success, failed of the nomination, though by a nar- 
row margin. 

In 1868 Mr. Salomon's friends brought him for- 
ward as a candidate for I'nited States Senator to 
succeed James. It. Doolittle. The campaign was in 
many respects a memorable one, and resulted in the 
election of Matt. H. Carpenter, a resident also of 
Milwaukee. Having received at about this time 
flattering offers to locate in New York Cit}^ Mr. 
Salomon concluded to accept and has since made 
that city his home and the seat of liis professional 
labors. His practice is very large and profitable, 
.and gener.ally of a pleasant though important and 
responsible nature. He has been for some time, 
for instance, the agent of the Germ.an Empire, a 
position frequently requiring his personal advice 
presence in Europe. He also takes an .active 
part in national politics, more, however, as an inde- 
pendent and reformer than as a strict adherent to 
any party, and in these positions wields a large iu- 
lluence. 



GOVERNORS OK WISCON'^IN. 



153 





ds ^ai^toi^ ^^c^tOig. te 





-5^^— 



IIOUGII quiet and imassuni- 
'!« ilia ill bolli manners and 
method, Mr. Lewis lias en- 
j())-ed an unusually lon<r list 
of lienors in liis adopted 
State. He was born at Claren- 
don, N. Y., Oot. 30, 1819, his 
father being of New England 
and his mother of Scotch par- 
rents, lie thus inherited pa- 
tience, economy, energy and 
integrity. After receiving a com- 
mon-school education, James was 
sent first sent to Clarksoii Acad- 
em}- and then to Clinton Seminary, 
in which he pursued the English classical cf)urse of 
study. Fond from boyhood of military ticlics. he 
early joined the State Militia, and was an active 
and enthusiastic soldier. In 18."?8 he was made 
Sergeant, and in 1840 Lieutenant of the 215lh 
Regiment. 

Having to relv upon his own resources, he taught 
school in Western New York in lKHi-41-12, and 
thus earned and saved money enough to enable 
him to ]nirsuc the study of law, which he began in 
1812 in tiie olticc of (iov. Ileury K. Selden. at 
Clarkson. After completing his studies and secur- 
ing admission to the bar, he stjirted for the West, 
without money or law books, and settled at Colum- 



bus, Wis., where he has since continuously resided, 
in 184.i. Here ho was admitted to the bar of tlie 
I'nited States District and Territorial Courts, 
and began at once the practice of iiis profession, 
llefore the end of a year he was married and elected 
to his first public office. From that time his pro- 
motion in public favor was steady, being chosen 
successively. District Attorney, County Judge, 
member of the Constitutional Convention of 1847, 
Court Commissioner, Colonel of the 14th Regiment, 
I!iigailier-( General of tlie Wisconsin State Militia, 
member of Assemblj', State Senator, memlier of the 
Court of Imiwachincnt that tried Judge Levi Ilub- 
lieil. Lieutenaiit-OoveriKir (serving as Governor 
during 1855, in the absence of the Governor), Stc- 
retarj' of State, Regent of the State University, 
and (iovernor. While .Secretarv of .Stale he acted 
as Governor during the extra session of the Legis- 
lature in 1H(>2. that officer being ex-officio Governor 
in the event of dcatli or absence of l)oth Gover- 
nor and Lieutenant Governor. 

As Secretary of State, it wijs .laid of Mr. Lewis: 
" He was i)rompt, methodical and systematic in 
in all the departments of his office, — a true man 
in everv sense of the word, — kind and gentle- 
manly in his deportment and possessing great 
executive ability." At the election when he w.as 
a candidate for .Secretary, he received every vot«; 
cast in the city of Columbus, his home, and in 



164 



JAMES TAYLOR LEWIS. 



1863 was chosen Governor by a larger majority 
than had ever been given for any other candidate, 
—23,664. 

Wisconsin never had a more conscientious and 
self-s.acrificing executive. It was literally true that 
whatever he possessed of time, talent, energy- and 
means, was devoted to the welfare of the public. 
He secured an order permitting the transfer of all 
sick and wounded Wisconsin soldiers to hospitals 
within the State, and put forth great efforts to es- 
tablish more and better hospitals, and to care for 
soldiers' orphans and widows. "By personal ef- 
forts he obtained credit from the Government for 
soldiers furnished and reduced the quota at one 
time by 4,000 men, and was especially successful in 
seeuring the claims of the State against the Govern- 
ment, amounting in all to more than a half-million 
dollars. In 186.5, by his wise administration, the 
State tax was reduced by several hundred thousand 
dollars, and during his entire incumbency he did 
not use one dollar of tlie military contingent fund. 
At his request tiie Legislature declined to vote the 
usual appropriation of |!r),000 as a general contin- 
gent fund for the use of the executive." 

In 1865 Mr. Lewis declined a rie-nomination, 
whereupon the Union -Republican Convention 
p:issed the following resolution: 

"Resolved, That by his continued adherence to 
the purpose })u))licly avowed b3' him on the day of 
his inauguration, not to be a candidate for re- 
election, there is left us no other mode of mani- 
festing our sentiment toward the present chief 
magistrate of the State, Hon. James T. Lewis, than 
by giving expression to our cordial approbation 
of his administration of the executive office. In the 
discharge of his oflicial duties, he has shown a fidel- 
ity, zeal, economy, and untiring watchfulness in 
protecting the interests of the State, wliich are recog- 
nized and appreciated by an intelligent people; and 
in the voluntary retirement from public life which 
he seeks, he will be followed ])y their sincere re- 
spect and warm good wishes." 

As far as authentically known. Gov. Lewis enjoys 



the distinction of being the only man who ever de- 
clined a nomination for chief executive of Wiscon- 
sin, when both the calling and election were sure. 
Indeed, he is almost as distinguished for declining 
as for being chosen to public oflice. He has several 
times declined legislative nominations; in 1865 
refused to accept the tender of a foreign mission by 
the President of the United States; in 1866 declined 
to serve as Regent of the State University ; returned 
an appointment as Commissioner of Intern.al Rev- 
enue in 1876, and in 1878 declined the proffered 
appointment of Railroad Commissioneer of AVis- 
consin. 

One marked feature of Gov. Lewis' character is 
his benevolence. Besides his numerous personal 
gifts he devotes a portion of his annual income to 
the building and support of universities, colleges, 
academics and educational interests — the most ju- 
dicious. and lasting form of public giving; and in 
1864 Lawrence University conferred upon him the 
degree of LL. D., an honor to which he was liber- 
ally entitled. 

In 1868 Gov. Lewis was made Vice-President of 
the AVisconsin State Historical Society; visited Eu- 
rope during the Franco-Prussian war; went as dele- 
gate to the Republican National Convention in 
1876, which nominated R. B. Hayes for President, 
ami in 1882-83 completed a journey around the 
world. On several occasions he has received votes 
in the Legislature for the position of United States 
Senator, but, having made no organized effort in 
th.it direction through himself or his friends, was 
naturally outstripped by those who make more of 
a business of rallying and marshaling the political 
forces in the usual way. 

A noticeable feature of Gov. Lewis' career is that 
he has not changed his place of residence, his busi- 
ness, his religion, his political principles, his habits 
of life nor his friendships, nor lost the esteem of his 
neighbors, since he first settled in AVisconsin, almost 
a half-century ago. This is all the proof that is 
necessary of his goodness and steadfastness of 
character. 



GOVKRNORS OF WISCONSIN. 



157 












-^-^«^<!^4^-^' 




51 IE ninth Governor of AVis- 
consin, Gen. Fairchild, was 
l)<)rn on Dec. 27, 1831, at 
Franklin Mills, now Kent, 
Ohio, where his fatiier, J. 
C. Fairchild, of English 
descent and more than or- 
dinary natural gifts, lived in his 
own house, owned and managed 
the one store of the village, and 
a tanner}^; and, being also a Jus- 
tice of the Peace, was generally 
known as the "Squire." The 
mother, Sally Blair, a young 
woman of fine physique, of un- 
mixed Scotcli-Irisli ancestry, tem- 
pered by three generations in the 
iomantic hills of AVestcrn IMassacliusults, had great 
executive ability, a far-reaching hospitality, and 
quick, keen, good sense. With a view to the better 
e<lucalion of their children, the family removed to 
Cleveland, where the boys had the unique promise 
from their father of a gold watcli each, when they 
should have committed to niemur}- tiie dictionary! 
Needless to say the watches were never received, 
though there is a tv;iditi<in that the book w.as con- 
quered as far as the D words. 



Having suffered greatly from the financial crisis 
of 1837, the father, now known b}' rank in the 
militia as Col. Fairchild, removed with his family, <. 
1846, to Madison, then a small village whose lingu- 
lar beauty had captured him while merely passing 
through the Territory-. In Wisconsin the educa- 
tion of the sons, begun in Cleveland, and aided by 
a year at a boarding school near that city, was sup- 
plemented by a year at Carroll College. But the 
impatient spirit of Lucius was not of those who 
take their knowledge at second hand from books, 
lie must wring it by personal exi)erience from the 
world; and so, in 1849, at seventeen years of age, 
he started, with a saddle horse and as many luxu- 
ries as could be crowded into a '-prairie schooner," 
for California. This wjjs education indeed, and he 
was of the few who returned after six j'ears with a 
creditable "pile" of goM, and with mental, moral 
and i)hysical powers unimpaired. 

The firing on Ft. .Sumter found the young man 
occupied as Clerk of the District Court of I)«ne 
County, in the performance of which duties he be- 
came sulliciently learned in the law to be admitted 
to the bar. His I'isi'rewas ,'^iven to the enjoy- 
ment of "society," with a zest born of California 
deprivation; nevertheless, he responded instantly 
to Lincoln's call for triMips, by offering his services 



158 



LUCIT^S FAIRCHILD. 



as a i^rivate. In gratitude for the moral effect of 
this prompt action, Gov. Randall offered to him 
tiie Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the 1st Regiment. His 
knowledge of military matters being only that 
gained by belonging to the "Governor's Guard," 
he felt himself insufficiently equipped for assum- 
ing a position so responsible. lie was elected 
Captain of Company K, in tiie 1st Regiment, how- 
ever, and Irom that his i)romotion was rapid. 

His Colonel, a graduate of West Point, knew 
how things should be done, and took the profes- 
sional view that it was a Lieutenant-Colonel's place 
to do them. The young ofllcer eagerly availed him- 
self of so exceptional an opportunity to become 
familiar with the best military methods, and wrote 
home to his mother: " 'The Army Regulations' are 
my Bible and the 'Tactics' my Prayer Book, which 
I study night and day." At Gainesville, Col. 
O'Connor was killed and Col. Fairchild assumed 
full command of the 2d Wisconsin. The vicissitudes 
and heroic deeds of the Iron Brigade are familiar 
to all, and in these are included the histor}^ of 
Gen. Fairchild's military career. The battle of 
Gettysburg reduced the 'id Regiment to a handful 
of men, whose field officers were all either killed or 
seriously wounded, and Col. Fairchild was carried 
home minus an arm. 

Here followed a painful crisis in his life. Dur- 
ing this period of enforced inactivity, he found 
that the political party with which he had from 
youth been identified, was lukewarm to the cause 
which had become to him the dearest in the world. 
Convinced that, while physically incapacitated to 
be in the field, he could fight as effectively under 
the same banner by throwing his influence with 
those who were making a civil struggle to push the 
war to a successful conclusion, he agreed to permit 
his name to go on the Union-Republican ticket for 
the office of Secretary of State. In order to do 
this he was compelled to give up his hard-earned 
rank in the army — Brigadier-General of Volunteers 
for gallantry at Gettysburg, and Captain in the IGth 
Regular Infantry, an honor awarded after Bull 
Run. This last being for life, wouli), in the regular 
order of promotion, have made him a Colonel only 
a few years later; yet he resigned them all, left the 
Democratic party, joined the Union-Ropublicans, 
and was elected Secretary of State on their ticket. 

One term as Secretary of State, three terms as 
Governor — eight years in all — positions given each 
time by the spontaneous will of the people, leave 
his civil as unstained as his military record. 
Devoted to the agricultural and educational inter- 
terests of the State, eager in the promotion of the 
welfare of all classes, he gave unremittingl}' the 
very best of himself to his work. Of matters con- 



connected with the State University, his ex-officio 
position of regent gave an opportunity to si»eak 
with no uncertain sound, and this munificent 
provision of the General Government became 
thenceforward more and more an object of pride 
and fostering care to the State. 

In January, 1872, he retired to private life, only 
to be called upon in October, by President Grant, 
to go as Consul at Liverpool. That this very re- 
sponsible position was bj' him filled acceptably, ir- 
the universal record. Its duties are largely judi- 
cial — settling questions between captains and sea- 
men, etc., and for this he was fortunately prepared 
by some previous knowledge of admiralty law. 

At the end of five useful and pleasant years he 
prepared to return to his native land — indeed had 
sent his household goods before him — when, to his 
surprise, he received a commission as Consul Gen- 
eral at Paris, where he again had a successful nnd 
honorable career. Once again, when he had dc 
cided to resign and return home, he was called by 
President Ha3'es to succeed James Russell Lowell, 
as Minister at the Spanish Court. This opened a 
new and delightful field of work and observation, 
but at the end of two more years he felt that he 
would no longer keep his children in exile, and 
peremptorily resigned. 

On his return to Wisconsin, in March, 1882, he was 
welcomed by all parties and classes with an ovation 
of the most enthusiastic description. Since that date, 
while still in the full vigor of manhood, his life has 
been essentially that of a private citizen. Much 
of his time is given for the benefit of the disabled 
and poor comrades of the Union Army. In Feb- 
ruary, 188t>, he was elected Commander of the 
Wisconsin department, and, in August of the same 
year, C^ommander in Chief of the Grand Army of 
the Republic. To the discharge of the duties of these 
offices his whole time was given during nearly two 
years. He is public-si)irited and ready to throw him- 
self into every effort, small or great, toward advance- 
ment; and free from the cares of public life, he 
finds leisure for many of the public services which 
belong to the private citizen. He retains his in- 
tense interest in all the political questions of the 
day, and in election campaigns works from Maine 
to Tex.as, at his own private expense, and with 
greater effect because he has no personal interest at 
stake. 

He lives in the home built by his father fortj' 
years ago on the banks of Lake Monona, and there 
dispenses hospitality and makes a bright centre of 
cheerfulness, which spreads blessings to a wide 
circle. He has a charming and accomplished wife, 
dutiful and affectionate children, and the wisdom 
to know when he is happy. 




.^^^t^ /^<ie^^^.^€^€^.^W 



GOVERNORS OF WISCONSIN. 



IC! 



< 



r^3:^\^S^^:M}& j£AJLilS SL 




TFT-T^rTTXr^. \.<^.\ .. \. V^^^JTSOf ^ 



tadwalader (Loldooa ^^lATasKb 







"S< 




-M-2c^=5^=f+-?— 








OV. WASHI'.rnX was alto- 
gethei' too large a man to 
be sketched in a ha.st_y man- 
ner, or within a limited 
space. It would require a 
great deal of careful study 
'^ ^ to get his true measure. He 
was one of a long line of able, sub- 
stantial and successful men. John 
"W.ishburn, Secretary of Plymouth 
£i^^^|^ Colony, in England, settled at Dux- 
bury, Mass., in 1()31, and became 
wealthy and prominent. Israel Wash- 
burn, the next in line, became a 
Captain in the Revolution, a mem- 
ber of the General Court, and sat in the con- 
vention which ratified the Constitution of the 
United States. Israel Wasliburn, Jr., father of 
Gov. Washburn, born at Raynham, Mass., in 1784, 
was equally prominent, and lived until 1876, and 
to see his large family of sons more successful in 
private and public life than any other of equal 
number in the Union. 

The mother of Gov. Washburn was a descendant 
of John Benjamin, wlio settled in .Masachussetts in 
1 C.32, and was one of the proprietors of Cambridge. 
Her ancestors served the Colonies and the infant 
Union with no less zeal and distinction tiian those 
of her husband. So there was good stuff in (iov. 
Washburn, who w.os born at Liverniore, Maine, on 
Ajiril 22, 1818, where his father owned a farm and 
general store. One who knew him in youth says: 
"He was a quiet, broad-shuuldered bo^', never in 



trouble, and liked by everybody — observing, 
studious and persistent." He lived at home until 
18;55, working on the farm and attending the town 
school. In 1 835 he entered a store at Ilallowell, 
then a cultured and thrifty town, where he enjoyed 
unusual social and business opportunities. During 
the winter of 1 8:38-39 he taught the chief school at 
Wiscasset, and with the money thus earned set out 
early in the spring of 1839 for the Territory of 
Iowa. His (irst stopping place was in the village 
of Davenport, where he taught a ])rivate scIkxjI for 
three months. On the day following the close of 
school he took a position with ]>avid Dale Owen, 
on the Iowa Geological Survey, which Congress 
had just ordered to be made. 

In the winter of 1839-10 young Wasiiburn went 
to Rock Island, 111., and began the study of law 
with a former friend in Maine, Joseph B. Wells. 
At the election of 1810 he supported Gen. Harri- 
son, and was himself elected to the office of Sur- 
veyor of Rock Island County. In M.arch, 1842, at 
the age oi twent3--four years, Mr. Washburn estab- 
lished his residence in Mineral I'oint, Wis., was 
admitted to the bar of the United Stales District 
C'ourt,'"and began the practice of his profession. 
Mineral Point was then a thriving mining town, 
and Mr. Washburn by close and careful attention 
to whatever was entrusted to him, honesty and 
general trustworthy methods, soon grew into a 
large and jirofitable practice. In 1844 he entered 
into partnership with Cyrus Woodman, fur some 
years .agent of the New England Land Company. 
(!ra<lually the lirni of W.ishburn A- Woodman, 
having now an abundance of capital, abandoned the 



162 



CADWALADER COLDOON WASHBURN. 



practice of law, and gave attention excliisivel3' to 
enterinfT, purchasing and selling land, perfecting 
titles, locating Mexican land warrants, and trans- 
acting a general financial and land business. 

In 1)S.J2, on the invitation of Gov. Farwcll and 
Justice Harlow S. Orton, Mr. Washl)urn went to 
Madison to assist in framing a general banking 
law, under which, when enacted, his firm opened the 
Mineral I'oint IJank. This institution stood the test 
of all linaiK-ial reverses, never suspended specie 
payment, and when finally its affairs were wound 
up, paid every dollar of liability i]i gold and silvc^r. 

In I\Iar(;li, 18.').'), Mr. AVoodman retii-ed from the 
firm, leaving its immense affairs to be managed en- 
tirely by Mr. Washburn, who had, at the previous 
November election, entirely without solicitation 
and jigainst his will, been elected to Congress by 
the Republicans, then just organized. On taking 
his seat he met his brothers, Israel from Maine, and 
Elihu 15, from Illinois, liothof whom had been first 
elected to Congress, like himself, at the age of 
thirty -six years; and during the ensuing six years 
these three strong brothers, from three ditTerent 
States, occupied seats together, and impressed their 
united strength upon the legislation of the countrj'. 

In 1801 the committee of thirty-three on the 
state of the Union, of which Gov. Washburn was a 
member, reported an amendment to the Constitu- 
tion, making slavery perpetual. He joined with Mr, 
Taiipan, of \'erMioi)t, in a minority report against 
the pro|)osed amen<iment, and .against any con- 
cessions whatever of libertj' to slavery, or in favor 
of secession. Addressing the House on that sub- 
ject he closed with these prophetic words : 

"Sir, I have no special dread in reg.ard to the 
future of this Repulilic, Whatever may come 
1 have an abiding faith in a kind I'rovidence that 
has ever watched over ns, that passing events will be 
overruled for good, and for the welfare of mankind 
in this and other lands. \f this Union must be dis- 
solved, whether I)y peaceable secession, or through 
fire, and blood, and civil war, we sh.all have the 
consolation of knowing that vheii the conflict in 
over, those vho survive it will be, what they never 
have been, inhabitants of a free country\" 

In March, 18(>1, Gov. Washburn removed to 
La Crosse, but had hardly settled down to attention 
to his enormous private interests before he saw 
lliat the cause of the Union demanded all the men 
and means at the command of the North. He 
therefore raised the second regiment of cavalry, 
was commissione<l Colonel, and reported for duty 
on Oct. 10, 1861. It is impossible to follow here 
his 7nilit.ary oi)erations in detail. He became a 
Major Ceneral on Nov, •>[), 1802, and until he re- 
signed, in M.ay, 1865, was an active, daring and 



successful commander. ' One of his notable feats 
was reducing, with an inferior force, the bomb- 
proof ivorks at Esperenza, Texas, and historical 
works on the war declare him to have been one of 
tlie very best district commanders in the armj-. 
Like Grant, he never turned back, and never for a 
moment lost faith in the ultimate triumph of the 
Union Army. 

In 1866 Mr. Washburn was again elected to Con- 
gress, and re-elected in 1868. During these terms 
he gave earnest attention to the postal, transporta- 
tion and telegraph service, recommending (iovern- 
ment Control and ownership of the telegraph as a 
means of transn)itting information, as proper and 
essential as an3' form then in use. At the dose of 
his last terra in Congress, in 1871, the Republicans 
'irought him forward as a candidate for Governor, 
and he was elected over .Tames R. Doolittle by 
lO.OdO majority. His administration was quiet, 
able and economical, and very useful to the people 
of the State. In 1873 he was re-nominated, but 
the high-tide of CJrangcrism, general dissatisfaction 
with railway charges, and h.ard times, conspired to 
bis defeat by William R. Taylor. This ended Gov. 
Washburn's official career, though, in 1875, as lie 
had been in 1861 and 186'.), he w.as an unsuccessful 
candidate for the United States Senate. While gen- 
erally .a man's ])ul)lic career more than an3thing 
else attracts pulilic attention, it was in private life 
and business that the great qualities of Gov. Wash- 
burn were most conspicuously exhiliited. He was 
one of the earliest purchasers of pine lands, and held 
them when others were selling similar possessions 
for a song. He was no speculator, but made sev- 
eral million dollars in the manufacture of lumber 
and Hour. After the destruction, in 1878, of his 
great mill at Minneapolis, where he was one of the 
early and princii)al owners of the St, Anthony's 
Falls Water Power, he went to Euiope for the pur- 
pose of studying the various jirocesses of making 
fiour. As a result he was the first to introduce into 
America the Hungarian roller system, and what is 
known as the patent process of producing Hour, and 
made his new mill the largest and best in the 
world. 

Gov. Washburn's charities were nobly and nio<l- 
estly bestowed — W.ashburn Observatory to the 
Wisconsin State University, at Madison; People's 
Library, in La Crosse; Miiuieapolis Orph.an's Asy- 
lum, in memory of his mother; his beautiful home 
and grounds, at Edgwood, near Madison, to the 
Catholic Sisters, the State having refused to accept 
it for public purposes, and numerous lesser gifts. He 
died of i)aralysis, superinduced by a complication of 
diseases, at F^ureka Springs, Ark., on .May 11, 1882, 
aged sixty-four years. 



^ 





GOVKKNUKS UF WISCONSIN. 



16A 




^"^■'' WILLIAM liUBEliT'-TAYl^R'"? 





'^ji^-' 




-*^9'€~— 



ILLIAM R. TAYLOR is of 

f^ Scotch descent, born in 
in Counecticiit, July 10, 
1820. His mother died be- 
fore he had reached the 
age of three weeks, and his 
father, an ocean caijlain, was 
lost at sea, with his vessel, five years 
later. At tlie age of six years lie was 
placed under severe guardianship in Jef- 
ferson Countj', N. Y., three miles from 
school, in a newl3'-settle(l section. Be- 
fore reaching the age of sixteen he was 
awakened to the necessitj' of securing an 
education, and at once began a course of 
study whicli, alternating with hard labor in the 
fields and forests, continued until he had secured a 
certificate of admission to the third term of the 
sopiioinore ^ear of I'nion College, at Schenectady, 
N. Y. For the want of financial ability' he was 
unable to enter college, but wont instead into the 
sugar-bush and made 1,100 poun<lsof maple sugar 
and two barrels of molasses with which to pay 
board and tuilion bills already incurred. 

He next taught a select school, and then an 
academy. In 1840 he went to Elyria, Ohio, and 
joined a class of forty-five, preparing to become 
teachere. The autlioritics of La Porte were offer- 
ing at this time a large salary to an3' teacher who 
jould manage their public school, notoriously the 
most rough and ungovernable in the section. Yoiniir 



Taylor engaged to teach it, and before tlie end of 
his third term it became the premium school of the 
county. 

He now undertook the management of a grist- 
mill, sawmill and ciiiiola furnace, at which lie im- 
paired his healtii by overwork. He then devoted 
his spare time to reading medicine, and during the 
winter of 18-15-4(; took a course of lectures and 
clinical instruction at tlie Medical College of Cleve- 
land. 

While residing in Ohio he was elected Captain 

receiving every vote of tlie 101 members of his 
company — and afterward a Colonel of tiie State 
Militia. In 1848 he removed to AVisconsin, set- 
tling on the farm in Cottage Grove, Dane County, 
on which he still resides. 

It was not long before his neiglibors began to 
bestow otlicial favors upon him, and for forty 
years he has liardly been witiiout some public 
duty to i)erform. Several times he has received 
nearly all, and twice all the votes put in the box 
for Chairman of his town; has been Superintend- 
ent of public schools; three times Chairman of the 
County Board of Supervisors, now consisting of 
forty -six members; was County Superintendent of 
Poor for seventeen years; was Trustee, Vice-Presi- 
dent and member of the executive board of the 
State Hospital for Insane from its re-organization, 
in 18fi0, until he became Governor, in 1K74; has 
been elected to both branches of the Legislature; 



1(56 



WILLIAM ROBERT TAYLOR. 



was seven years President of the Dane County 
Agricultural Society; seven years Chief Marshal, 
and two years President of tlie ^\'isconsiIl State 
Agricultural Association, and during the Rebellion 
was tlie first man in Dane County to offer a bounty 
for volunteer enlistments. 

In 1873 he was by acclamation placed in nomi- 
nation for Governor by a convention composed of 
"Democrats, Liberal Republicans and other electors 
friendly to genuine reform through equal and im- 
partial legislation, honesty in otlice and rigid econ- 
omy in the administration of public affairs." His 
oijponent was C. C. Washburn, then Governor, 
over whom he was elected by a m.ajority of 1.5,411. 
It was JMr. Taylor's fortune to belong to the mi- 
nority party when he was elected Chairman of the 
County Board of Supervisors, member of Assem- 
bly, State Senator and Governor. 

His gubernatorial appointments were more nearly 
non-partis&n than those of any previous executive, 
his aim being to secure men of peculiar fitness and 
ability for the manageincnl of the various chari- 
table, peii.al and reformatory, and especially the 
educational institutions. And thus some of the 
best men in both parties were commissioned by 
him independent of pressure, importunity or at- 
tack. 

One of the appointments whicli will ever re- 
dound to his credit is that of Kdward G. Ryan. 
to be Chief .Tustice of the Supreme C(nirt — an ap- 
pointment made upon his own judgment of emi- 
nent qualifications. 

The most important work of Gov. Taylor's term 
was the en.-ictmentof the "Rotter law." which aimed 
to place railways completely under State control, 
limiting charges for transporting passengers, classi- 
f\ing froi<rht, and regulating the prices for its 
transportation. 

At the outset the two chief railw.iy corporations 
of the St.ate served formal notice upon the Gov- 
ernor that they would not respect the provisions of 
this law. Uniler his oath of ofHce to support the 
Constitution, and to "take care" that the laws be 
faithfully executed, he promi)tly responded to 
the noliVication of the railroad companies by a 
proclamation, dated ]\Iay 1, 1874, in which he en- 
joined comijlinnce with the statute, declaring that 
all the functions of his ofHce would be exercised in 
faithfully executing the laws. "The law of the 
land," said he, "must be respected and obeyed. 
While none are so weak as to be without its pro- 
tection, none are so strong as to be above its re- 
straints." 

The result was an appeal to the courts, in which 
the (Governor and his advisers were forced to cun- 
tront an array of the most formidable legal talent 



of the country. Upon the result in Wisconsin de- 
pended the vitality of similar legislation in otiiev 
States; and Gov. Ta3ior was thus com|)ellcil to 
bear the brunt of a controversy of national extent 
and conseiiuence. The contention extended both 
to State and Inited States Courts, the main ques- 
tion involved being the constitutional power of 
the State over corporations of its own creation. 

In all respects the State was fully sustained in 
its position, and ultimately judgments were ren- 
dered against the cor|)orations iu all the State and 
Federal Courts, iiu-luding the Sui)rcme Court of 
the United States, and est.aMisliing finally the com- 
plete and absolute power of the people, through 
the Legislature, to modify' or altogether repeal the 
charters of corporations. 

It might be stated, in this connection, that 
Gov. Taylor wrote personall}' to Judge David 
Davis, earnestly requesting him to come to Wis- 
consin and preside at the trial of a test case, and 
he consented. ^Vnd tlius was settled by (Jov. 
T.aylor and his administratioii, a momentous issue 
between the people and the corporations — an issue 
vitally affecting all the commercial and agricul- 
tural interests of the State. 

Among the creditable acts of his administration 
were those securing ^800,000 from the tJeneral 
Government for the Fox and AVisconsin River 
Imiirovement; dividing the Stite lands into dis- 
tricts, and making each timljer agent responsible 
for his locality, by which he recovered largely 
incre,a.sed sums to the trespass fund; compell- 
ing the Wisconsin Central Railwa3' Coinpanj-, be- 
fore he would sign the certificates of its land 
grant, to give substantial assurance that the pro- 
jected line from Stevens' Point to Portage should 
be constructed; and, by taking such [irompt and 
decisive action against what he believed to be a 
fraudulent printing claim, that there w.os saved to 
the taxpayers of the Stale the snug sum of $100,000. 

During his incumbency, and at his earnest re- 
commendation, ai)propriations were cut dovvn, the 
rate of taxation diminished, the number of depart- 
ment employes lessened, the expenses of Govern- 
ment curtailed in many ways, and the total dis- 
bursements for State purposes reduced several 
hundred thousand dollars l)elow what they had been 
in many jears. 

(iov. Taylor devoted his undivided attention 
and energies to the public service, attending per- 
sonally to minute details and the manifold labors 
of his office, and, among the long roll of gov- 
ernors, none brought to the discharge of ollicial 
<liities a clearer integrity of purpose or a more 
sturdy devotion to the public welfare limn Will- 
iam R. Taylor, the "Farmer Governor." 



GOVERNORS OK WISCONSIN. 



109 



mi. 



M 







HARRl^UN LUDii^uTON, 







• fit----?- ' ri -i^,- 



"^ii/y 






itF THE eighteen men who liiive 
served Wisconsin in tlie ca- 
,1 i)acit\' of chief executive, 
. <5 only one ever received from 
V^ the public a sobriquet that 
'^^ became popular and i)erma- 
nent. From his hearty and straigiit- 
:;-~) forward manner of expression and 
X action, IMr. Liidington earned tlie 
title of " Hlutf Hal." and in local 
campaigns in Jlilwaukee was known 
to the masses by no other name. 
He was born in I'utnnm County, 
N. Y., on July 31, 1X12. and has 
therefore reached a greater age than any other 
governor save (tov. Dodge, who was almost eighty- 
five at the time of his death. His early life was 
devoted to severe manual labor, relieved bv a few 
" winter" terms in the district school — all the edu- 
cational advantages he was ever permitted to enjoy. 
At the age of twenty-six j'ears he started, on foot 
and b^- stage, for the West, and became a perma- 
nent settler of Milwaukee in November, 1838. 
Thus the people of the Cream City have had ample 
time to take the measure of Mr. Ludington, as he 
has been active and prominent among them during 
more than half a century. 

On settling in Jlilwaukee, he at once entered 
upon the business of general merchandising in the 
"Juneau Warehouse." with his brother Lewis, un- 
der the liiin name of Ludington ct Co., at the cor- 



ner of East Water and Wisconsin streets. On this 
corner stands the Ludington IJlock, to mark tie 
spot where he began his successful and honorable 
commercial career in the West. 

In 18.51 Mr. l>udington entered iis senior mem- 
ber into the firm of Ludington. W^ells A Van 
Schaick, which concern, in the manufacture of lum- 
ber, soon became one of the most prosperous, as it 
was among the largest, producers in the Northwest. 
It is said tiiat during the entire (jcriod of his long 
mercantile and manuf.acturing career he never 
knew what it w.is to be embarrassed in business. 

In i>olitics he was in early life a Whig, but be- 
came a Republican in 1854 — .as soon sis there was 
even a skeleton of the ReimMican ])arty to which 
he could attach himself. His chief interest in po- 
litical matters consisted in choosing good men for 
ollice; yet he was twice elected Aldeiinan and 
thrice Mayor of .Milwaukee, which was in tJKjse 
(lays — 1871-2-3-4 — supposed to be a safe Demo- 
ocratic city. 

Mr. Ludington proved to be an exceptionally 
good Mayor, his great business and executive abil- 
ity enabling him to m.anage the public .as he h.ad 
his own fni.ances — with intelligence, economy and 
success. lie was ever a man of deeds, and his 
public and i)rivate life is known and m.ide up of 
what he has done, not what he h.as said. 

" The executive capacity attributed to (!ov. 
l.uilirigton can hardly be better illustrated than by 
a reference to his prompt and benevolent .action, 



170 



HARRISON HIDING TON. 



while Mayor, in rendering aid to Cbicago during the 
'great fire,' and to tlie wonderful energ}- as well as 
generous spirit displaced in collecting and forward- 
ing relief to the suffering people of the striclien city. 
By means of his prompt and energetic action tlie 
people of Mihvauliee were not only enabled to 
furnish valuable aid in subjugating tlie flames, but 
were also permitted to send successive car-loads of 
clothing and provisions to the flying population be- 
fore the full extent of the awful calamity had been 
realized." 

This signal action brouglit to him a special ac- 
acknowledgment of thanl<s an<l gratitude by the 
authorities of Chicago, and a complimentary reso- 
lution ])y the Common Council of Milwaukee. 

In 1873 Wisconsin underwent a marked political 
upheaval. Wm. R. Taylor, Democrat, w.is at that 
time elected by more than 15,000 majority, so that 
in 1875 the Republicans were anxious to place their 
strongest man in nomination and attempt to regain 
control of the State. Witli that object in view, 
solely, the convention met at Jladison and con- 
cluded unanimously that Mr. Ludington was the 
man, and nominated him by acclamation. The cam- 
paign was ably and persistently fought on lioth 
sides, the natural advantages being with the Dem- 
ocrats, who elected tlieir entire ticket — with tlie 
exception of Governor — l)y fair though reduced 
majorities. 

Mr. Far well and Mr. Bashford were elected in 
the same manner; so Mr. Ludington is the third 
and last to receive the honor of an election while 
those on the ticket with him suffered defeat. He 
resigned the position of IMayor of Milwaukee to 
be inaugurated as Governor, in January, 1876. 
At the end of his term he did not wish to be re- 
nominated, and has since lived in perfect retire- 
ment. 

His reliable business sense cropped out in the 
opening paragraph of his first message to the Leg- 
islature, as follows: " It may not be considered un- 
becoming for me to express some doubt as to the 
wisdom of the provision of the constitution, which 
makes it the duty of the incoming Governor to 
comnmnicate to the Legislature ttie condition of the 
State, and recommend such matters to them for 
their consideration as he may deem expedient. 
It would appear that such information and recom- 
mendation migiit more properly come from the 
citizen wlio had administered the affairs of the 
State during the p.ist year, than from one who jias 
just been called from other occupations to that 
duty." 

So quietly and smoothlj' did he manage the 
affairs of Wisconsin that the people never became 
fully aware of the great executive ability of Gov. 



Ludington. In some respects he liad no equal, and 
all public affairs, large and small, were conducted 
on strict business i)rinciples. In liandling and com- 
prehending masses of figures — financial reports or 
election statistics — no one in the capitol could 
match him; and he frequentlj^ found delight and 
pride in showing the clerks how to add long col- 
umns of figures swiftly and without an error. 

The most perplexing and annoying matters that 
engage the attention of a governor are the " par- 
don cases." These are numerous, and sometimes 
sad by reason of surrounding circumstances, and 
appeal so strongly to the heart .as to endanger an 
unbiased judgment and the proiier administration 
of justice. In these cases, with their adjuncts of 
the appeals, pr.ayers and tears of relatives and the 
trickery of paid advocates, Gov. Ludington would 
sit witli extreme patience for hours and listen, but 
not utter a word. Almost invariabl}', at the con- 
clusion of the argument, he was prepared with a 
final decision, and gave it there and tlieji, thus end- 
ing all suspense. And tliose familiar with these 
matters declare that he was always right — subse- 
quent investigations disclosing no reason for a 
reversal of judgment. 

One of tlie secrets of his success was absolute 
freedom from worrying — ability to "shed trouble" 
as a duck's buck sheds water. Frequently, indeed 
generally, in live minutes after deciding a case that 
liad occupied several hours with testimony, argu- 
ments and personal apiicals, lie would be found on 
the sofa in the executive cliainber, taking what he 
called " a snooze." Thus, having decided a matter, 
he put it instantly beliind him — devoted no time 
to wondering whether he had committed an error, 
whether he would ever regret it, or to other probable 
consequences. It w.as with him as with Pilate — 
" What I have written, I liave written." 

There is another fact that exemplifies Mr. Lud- 
ington's perfect business instinct, as well as his 
capacity for details. Once every week, as long as 
he w.as Governor, lie went carefully' through all the 
books and records of the executive office. The 
executive clerks were the same as thej' had been, 
and .IS they are now — capable and experienced, and 
enjoying his confidence; but he must know of his 
own personal knowledge that the public business, 
and all of it, was being promptly and projierly 
done. 

Though a man, generally, of few words, (iov. 
Ludington is a most genial companion, and in all 
matters, public and jirivate, broad-gauge, kind and 
large-hearted. He rarely gets out of temper, and 
never loses his head. In business he is a safe coun- 
sellor; in social life a generous, true and unswerv- 
ing friend, and everywhere a sturdily honest man. 




(y.^T^^y~i^ 



.^. 




GOXT.KNOPR OF WISCONSIN. 



173 



Wiirinm E'. Smith. 










->-i§e3-e- 



^^'i-^-k'S 



ggf^^^^ 



KKE is a mau distinguished 
as much for beiujf always 
the same even-tempered, 
jrunial. kindly and cour- 
teous gentleman, as for 
his real ability and ster- 
ling worth. To him also belongs 
the unusual honor of being the oid^' 
citizen of foreign birth who was 
ever elected to be chief executive 
of Wisconsin; not only so, but he 
received a greater majority than 
was ever cast for any other candi- 
date for that oflice. He wjis born 
on June 18, 1824, near Inverness, 
in the North of Scotland, where his father was a 
well-educated and prosperous gentleman. flis 
nuitlier's family name is Grant. In 183.5 the family 
came to America, and settled at Commerce, Oakland 
Co. — "County of Lakes" — Mich. His brothers 
having chosen professions, William, after st)mc 
further education in this country, earlv decided to 
adopt a mercantile life, and after an experience 
of a few 3 ears in ftlicliigan in this direction, went 
to New York City and entered the great — at le.ist 
gre.at for t*iose days — wholesale dry-goods house 
of Ira Smith >t Co., for a period of five years. 

In 1849. !,t the age of twenty-five years, he 
came to Wiscoi-sin. first settling in Racine County, 
but a little laU^r moved to Fox Lake, Dodge 




County, and established himself in the mercantile 
business, wiiicli he followed at this pl:ice for twenty- 
three years. Iiil8.jOlio married Mary, daughter 
of the famous Rev. John Booth, of .Micliigjui, : nd 
returned to Fox Lake, whereupon he was elected 
to the State Assembly. In the following year he 
was nominated for Assemblyman but declined to 
run, and kept out of politics until 18.)7-;)8, when 
he served as a member of the State Senate. Dur- 
ing the same year he was appointed Regent of the 
State Normal Schools, by (iov. Randall, and held 
the position uninterniptedly until he himself be- 
came (iovernor, a jieriod of twenty years. 

In 1864-6.5 Mr. Smith again served as State Sen- 
ator, l)ut in 1865, before his term had fully ex- 
pired, was elected State Treasurer on the ticket 
he.aded by Lucius Fairchild for (iovernor, and wa.s 
re-elected in 1867. In this otiice Mr. Smith added 
largely to his already substantial reputation, by the 
exceedingly careful and thrifty manner in which 
he handled the uninvested ■•trust funds" of the 
Slate. The public did not seem to care to give to 
Mr. Smith much time for attention to his private 
business, for in November, 1870, he w!is elected to 
the Legislature, and in .lauuary, 1871, chosen 
Speaker of the Assembly. This position, about 
which apparently the people gener.ally seem to know 
or care liut little, is one in which a public man may, 
and very likely will, either '-make or break" him- 
self. It is one in which quick, sure and fair judg- 
ment, patient and courteous con(fuct, accurate 
nieasurcmenl of men, ability to detect tricks and 
subterfuges, and lirmuess to do right indepeiuleut 



174 



WILLIAM K. SMITH. 



of scores of conflicting interests and oontending fac- 
tions are absolutely essential to success. Mr. Smith 
was more than successful; lie lary:ely widened the 
circle and increased the strength of his friendships. 
In 1872 he removed to Milwaukee, and formed a 
co-partnership with Judson A. Hound^' and .Sidney 
Hauxhurst, under the firm name of Smith, Roundy 
& Co., and engaged in the wholesale grocery trade. 
In 1874 he was appointed a Director of the Wis- 
consin State Prison, liy (>ov. Taylor, and held the 
position, to which he gave a great deal of time and 
thought, until his election as (iovernor compelled 
him to resign. 

In 1877 Mr. Smith received the Republican 
nomination for Governor. At this time tlie "fiat" 
money part}', st3ling themselves Greenbackers. 
were very numerous and very talkative. They 
nominated a wealtliy iiianufaeturer, named Edward 
P. Allis, as their candidate for Governor, and went 
upand down the country aiipoaling to those who 
were in debt, and especially to those who were so 
poor they could'nt get into debt, "to vote for cheap 
money;" "vote for an increase in the vokinieof the 
currency;" "vote to dethrone the baron bondhold- 
ers ; " "vote to remove the mortgages from 3-our 
farms ! " There was a very large number, as the elec- 
tion proved, whose vf)tes were to be caught with 
bait of this kiiid,and as the Democrats had nominated 
a strong, old-fashioned member of their party in 
the person of Judge James A. Blallory, Mr. .Smith's 
campaign w.as one of numerous hardsiiips and per- 
plexeties. The masses, not fully enlightened in the 
problems of a sound iiulilic finance, and suffering 
from a general depression in business, were more 
likely to 'be aroused by appeals to passion and 
prejudice, and to some extent having been so 
aroused, were more easily led by the seductive 
sophistry of "cheap nione}'," "cheap interest," and 
"no mortgages." But he ado])ted as his platform, 
instead of the rather uncertain party pi.atform 
conjured up by the convention by which he was 
nomin.ated, an address to the peoi)le setting forth 
the fallacies and dangers of the fiat- money theory, 
and the lasting benefits to individuals and to the 
State of a sound and stable currency, a currency in 
which our creditors, as well as ourselves, could put 
confidence and know that none woidd be cheated. 

The campaign was far more educational in its 
character than .any that had preceded it, and there- 
fore of inestimable value to the people, who by a 
plur.alitj' of over 8,000 votes, made Mr. Smith Gov- 
ernor. Perhaps it should be mentioned that no 
man before him had been m.ade Governor by a 
plurality vote, in f.act, that of 1877 was the first 
triangular gubernatorial contest in the history of the 
State. From the first there was an air of quiet dig- 



nity and conservative respectability about (Jov. 
Smith's administration tiiat made it very popular. 
Hesides, his appointees were selected from the able 
and honorable men of the State, and public bu>i- 
ness generally was conducted in a carcfid and 
thrifty manner. While the people were never 
dazed or amused by any pyrotechnical displ.ays of 
statesmanship, they felt certain that everything 
connected with public affairs was in safe and 
honorable hands. It was practically a faultless ad- 
ministration. When, therefore, in 187il, he was 
pl.aced before the people for re-election, they 
showed their appreciation of his qualities by an in- 
dorsement more flattering than was ever accorded 
to any other Governor — returned him to the ex- 
ecutive chamber by a plurality of 25,455, and a 
clear majority over all of 12,509. Perhaps the 
chief feature of his administrations was the adjust- 
ment of long-pending claims against the United 
.States for lands, by which hundreds of thou.sands 
of acres were secured and recorded to the State. 

On retiring from the ollice of ( rovernor, in Jan- 
uary, 1882, Mr. Smith returned to Jlilwaukee, and 
having retired from the firm of Smith, Roundy <fc 
Co., on his election to the Governorshii), in com- 
pany with Henry M. Mendel and his own son Ira, 
established a large wholesale grocery house, under 
the name and style of .Smith, INIendel & Co. To 
this he gave his time and attention, exce|)t such as 
must unavoidably be devoted to the public duties 
of a private citizen at once so popular and well- 
known, and the business prospered largely. 

On the 10th of January, 1883, the Newhall 
House in Milwaukee w.as destroyed by fire, and 
with it about fourscore human lives. The entire 
city, a house of mourning, was resolved into com- 
mittees, either to honor deeds of heroism, com- 
memorate the dead or relieve the survivors of the 
holocaust. Gov. .Smith Wiis made Chairman of the 
Relief Committee, and while in energetic and 
effective service in that capacity, contracted so se- 
vere a cold that it att.acked his lungs in the form 
of pneumonia, and resulted fatally Feb. 13, 1883. 

Thus the death of Governor Smith became almost 
as much an actu.al part of the horrors of that heart- 
sickening morning in January, as if he had been 
burned or manghHl with the otliers, with the addi- 
tional honor, that though occupying a high and 
honorable place in the community, he lost his life 
in the service of the poor and humble. His funeral 
was a wide demonstration of sorrow and respect, 
the Legislature and State officers, with other public 
officials and numerous civic societies attending in 
formal bodies for the purpose of testifying the 
public esteem and [lublic loss. William K. Smith 
was in every respect a good mai^ 






^^5S^^" 








GOVERNORS OF WISCONSIN. 



17: 




^crcrrJaK 3j^c._,aia i\usk 





-^>+<-' 



ONE of the strong characters 
and picturesque figures in 
Wisconsin is '".leKi-v" Kusk, 
\ as he is linowu throughuut 
,. ,. 5 the country, whose public 
nX^vN^ and private sayings and do- 
ings and wliose rugged personality, 
are familiar to all. He w.as born in 
Morgan County, Ohio, on June 17, 
1830, in a section, and surrounded 
by circumstances that rendered the 
attainment of a liberal education 
wholly impossible. "The nutrition of 
his early youth," says one writer, 
"was drawn direct from nature's sources of sup- 
ply — from the earth, the air, and the sun-shine. He 
obtained his sturdy strength from contact with the 
soil; he was hardened by the summer's heat, and 
the cold of winter. Plain food, active outdoor exer- 
cise, the absence of care, constant association with 
the free and benignant influences of nature, all 
united to construct for him a sound body — the 
foundation of cheerfulness, p.atient endurance, 
hopefulness, the ability to labor untiringly, perse- 
verance, and, in fine, all the essential qualities of 
success in life." 

At the .age of fourteen he lost his father and was 
thus compelled to put forth extra exertions to help 
support his mother and two sisters. For this pur- 
pose at the age of fifteen, he engaged to drive a 
four-horse stage between Zanesville and Newark, 
and became an exi)ert in horsemanship, an accom- 
(ilishment still unimpaired, of which he was always 
proud. In order to earn money with which to pay 
the taxes on Ills mother's farm he learned the 
cooper's trade, and it is said thac he can still set 



up a "tight" or "loose" barrel as well and quickjr 
:is ever. 

At the age of nineteen he was married, and in 
1 8.'J3, settled on a farm in Vernon County, Wis., 
which he still owns and calls his home. In this 
new but rapidly settling country his shrewd- 
ness, good sense and natural aptitude for leader- 
ship at once placed him at the head of local im- 
provements and public affairs. 

Early in 1855, the county ollicers were in search 
of a horse thief. "Jerry," without knowing him 
to be such, had seen the outla^v — given him his 
breakfast in fact. He believed the otiicers were be- 
ing successfully eluded by the thief, so mounted a 
horse and started in pursuit "on his own hook.' 
After a long ride over an exceedingly rough and 
hilly country, he overtook the thief, and though 
unarmed, effected a capture after a severe per- 
sonal struggle, and returned unaided with horse, 
carriage and desperado, and his own horse. For 
this feat the people made him sheriff at the ensuing 
September election, and he proved to be one of 
the best officers that ever served in that capacity. 

In November, 1801, he w:vs elected to the Legis- 
l.ature, in which he was particularly active and in- 
Uuential in furthering war measures of every kind. 
At the close of the session "Jerry" turned his at- 
tention to the war with all the vigor of his power- 
ful and cntliusiastic nature and was soon commis- 
sioned Jlajor of the 25th Regiment. He had been 
at the front but a short time when he was pro- 
moted to the Colonelcy and served as such with Gen. 
Sherman from Vicksburg to the close of the Rebel- 
lion, and W.1S breveted Brigadier-General for brav- 
ery at the Battle of Salkehatchie. 

From the first Gen. Rusk was a daring and in^ 



17S 



JEREMIAH McLAIN RUSK. 



trcpid soldier anci a model otlicer, having the con- 
fidence of his men, and bis sui^riors. He usver 
ordered the b(jys to go, but always led the van and 
bade them "come on." He was cool, fearless and 
determined, but cheerful and hopeful, and from the 
the first declared he would not leave the service 
until tiie last rebel had laid down his arms. When 
Mcl'herson fell. Rusk's command wixs at the front, 
and he lost one-third of his men. During the battle 
he was once cut off from his command and sur- 
/ounded by Confederate soldiers armed with saber- 
bayonets. His own sword was snatched awaj' and 
he was ordered to surrender, but drawing a pistol 
he used it with such deadly effect that he was 
enabled to break through his assailants and escaped 
with only a slight wound in the leg and the loss of 
sword and horse — the animal being literally rid- 
dled with bullets. In regaining his lines, Kusk's 
progress was particularly- b.-u-red by a Confederate 
with a lowered bayonet; but the soldier was killed 
by a shot from the colonel's pistol, and tlien the way 
was clear. 

In 18C6, Rusk was elected Bank Comptroller, and 
held theofllce four years during the trying time of 
bank re-organization, at the end of which service he 
was elected to the 42d, 43d, and 44th Congresses. 
In Congress he conceived and promoted some of 
the most important pension laws on the statute 
books, and was otherwise an active and useful mem- 
ber. 

In 1881, he was appointed by Garfield and con- 
firmed as United States ]\Iinisterto Paraguay, whicii 
office was declined as was also that of Minister to 
Denmark and other iraportiint tenilers. 

At this time Charles Foster, Governor of Ohio, 
was in Washington. He began to badger Rusk 
about office -getting, and thus taunted him: ''Now if 
you had any standing at home, such as 1 have, you 
could go back to Wisconsin and be elected Gov- 
ernor." 

"I can do that," exclaimed Rusk, ''and I will, 
or I'll come back to Washington and play Lady 
Godiva the whole length of Penns3'lvania avenue." 

He started immediately for Wisconsin, and though 
there were several candidates already in the field, 
was nominated for governor by the Republicans 
a, few weeks later and duly elected in November. 



lie did not have to play Lady Godiva through the 
main thoroughfare of Wasmngiou. 

In 1884 he was re-elected, and again in 1886, 
serving seven years — longer than an}- other man — 
as Governor, the Legislature having extended the 
second term one year, in order to make all lines 
of office to begin with the even numbered years. 

The ability, popularit}', and usefulness of Go ' 
Rusk's administration are the common property o\ 
the people of the State, and need no mention 
for the present generation. He accomplished 
more for the agricultural interests of the State than 
had ever been undertaken. Amongst the genera' 
ridicule of that time he manfully stood by IMagnus 
Swenson's experiments with amber cane syrup, out 
of which grew more valuable knowledge and ma- 
chinery for sugar-making than we had hitherto 
possessed. Had it not been for the firm and liberal 
backing of Gov. Rusk, it is more than likely that 
we should not have had the splendid process which 
has built up the great amber cane syrup industry 
of the southwest and made it so profitable, for 
Swenson was poor, friendless and unknown. 

During his administration farmers' institutes 
were inaugurated, the experimental station made 
effective and useful; the bureau of labor and indus- 
trial statistics established; the office of State veter- 
inary surgeon created with power to control, and 
condemn diseased horses and cattle and preserve 
the general health of domestic animals; a State 
pension agent appointed; the State militia brought 
to a perfection and effectiveness hardly equaled by 
any other State; the north and south wings of the 
capitol, the State school for dependent children at 
Sparta, and Science Hall of the State University, 
were erected, and the old war claims against the 
general Government settled and collected. 

In 1888, he received the vote of the Wisconsin 
delegation in the Republican Notional Couventioa 
as a candidate for President, and on the 4th of 
March, 18811, was called into the cabinet of Presi- 
dent Harrison to be Secretary of Agriculture. 

Gen. Rusk is six feet and two inches in height, 
massive in proportion, bright, active, and the ladies 
say, handsome. On a horse, or heading a process- 
ion, or in a promiscuous gathering, he certainly is, 
with his flowing hair and beard and ruddy com- 
plexion, a man of marked and attractive appearance. 
He loves his children, his horses, and his farm, and 
neve*" "goes back" on a true friend. 




f y?- 



T 7 

1 r 



^'^"^ ^^7 ^^ ^/U^^-.-^^ 



GOVKKNORS OF WISCONSIN. 



181 




\^i William Dempster Hoa^ri, 



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N altogether new character 
in the civil and political 
history of Wisconsin, and 
one which has but few coun- 
terparts anj'where, is William 
Dempster Hoard. lie was 
Jj born at Stockbridgc,' Madison 
Co., N. Y., Oct. 10, 1836, and 
was the son of a Methodist Cir- 
cuit- Rider. His early education 
was derived entirelj'' from the 
common schools, which were 
then none of the best. At the asre 
of twenty-one he settled near Oak 
Grove, Dodge Co., Wis., where he 
W3rked upon a farm, but removed to Lake Mills, 
Jefferson County, in 1860. 

In Jlay, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, 4th 
Wisconsin Infantry, and served until July, 1862, 
wlicn he was discharged for disability. Soon re- 
gaining his health at his former home in New York, 
he re-enlisted, in Company A, 1st New York Artil- 
lery, and remained in the service as a private tu the 
close of the war. There are flippant and careless 
souls wiio declare that Gov. Hoard and Phil Cheek, 



Jr., are the only private soldiers left in AVisconsin, 
At the close of the war lie returned to Wisconsin 
and engaged in the nursery business at Columbus, 
but in 1870 again established himself at Lake 
Mills and jjegan tiie publication of the Jefferson 
County Union, receiving during the same year the 
appointment of Deputy I'nited States Marshal, and 
also having to do with taking the Federal Census. 
In 1872 he was elected Sergeant-at-anns of the 
State Senate, and the following 3-ear removed to 
Ft Atkinson, which has since been tlie place of 
residence of himself and his newspaper. 

There is far more than is generally under- 
stood in the career of Hoard that is proud and 
creditable. Starting with absolutely no capital, he 
()ut his paper, in the way of accomitlishing some- 
tliiiig substantial for tlie community as well as for 
himself. Frt)m the beginning he devoted consider- 
able space in liis paper to the discussion of dairy 
and farm matters. Himself an expert in the l>usi- 
ness of making butter and cheese, his articles at- 
tracted and held attention from tlie good sense and 
practical knowledge wiiich tliey displayeil. 

It is true that at first the fruits oi his effort 
seemed to be Insignificant — certainly uns;»tlst;i';\oij 



182 



WILLIAM DEMPSTER HOARD. 



— but he continued unswervingly in the course 
originally marked out, and finally began to rally 
the local farmers around him. Almost entirely 
through his efforts the Jefferson County Dairyman's 
Association was organized, in 1871, followed by the 
Wisconsin State Dairyman's Association, of which he 
was also tlie real founder, and for three years Secre- 
tary, and then the Northwestern Dairyman's Asso- 
ciation, of which he has annually been chosen 
President without opposition, since 1878. 

The value of this State Association in particular 
to the farmers of Wisconsin, can hardly be com- 
puted. It found them turning out but a limited 
amount of dairy products, and those with a de- 
cided reputation for inferiority. In the course of 
a few years it saw the production increase many 
fold, and the reputation for both cheese and butter 
advance to the very front rank, manufacturers 
of Wisconsin carrying off from every competition 
more than her proportionate share of the prizes — 
indeed in some instances taking the grand prize 
over all competition in the nation or world. 

It is certainly true that " Peace hath her victories 
no less renowned than war." In this view Mr. 
Hoard is conspicuously entitled to the laurels of 
the victor; for himself and his JcfferHun County 
Union were prime factors in this great jjrogress, 
which means cash — increased profits — better educa- 
tion and more comfort in life to every maker of 
butter and cheese in the State. 

After a time the demand for the "Dairy Depart- 
ment" of his paper became such that he was com- 
pelled to issue s|)ecial editions, and linally to es- 
tablish Hoard's Dairyman on a separate ba.sis, which 
has a wide circulation, and is an accepted authority 
on dairj' matters throughout the Nation. 

When the Wisconsin Farmers' Institutes were 
organized by the State University in 188G, for the 
purpose of holding educational sessions in different 
portions of tbo State, Mr. Hoard was selected as 
the leading lecturer on dairy matters. In two sea- 
sons he delivered more than I^Od addresses on this 
subject, exposing in a frank and fearless manner 
to the slipshod and slovenly farmer the folly of his 
ways, and preaching the doctrines of agricultural 
regeneration through such improved methods as 
were in pace with modern improvements in other 
branches of business. 

Those addresses, at once simple and homely, 
were j'et so eloquent with incontrovertable facts, 
comiaon sense, and pat illustrations, .md so inter- 
sperseil with a pathos, humor and drollery not 
equalled by any other speaker in the State, as not 
only to convince, but to csptivate his audiences 
everywhere. 

When, therefore, in the spring of 1888, without 



any knowledge or consideration on his part, aia 
name was brought forward as that of a suital)le can- 
didate for (iovernor, it was received not only with 
favor, but with enthusiasm. And so widespread 
and powerful did this enthusiasm become th.'tt, 
though remaining quietly at home and "pursuing 
the even tenor of his way," the Republican m.-wses 
sought him out and made him their nominee for 
Governor, contrary, it must in truth be said, to his 
own judgment of ability and qualifications. 

In the campaign which followed he was in demano 
ever3'wlicre as a speaker, and through his addresser 
<lemonstrated that the country editor and daiiy 
specialist had been a close student and logical 
thinker in many lines of political and philosophical 
inquirj'. Indeed, an impromptu address to the 
club of "first voters" in Milwaukee, being steno- 
graphically reported, was widely published and 
favorably reviewed. He was of course elected aiu' 
duly inaugurated. 

In his mental organization Mr. Hoard is essen- 
tially a philosopher. This is known to all who 
have listened to his pul)lic addresses or have en- 
joyed a i)ersonal acquaintance with him. He never 
ap()eals to passion or seeks favor by pandering to 
ephemeral whims. In his message to the Legisla- 
ture he says: "I feel authorized to say in their 
(that is, the farmers') behalf, that they have no 
sympathy, as I have none, with any effort at legis- 
lation on any quesdou which springs from preju- 
dice." 

All his writings an ' speeches are conceived and 
framed on the same ^&sis — " know the truth and 
be guided by reason." In the onlj- authentic bio- 
gi-aphical sketch of Mr. Hoard that is extant, is the 
modest assertion: "He was educated in the com- 
mon schools." He is one of the few who really 
appreciate the value and vital importance of tiie 
district schools. In the message above referred to, 
in recommending attention to them, he said: "I 
confess to much solicitude for the common schools, 
and especially ft>r the district schools in rural com- 
munities. 1 have a profound respect for the high 
school, the academy, the college and the univer- 
sity. These, however, are but the fruits of a low- 
lier blossom, and they have many and most earnest 
advocates. But the common district school, the 
'people's college,' is so much everybody's business 
that in many respects it suffers from neglect. It 
is to the little country school that we must look, in 
a great measure, for the inculcation of the true 
principles of American citizenship." 

Mr. Hoard is yet so new in the executive chair 
that it is impossible to speak intelligently of his 
.•idministration, further than that he is careful, con- 
scientious and conservative. 




*.p^ 




^10. hr^Pt 0/^ 



GOVERNORvS OK WISCONSIN. 



•85 



GEORGE W. P§CK. 





EGRGE W. PECK, who is 
serving his second term as 
Govenior of Wisconsin, has 
by the force of his natural 
genius and originality won 
distinction as a journalist 
and statesman. He began 
his industrial career as a 
' 'printer's devil," won a Lieutenant's 
commission in the late war, was elect- 
ed by the Democrats Mayor of Mil- 
waukee in 1890, and in the same 
year by thirty-five thousand majority 
was elected Governor of Wi.sconsin, 
a State that in 18S8 had given a Re- 
publican majority of twenty-one 
thou.sand. In the fall of 1892, he was re-elected, 
and is the present incumbent. He was born at 
Hudson, Jeflferson County, N. Y., September 28, 
1840, and came to Wisconsin in 1842, six years 
before it was admitted to Statehood. The story 
of his life is best told in his own words and pecul- 
iar style, as given in his biography in the " Sol- 
diers' and Citizens' Album of Wi.scon.sin," as fol- 
lows: 

" I came to Wi.sconsin when I was two and 
a-half years old, and I have been told that I set- 
tled at Cold Spring, Jefferson County, which is 
on the road between White Water and Ft. Atkin- 
.son. When I was ten or twelve years old, our 
folks moved to White Water. What education I 
got in .school, I received in what Gov. Hoard 
calls the ' Farmers' College, the countrj- school at 



the cross roads. ' The rest I know I took out of 
a printing-office. When I was about fifteen, it 
became necessary for me to learn a trade to help 
.support myself and family, and I have been in the 
same bu.sine.ss ever .since. I learned the printer's 
trade in the office of the White Water Register. 
I commenced by carrj-ing dirty water down .stairs 
and clean water up, and for diversion would wash 
the rollers for a Washington hand press, then turn 
them on the rack until they needed washing again. 
I can work a hand-press to-day as well as any- 
body in the .State. 

"After learning the trade as well as I could, I 
monkeyed around with various newspapers, and 
finally took the foremanship of the Watertown Re- 
publican, at $3.50 per week, and took my pay in 
orders on drug stores and dealers in gents' fur- 
nishing goods. The hair which I had then was 
red, and I tried by a judicious use of drug-store 
orders and hair-oil to make it black. After a year 
or so at that, I became clerk at the Hyatt House 
at Janesville, in 1859. For a year or so I was a 
clerk for a firm which had no money and less cus- 
tom. The duty of the clerk was to stand off the 
butcher and grocer, and to collect in advance from 
the guests to pay for the wood to warm the house. 
While holding this honorable position at the lu- 
crative remuneration of $25 per month, I engaged 
myself to be married to a very decent girl named 
Francena Rowley, of Delavan, Wis., who never 
did me any harm. Just before the wedding day 
the hotel busted, and I borrowed $17 and got 
married. 



1 86 



GEORGE W. PECK. 



" Aftei the wedding tour, which lasted part of 
one day and late into the night, I went to Jeffer- 
son and bought a half-interest in the Jefferson 
County Republican, putting my labor and influ- 
ence against what my partner owed. We suc- 
ceetled in keeping it out of the sheriff's hands for 
about a year. When the war broke out my part- 
ner went one way and I the other, with the sheriif 
in the middle. 

" I enlisted with the Fourth Wisconsin Cavalrj', 
and after a year was promoted to be Second Lieu- 
tenant, which position I held till a year after the 
war, tile regiment being .stationed in Texas. It 
was a great fighting regiment until I joined it, af- 
ter which I do not recollect that it ever got into 
a battle of any account. 

" In 1866, I started the Ripon Representative in 
Fond du Lac County, withjedediah Bowen as ed- 
itor. When Grant was nominated, the paper be- 
came Democratic, and in 1868 I was hired by 
Brick Pomeroy to go to work on Ponieroy's Demo- 
crat in New York, where I staj'cd three years. I 
then walked most of the way home and took 
charge of Ponieroy's paper at La Crosse. When 
Pomeroy went to the wall and his property was 
all sold, John Symes and I bought the La Crosse 
paper. I sold out, or gave it away, and started 
Peck's SuH at La Crosse. While there I was Chief 
of Police one year, and in 1S74 was made Chief 
Clerk of the Assembly. 

" In 1878, I came to Milwaukee, and after two 
years of reasonable success the boom started with 



the ' ' Bad Boy ' ' articles, and the circulation of 
the paper ran up to eighty thousand, and I found 
an opportunity to make a dollar or two. That's 
all I know about Peck." 

The administration of Gov. Peck has been 
distinguished bj' a consistent and earnest endeavor 
to give the people the benefit of a ju.st and impar- 
tial execution of the laws, on a line of true econ- 
omy, consistent with a proper spirit of public en- 
terprise. Perhaps one of the most important 
events in the history of his administration has 
been the recoverj- to the State of a large sum oi 
money that was illegally held by various vState 
Treasurers as interest received by them on loans 
of public funds. 

As an editor, Gov. Peck distinguished him- 
self as a humorist, and for ten years he was re- 
garded as one of the most original, versatile and 
entertaining writers in the country. His intro- 
duction of the ' ' Bad Boy ' ' sketches in Peck's Sun 
proved a great hit, and from that time onward his 
success was assured. The Sun shone for him af- 
ter that with a golden lustre, and its genial rays 
nourished his fortunes to good purpose. Judicious 
investments in Milwaukee real estate, and the 
rapid increa.se of values in that thrifty city, soon 
placed the name of the editor of the Sun in the list 
of Milwaukee capitalists. Political success and 
official honors followed, until the boy who had 
started as roller-boy in a countr>' printing-office 
was accorded the highest office in the State of his; 
adoption. 



^^ 











i« ^ >i. »A. *fc ^ fv VAX 



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NEW COURT HOUSE. 



Dctlicatud llaicli Jii, Isui. 







OLD COURT HOUSE. 

Erected in Isic, 




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Waukesha Couinty, 



WISCONSIN. 




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^ — ^*' — — .^ y^7 



INT^RODUCXORY. 



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^KS«-«i»>^e>^ 




jHE time has arrived when it 
becomes the duty of the 
people of this county to per- 
petuate the names of their 
pioneers, to furnish a record 
of their early settlement, 
and relate the story of their 
progress. The civilization of our 
day, the enlightenment of the age 
and the duty that men of the pres- 
ent time owe to their ancestors, to 
themselves and to their posterity, 
demand that a record of their lives 
and deeds should be made. In bio- 
graphical history is found a power 
to instruct man by precedent, to 
enliven the mental faculties, and 
to waft down the river of time a 
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the 
people who contributed to raise this country from its 
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly 
the great and aged men, who in their jirime entered 
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their 
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re- 
maining wliocan relate the incidents of tlie first days 
■){ settlement is becoming small indeed, so tiiat an 
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser- 
vation of events without delay, before all the early 
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time. 

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind 
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, 
m spite of their best works and the most earnest 
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of 
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion 
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor- 
tion «o the amount of intelligence they jiossessed. 
ThT pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetviate the 
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- 
mations m.ide by the aicheologists of Egypt from 
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people 



to perpetuate the memory of their achievements 
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same 
purpose. Coming down to a later i)eriod, we find the 
("ireeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- 
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle theii 
great acliievements and carry them down the ages. 
It is also evident that tiie Mound-builders, in piling 
up their great mounds of eartii, had but this idea — 
to leave something to siiow that they had lived. All 
these works, though many of them costly in the ex- 
treme, give but a faint idea of tlie lives and ciiarac- 
ters of those whose memory tiiey were intended to 
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of 
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and 
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; 
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- 
bling into dust. 

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli- 
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating 
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- 
limited in extent and perpetual in its action ; and 
this is through the art of printing. 

To the present generation, however, we are in- 
debted for the introduction of the admiraJjle system 
of local biography. By this system every man, though 
he has not achieved what tiie world calls greatness, 
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, 
through the coming ages. 

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the 
physical man is left. The monument which his chil- 
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the cemc^ 
tery will i.rumble into dust and pass away; but his 
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, 
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated 
by a record of this kind. 

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we 
engrave their portraits, for tiie same reason we col- 
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we 
think it necessary, as we si)eak only truth of them, to 
wait until they are dead, or until those who know 
them are gone: to do this we are asiuimed only to 
publisii to tlie world the iiistory of those whose live^ 
are unworthy of public record. 





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ait Lflwi", ra)j 




RIKlDA WKAVHR. 



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■>o - 







HON. RICHARD WEAVKR. One of the 
best known men in Waukesha County Is 
tliis sterlinL( Knijli.sli sjentlemaii, who has 
been one of its honoied citizens since 18.37. He 
is a native of the county of Sussex, England, 
where his birtii oceiirred August 2.^), 1827, l)eing 
tlie fourth in a farail}' of sixteen ciiikii-cn, wliose 
parents were Hon. James and Elizabeth (Fielder) 
Weaver. Of the eight sons and eigiil daughters 
comprising lliis family eleven are still living, and 
arc named .as follows: William is a retired mer- 
chant of Sussex; Ricliard i.s the next; .Toiin is a 
farmer in Oregon; Edward J. pursues the same 
calling at Cambria, Columbia County, Wis.; Mary 
is the wife of .lames Craven, a farmer of Lisbon 
Township; Emily married Robert Ei'ost, a retired 
farmer of Sussex; Lucy is living in the same vil- 
lage; Lydia became tiic wife of .Tohn Russell, an 
agriculturist of Cambria, Columbia County; Ann 
married James Howitt, a farmer of Empire Prairie, 
Mo.; Alfred S. is an agriculturist and stock-raiser 
of the town of Lisbon, and Richmond T. is also a 
resident of the same township. The father of this 
family, the Hon. James Weaver, was born in the 
county of Kent, England, October 17, 1800, and 
died in Lisbon Township, October 8, 1886. In his 
native land he was reared to the occupation of 
gardener, and received a good common school edu- 
cation. In 1830, accompanied by his wife and six 
children, he set sail in the brig "Emma" from the 
harbor of Rye on the 17lh of April, and after a 
voyage lasting six weeks, stepped on shore at New 
York. On reaching Oneida County, where he made 
a location, he had just enough money to purchase 
a cow. He at once turned his attention to agri- 



culture and to growing hops, which at that time 
was an important industry. In the year 1837, 
the westward journey was resumed by w.ay of the 
Erie Canal and the Great Lakes. The vessel on 
which they came, the "Julia Palmer," landed at 
Milwaukee on the Hth of June. The magnificent 
city was then a hamlet, no pier had been construct- 
ed, and the passengers were therefore taken ashore 
on an old scow. As there was no bridge across 
the Milwaukee River, they were taken over by 
means of a crude ferry-boat. The principal part 
of the business w.is done on East and West Water 
Streets, and what is now the most valuable portion 
of the city was then a tamarack swamp. Wiscon- 
sin had not dreamed of having a railroad, factory 
or any other great industr.y. Mr. Weaver came 
on to Lisbon Township, which was then embraced 
within the limits of Milwaukee Coiinty. There 
were but three log cabins in the town, the one 
erected by Mr. Weaver being the fourth. It was 
.as good as any the first settlers liad, but his son, 
Richard, says that oftentimes when they arose in 
the morning, two or three inches of snow covered 
the lloor and bed. The Indians had not 3-et de- 
parted for their western home; as many as three 
hundred Winnebagoes camped within eighty rods 
of the Weaver homestead. Churches and schools, 
the great promoters of civilization, with their ele- 
vating and moralizing inlluences, as yet had not 
been established. It w.as the happy lot of Mr. 
Weaver to assist in creating and promoting these 
institutions. 

Having secured three hundred and twenty acres 
of wild land, this pioneer began its development, 
and in connection with general farming, raised 



200 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Iiops from roots wliicli lie had broiiglit with him 
from the east, thus becoming tiie fouiuler of tiiat 
industry in this county. Mr. Weaver was a lead- 
ing and inlluential man in his community; ho as- 
sisted in the organization of the town of Lisljon, 
in which he held the ollice of Supervisor and others 
of minor importance. In 18(;.5 he was chosen as 
Assemblyman from liis dislricl, and lopresented in 
a satisfactory manner the interests of his constitu- 
ents. From the time he cast liis first Presidential 
vote for Andrew .Jackson until the d:iy of his 
death, he adhered unswervingly to the principles 
of the Democratic party. He and his wife were 
devout members of the Kpiscopal C'liurcli, being 
pillars in the congregation that woishippc<l in the 
beautiful stone edilice erected in Sussex. Mr. and 
Mrs. Weaver were of that ([uiet, unobtrusive dis- 
position that never lets the right hand know of 
the good deeds done b\' the left. 

Tiie subject of this sketch was a lad of ten years 
when he came to this county. As the educational 
advantages were so very meager, his scholastic 
training has been rather an unimportant factor in 
his successful career. He is a self-educated and 
self-made man in the truest sense. Possessed of 
superior ability, and of that grit and determina- 
tion characteristic of the Knglish i)eople, he has 
made his course in life a scries of triumphs. Reared 
on his father's farm he became thoroughly conver- 
sant with agriculture and the hop business, and 
from these has largely come his wealth. At the 
age of twenty-one Mr. Weaver began business on 
his own responsibility, his first venture being the 
purchase of sixt3' acres of wild land, for which he 
went in debt. At tlie end of three years every 
dollar hail been paid, and as the possessor of that 
farm, unincumbered, he felt richer than he has 
since felt. In IHCO, in company with Ins fa- 
ther, he began dealing in hops, the partnership 
continuing three years, when the latter disposed of 
his interests to his son, William, the firm becoming 
1\. Weaver A: 15ro. Their operations were carried 
on so extensively that they became well known 
throughout the northwest. Their father had 
planted the tirst hill of lK)ps in .luue, l.S.'!7, and 
sold the product of that planting al-'sl per i)ound; 
from this small beginning the business increased 



until in 1RS2 it reached .almost $600,000. One 
check given by the Weaver brothers, on the 17th 
of November of that year, and drawn on the ''old 
reliable" Waukesha National Bank, called for%2."),- 
607. .51. These gentlemen are recognized as lead- 
ing financiers in the count}-. In 187!) Mr. Weaver 
of this sketch, accompanied by his wife, went to 
the I'acilic Slope, visiting San Francisco, Oakland, 
Sacramento, Pl.acerville, the mining camps, Port- 
land, Salem, Eugene ('ity, and making a trip the 
entire length of the Willamette ^'alley. The ob- 
ject of the lri|) w.as to |nirchase hops. Mr. Weaver 
bought some fifteen car loads at a cost of i5*28,0()(), 
being the tirst to ship from that .section direct to 
the breweries at Milwaukee. 

In addition to liis possessions in Wisconsin, Mr. 
Weaver is lafgely interested in real estate in Mis- 
souri. His home farm in the town of Lisbon con- 
sists of one hundred and sixty acres, besides he 
owns twentj-two acres in Menomonee Township. 
He is a large stockholder, and is \' ice-President 
of the Waukesha National Bank, one of the solid 
financial institutions in the state. Managed by 
capable business men, this bank passed through the 
great panic of 1893 unscathed. In company with 
A. .1. Frame he is largely interested in the New 
Park Hotel at Sault de Ste. Marie, Mich., which 
is a magnilicent structure, having a dining room 
with a seating capacity for one hundred and 
twenty-live guests. This property is owned \t\ an 
incorporated company, of which Mr. Weavei- is 
President. It is no secret that this gentleman is 
one of the wealthiest men of the count.y, and this 
notwithstanding the fact that he began life ^100 
in debt. He has sold many a bushel of wheat for 
fifty cents, and has iierformed many a day's work 
for an equal amount. But his time has not been 
given wholly to personal affairs, indeed he has 
been a very useful member of society. Both he 
and his wife are faithful workers in St. Alban's 
Episcopal Church of Sussex, in which he is also 
Treasurer and Vestryman. The Weavers, along 
with a few other good English peojile who settled 
in the vicinity, have not only built and kept up 
the churcli, but also Sussex, which is a typical En- 
glish village. Our subject has ever given the 
public schools his hearty assistance, in truth he has 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



201 



favored everything that promised to be helpful to 
the coiniminity. 

In a marked degree has Mr. Weaver enjoyed the 
conlidence and consideration of his fellow-citizens, 
as is shown by the miniber of positions of honor 
and trust tliey liave cliosen him to (ill. For several 
terms he lias served his town as C'hairman, was As- 
seniMynian in 1.S78, and State Senator in 1879-80. 
In every ollicial capacity his aim was to promote 
the best interests of the [)eople. Mr. Weaver has 
been a life-long Democrat, though his (irst Presi- 
dential vote was cast for Zacharj' Ta^ylor. 

On the 22(1 of November, 1818, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Weaver and Miss Rhoda Stone, 
a native of Sussex County, Kngland. Mrs. Weav- 
er was born in the same house .is her husband, 
which was an old style double house. Two chil- 
dren were born of this union, Serena .1., wife of 
D. P. Topping, and Rhoda M., who died at the age 
of sixteen years. Mr. Topping was born February 
9, 1812, in .Schoharie County, N. Y., and on the 
24th of December, 18()8, occurred his marriage to 
Miss Weaver. They have two children, Nellie R. 
and Estella May, ))oth of whom liave received a 
literary and musical education. The former com- 
pleted her schooling at the public schools in Wau- 
kesha, and the latter at Carroll College, where she 
was a stu<lent for three years. The mother of 
these children was a native of the town of Lisbon, 
born May l.'J, 18.50. For forty-two 3'ears Mr. Top- 
ping has been a resident of Wisconsin. His life 
has been spent in mercantile pursuits, first in Del- 
ton, Sauk County, then in Kilboiu-n City, Colum- 
bia County, and since 1870 he has carried on the 
same business in Sussex. He handles a good stock 
of general merchandise, and is doing a prosperous 
business, tlie volume of which amounts yearly- to 
about $7,000. By courteous treatment of his cus- 
tomers he has won their esteem and patronage. 
Mr. Topping cast his maiden vote for (ieorge R. 
McClellan, and has since atliliated with the Demo- 
cratic party. During Cleveland's first administra- 
tion he was appointed Postmaster at Sussex. So- 
cially, he belongs to Lincoln Lodge No. 183, A. F. 
& A. M., of Menomonce Falls, and in religious 
faith he and his wife are Episcopalians. 

For over fifty-seven years Mr. Weaver has been 



a resident of Waukesha County, and Mrs. Weaver 
has made this her home since she was a girl of 
thirteen; they have therefore witnessed the devel- 
opment of this county from a wilderness to one of 
the finest in the state. It is with a feeling of pride 
and satisfaction that Mr. Weaver can look back 
upon his career, which was begun as a poor boy 
and li.as terminated in afHuence. His course in life 
has been marked throughout b^' fairness, justice 
and honest business methods. 

At a reunion of the Weaver famil3', held on the 
16th of October, 1875, to commemorate the birth- 
day of Hon. James Weaver, some reminiscences 
were given that may prove of interest to friends 
and relatives of the faniih'. His birthday occurred 
on the 17th, but as that came on Sunday', Saturday 
was selected as a more suitable time. There were 
over one hundred and fifty guests assembled at the 
residence of William Weaver. Sr., just south of the 
pretty little village of Sussex, where temporary 
tables had been prei)ared to accommodate the large 
gathering of the descendants of the Weaver fam- 
ily. The historical narrative of the Weaver fam- 
ily was prepared by Stephen Weaver, Esq., and 
read by the Rev. Dr. Wright. William Weaver, 
the father of the Hon. James Weaver, was born in 
Tenterdcn, county of Kent, England, January 5, 
1767, and died on the 3d of July, 1815. All of 
the children, with the exception of two, Stephen 
and Thomas, were born in Old Romney, Kent 
County. Of the entire Weaver family at that 
date, there were two luindred and twenty-seven 
members, and of that number there were yet living 
one hundred and eight3'-four. This was the most 
notable family reunion ever held in Waukesha 
County. After due ceremony, the Hon. James 
Weaver made some suitable and fitting remarks 
upon the auspicious occasion, in which he expressed 
his heartfelt thanks to Almighty God for the be- 
nelicenlcarc that had been exercised over himself 
and family all these .years. Hon. Thomas Weaver 
made an eloquent address, and was followed by 
the Hon. Richard Weaver of this biography as 
follows: 

"To the reunion of the Weaver famil}', greeting. 
Little, at the time when the four brothers and one 
sister with their aged father set out on the brig 



202 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 



"Emma," did the}' expect to see the great change 
that time has wrought. Neitlier did they stop to 
think, but left tlieir Fathfiland to better llieir 
circumstances if possible for themselves and their 
families, and on landing on the shores of America, 
in the slate of New York, by industry and frugal- 
ity, they accumulated small sums, with which they 
emigrated to the territory of Wisconsin. Here, 
after ver^' many hardships and with energy and 
perseverance, all have made for themselves and 
families good comfortable homes, and nearly all 
have lived to see perhaps as great improvements 
and changes as an}' one generation can expect to 
see, for on arriving in Wisconsin livit little could 
be seen save the dense forest, with its large oaks 
and tall pines, with here and there a laige prairie 
and its wild grass, with but few exceptions, inhab- 
ited by wild bands of Indians and tiieir ponies. 
To-day what do we see where the forest stood and 
prairie laid.' The highly cultivated fields with fine 
buildings in the |)lace of the log huts and the In- 
dian wigwam. And to-day we have seen the table 
covered with the good things of earth, in place of 
the corn meal and pigeon stew; more tlian that we 
have seen the once small town of Milwaukee grow 
to be one of the most beautiful cities of the land; 
have seen the lirst railroad built, and the steam 
horse, putting through our forests and across tlie 
prairies, to-day stretching her lines into almost 
every nook and corner of the state. Again, look 
at the wonderful art of telegraphy by which we 
can in a few moments communicate with our Fa- 
therland. Last, but not least with us, we have 
seen every house built in our pleasant little village 
of Sussex, and have nearly every one of us helped 
to build a standing monument, the church, for 
future generations, as well as for ourselves. Hop- 
ing that the present and future generations ma}' 
still work together in unity and love, and carry 
forward every good work, marked out by an aged 
father here, and for our welfare hereafter." Mr. 
Weaver w.as followed by other speakers on this 
memorable occasion, namely: Martin Weaver, Jere- 
miah Smith, George Elliott and Alison Weaver. 
The whole affair was well conceived and passed ofif 
most |)leasantl3' •'^"'1 happily. 

One of the noted social events in Sussex was the 



celebration of the silver wedding of Hon. Richard 
Weaver and wife, on the 22d of November, 1873, 
at which his father presented them with a beauti- 
ful silver piece, and accompanied it with the fol- 
lowing words: "This present is a token of love 
from j-our Father Weaver to Rhoda. Hoping that 
you may live together as many more years as hap- 
pily, and enjoy yourselves as in the years past, is 
the wish of your affectionate father." Mr. Rich- 
ard Weaver responded in a few happy remarks, 
"Our father, brothers and sisters, it is with pleasure 
that we meet you all here to-night to commemo- 
rate an event which look place twenty-five years 
ago. Richard and Rhoda, having made up their 
minds to join in the holy bonds of wedlock, started 
from the house of the late .James Stone to our par- 
ish church, where the knot was lied by the Rev. 
N. C. Armstrong, one of the first graduates of 
Nashotah (the first couple he married). Back we 
trudged on foot to partake of the wedding sup- 
per awaiting us. The next day we went to the 
house of Hon. .lames Weaver for our wedding trip, 
which consisted of one day, as that was all we 
could afford, as it was Richard to the plow and 
Rhoda to the cows." During that quarter of a 
century many changes have been wrought: Richard 
has given the plow over to younger hands, and 
Rhoda sends a substitute to look after the cows, 
while in their beautiful home at Sussex they are 
enjoying the comforts gained by years of toil. 

Mr. Weaver is known in his community as a 
ready and pleasing speaker. At the golden wed- 
ding of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cooling on Christmas 
eve, 1892, he was called upon to make a speech, 
and responded thus: "Mr. and Mrs. Cooling, 1 ex- 
tend to you many happy returns of this day. For 
a half-century you have met the duties and shared 
the trials of life's uneven ways with love to each 
other, and a faith thai looked to a bright here- 
after. This half-century leaves him, at seventy- 
three, as erect in form as when he led her to the 
altar, and his step is more elastic than that of half 
of the men at fifty. She too is active and with 
mind undimmed. It has been my lot to live as 
neighbor with you for about forty-four years, 
sharing your J03's and sorrows. While we have 
passed many happy hours together, when sickness 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



203 



and death have entered my liousehold I have al- 
ways found you ready and willing to extend a 
helping hand and a sympatiiizing iieart. Ilojiing 
your remaining years will be as happy and pleas- 
ant as falls to the common lot of man, and that 
you may attain the good for vvliich we are all 
striving, 

'May joy your home surrounding, 
Keep care and gloom away; 

And all good gifts abounding, 

Make glad this golden wedding-day.' " 

At the 0|wning of the Milwaukee, Menomonee 
Falls A: Western Railroad, on the 2;tth of April, 
18'.)0, n large gathering of citizens celebrated the 
event at Sussex. After enjoymgan excellent din- 
ner served by the ladies at the Town Hall, speeches 
were made by Hon. Richard Weaver, Rev. Mr. 
Burleson, A. .]. Frame, .lolin Ross and Messrs. 
Had field. The same gentlemen had been present 
in Waukesha at the opening of the first railway in 
Wisconsin, in 18.')1. 'Mr. AVeavcr was one of the 
leading financial promoters of the road to Sussex, 
and b^- his special invitation all the assembled 
guests took a ride to Menomonee Falls and back. 

There is not a better known citizen in Waukesha 
County than Hon. Richard Weaver. Self-made 
and self-educated, he stands witiiout a superior in 
this section as a man of moral worth and as a 
financier. 

. ^ ^ P ■ 



THRRON WILBER HAIGHT, senior mem- 
ber of the law firm of Haight it Pierce, of 
Waukesha, and a veteran of the Civil War, 
is a native of the Emiiire .State, born in Jefferson 
County .September 14, 1840. He is the youngest 
child of Morris and Lois (Myrick) Haight, who 
were natives of Dutchess County, N. Y. Mr. 
Ilaight's family on the father's side dates its ori- 
gin in America back to 1G28, when Simon Haight, 
or "Hoyte," the common ancestor of the Haight 
family, emigrated from England and settled in 
Charlestown, M:iss. He subsequently removed to 
Stamford, Conn., where he died September l,lGo7, 
leaving a family of ten children, the eldest of 
whom, Walter, was the ancestor of Dr. Benjamin 
I. Haight, of New York, and, through their mother, 



of Gen. W. T. Sherman and his brother. Senator 
John Sherman, of Ohio. Caleb, a son of Moses 
and grandson of Simon Haight, bought land in 
Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1739, where he made 
his home, as did his descendants for many years. 
Morris Haight, a great-grandson of Caleb, was 
married in that county in 1821, to Miss Lois My- 
rick, a daughter of John Myrick, a soldier of the 
Revolutionary War. Mrs. Haight was a descend- 
ant from New England ancestry. 

Soon after his marriage Morris Haight removed 
with his wife to Jeffer.son, then a new county' in 
New York .State, and engaged in farming, hav- 
ing purchased a tract of one hundred acres in that 
region. On this farm was born Tlieron W., the 
subject of this sketch, being the youngest in a 
family of seven children, as follows: Elizabeth 
became the wife of Walter Kerr. Elvira is de- 
ceased. Cecelia died in 1886. Morris P. married 
Mary Schuyler. When the war broke out he be- 
came a member of the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin 
Infantry, and died at Helena, Ark., in February, 
1863. Lois Mar}''s death occurred in 1887. Charles 
S. enlisted in the Ninety-fourth New York Infan- 
tiy and died at Alexandria, Va., in Jul3-, 1862. 
Theron W., who completes the familj', became a 
member of the Twenty-fourth New York Infantry, 
as will be seen later on in this sketch. 

Alorris Haight continued to reside in Jefferson 
County, N. Y., until 1867, when he removed with 
his family to Wisconsin, settling in the town of 
Hartland, Waukesha County, where he was engaged 
in farming until the close of his life. His death 
occurred October 7, 1870, and that of his good 
wife, who survived him but a few years, in No- 
vember, 1875. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
developed a love of study at an early age, and 
having received a thorough elementary education 
in the public schools of his native countj', at the 
age of sixteen entered u|)on a classical course 
under the preceptorship of Rev. William Paret, 
1). I)., of the village of Pierrepont Manor, now 
Bishop of the Marj'land diocese of the Episcopal 
Church. Rev. Dr. Paret proved an admirable in- 
structor, and under his guidance Mr. Haight ac- 
quired a good classical education. At the age of 



204 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



seventeen lie taught one term in tlie iiuhlic school, 
and tlien became an assistant teacher in Dr. Paret's 
school. At nineteen he w.is fitted to enter the 
junior cl.iss in college. In order to earn the nec- 
essar3' funds to defray expenses, he came to Wau- 
kesha, where he expected to obtain a position as 
teacher, but linding himself forestalled in the ex- 
pected situation, he determined to wait another 
opening. This was in the spring of 1860. In the 
meantime he pursued his classical studies and also 
undertook German. The following fall and win- 
ter he taught school in the town of Delafield, in- 
tending in the spring to enter Michigan Univer- 
sity' for a regular course of study. The breaking 
out of the great Rebellion about that time caused 
an entire change in his plans, as it did in those of 
other young men. Imbued with the war spirit he 
returned to bis native state and on the 3d of Maj', 
1861 (eighteen d.ays after President Lincoln's first 
call for troops), he enlisted at Ellisburg, N. Y.. as 
a member of Company K, Twenty-fourth New 
York Infantry. Fourteen days later he was mus- 
tered into the service of the United States at El- 
mira. The following extract from the "Soldiers' 
Biographical Record" is given as a fair account of 
the military experience of our subject: 

"The service of Mr. Haiglit represents one of 
the elements of American youth which character- 
ized the Union soldiers to an eminent degree and 
which is rivaled by the records of no other war in 
any country. He went through ever3' phase of 
it, and though several times sick and slightly 
wounded, he did not leave the ranks for the hos- 
|)ital. lie was a prisoner and encountered the 
venom of rebel malice and witnessed their atroci- 
ties. He went into the ranks and rose by meri- 
torious service through the several grades to sec- 
ond place in his company. January 1, 1862, he 
was made Corporal; November 1 following he 
was promoted to be Sergeant. February 11, 1863, 
he was oommissioned Second Lieutenant, to rank 
from .January 16, 1863, and was mustered out as 
such February 25 of that year. INIay 9 he was made 
First Lieutenant, to rank from March 30, 1863, 
and was mustered out .as such May 29, 1863, his 
term of enlistment having expired. 

"The following is a condensed statement or 



outline of the service iu which he was a partici- 
pant: He fought at Bailey's Cross Roads, Va., and 
was with his command on the skirmish line, and 
afterward in guard and camp duty from .July 22 
until August; marched to Centreville in the spring 
of 1862, in the Manassas campaign; w.as iu the Rap- 
pahannock campaign at F'redericksburg in Ai)ril, 
1862; went to Spottsylvania Court House in .June, 
and Ft. Royal, Pope's campaign; fought in the 
.actions of Waterloo Bridge and Ford, August 23 
and 24, 1862; at Sulphur Springs on the 25lh; at 
Gainesville on the 28th, at Groveton on the 29th; 
at the second battle of Bull Run on the 30th, and 
was there taken [)risoner on the third daj' of the 
fight. He and his comrades were on one side of 
an embankment and the rebels on the other; many 
wounded lay at the foot of the rise of ground, and 
the rebels, having exhausted their ammunition, 
began throwing stones over, causing added injuries 
to the wounded. Mr. Ilaight mounted the em- 
bankment and remonstrated with effect, as the fir- 
ing of missiles was stopped, but he was captured 
and remained a prisoner on the field until paroled 
.September 7, 1862; he was not exchanged until 
December, and reached his regiment again just as 
the battle of Fredericksburg closed. He enjoyed 
the glory and emoluments of the mud campaign in 
Januar}', 18(i3; vvent to fight at Fitzhugh's Cross- 
ing April 29 and 30 in another Rappahannock 
campaign, and fought in the disastrous battle of 
Chancellorsville, May 3 and 4 following. 

"In the battle of Bull Run he was slightly 
wounded several times. During the period he 
was in the war he saw severe fighting and had as 
little satisfaction of available service as possible, 
as that was an era of probation to the LTnion 
troops, contending with a foe who learned the 
application of fire-arms to every possible condi- 
tion in life with the introduction to the dignity 
of trousers. The service of the first year of the 
war can never be fuU^' set forth in all it involved 
to the volunteer soldiers of the north. Mr. Haight 
found that his parents were in need of him, his 
brothers having both already died in the service, 
and this prevented his return to the army." 

For a year after his return from the war our 
subject devoted his attention to the study of mod- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAMUCAL RECORD. 



205 



eni langiiasics, French and German, and in 1864 
retmnod to Waukesha C'dtinty, Wis. lie acce|)ted 
the positidii of I'liiicipal of llie school at Muk- 
waiiago, which he laiight for a year and a-half. 
At the exi)iiati()ii of that time he entered upon a 
course of study of law in IlieoHice of Gen. James II. 
Paine it Son, a k'a()in,n hiw firm in Milwaukee. lie 
was sul)seiiuentl3' employee! as teacher of commer- 
cial law for some time in the Spencerian Business 
Colleire of that city, an<l also acted as city editor 
of the Milwaukee Si'iitiiicl for several months, re- 
tirins; from that position in llie fall of 1868. He 
next taught llie Miikvvana»() school until 1870, 
when he purchased the Waukcslia Frccmoii and 
continued its editor from that time until 1876. 
I'nder his management the Fri'i'iuun made a strong 
point in it* advocacy of the merits of the IJethesda 
.Spring and Waukesha as a health resort. The in- 
lliience of that |>aper did much to advance the in- 
terests of Waukesha and lay the foundation for 
its present prosperity. 

Ill the spring of 1870 Mr. Ilaight was married 
at Mukwanago to Miss Annie Youmans. Mrs. 
Ilaight was born in that village and is a daugliter 
of Dr. II. A. and Lucy (Andrews) Youmans (see 
sketch of Dr. Youmans elsewhere in this work). 
Four sons and two daughters were born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Ilaight: Lucy, Ileiiry, Frank P., Robert W., 
Walter L. and Margaret. Henry, the eldest son, a 
bright and promising young man, was cut down 
at the threshold of manhood. His death occurred 
at his home on the 26111 of September, 18',i;S. 

From 1876 to 1878 Mr. Ilaight was Secretary of 
the Wisconsin IJoard of Charities, and corres- 
ponded with leading journals. In 1878 he estab- 
lished his law practice at Waukesha, which has con- 
tinued to grow in extent and importance to the 
present time. In 1880 he acted as editor of the Mil- 
waukee Sentinel; prior to and since that time he has 
been prominently identified .as correspondent with 
leading journals. In 187.") ho sold his interest in 
the Freeman to his partner, II. M. Youmans, but 
has since contributed much editorial matter to its 
columns. 

In politics, as his history would indicate, Mr. 
Ilaight is a stanch Hepulilican and for several \ears 
has served as Chairman of the Ke|iublican County 



Committee, during which time the politics of 
Waukesha Counlv chnngcd hands from Democratic 
to Itepublican. He has served as .lustice of the 
Peace for ten years; has been a member of the 
County Board of Supervisors, also Village Attor- 
ney of Waukesha, and has held other offices, in all 
of which he has discharged the duties devolving 
upon him with ability and fidelity. He has been 
a prominent member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, and has held the position of Grand 
Patriarch of the (iraiid Kncampmenl of Wisconsin 
of that order. He has also been active in (irand 
Army matters and has served as Mustering ( )llicer 
and Department Iiis])ector, also .luuior A'ice-Com- 
mander of the (Jrand Army of the Republic for 
Wisconsin from 1882 to 188.5, and was the first 
department ollicer to arrange the proceedings of 
the Department of Wisconsin for publication in 
pamphlet form. He is a member of W. B. Cushing 
Post No. 19, G. A. R., of Waukesha, and of the 
Wisconsin Cominandery of the military order of 
the Loyal Legion. 

Mr. Ilaight has a tasty, homelike residence at 
No. 324 St. Paul Avenue, situated on a beautifully 
wooded slope overlooking the picturesque park 
and grounds of the celebrated l>etliesda S|)riiig in 
the southwestern part of the cit3\ He leads a busy 
and useful life, enjoying in a marked degree the 
resi)ect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. His law 
pr.actice is extensive and he has won by his prompt 
and faithful management of all business entrusted 
to hull the confidence and good-will of his niiin- 
erous clients. 

In the recent episode respecting the jiroposed 
piping of Waukesha water to Chicago, an event 
that threatened the prosperity of the town not 
only for the present but for all future time, Mr. 
Ilaight was counsel for the city in (>p|)osition to 
the scheme, and was a leading spirit of the dele- 
gation of seven hundred citizens of Waukesha 
that went to Madison to petition (Governor Peck 
to veto the bill which legalized the threatened dis- 
aster to their homes and property. Mr. Ilaight 
made the argument for the city liefore the Gover- 
nor, and had the satisfaction of seeing the Gover- 
nor's veto of the bill clear the clouds that lowered 
above the Spring Cit^'. He was actively identified 



206 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD. 



in tlie lociil and stale courts with the litigation 
pertaining to the successful opposition, on the part 
of the city of Waukesha and its individual citi- 
zens, to the attempted piping of water fioin the 
Waukesha Springs to other cities. 

Tlie Wisconsin State Historical Society, through 
its secretary, makes a very gr.iceful acknowledg- 
ment of valuable contributions to its literature 
through the authorshiu of Mr. Ilaight. 



-|-{-{'+*i 

'++++>? 






WILLIAM M. IIOYT, M. D., deceased, 
was one of the well known physicians 
of this county in an early day. The 
family from which he comes emigrated from Eng- 
land in Colonial days and settled in Massachu- 
setts. A carefully prepared genealogy shows that 
they were there prior to 1639, also that the mother 
of Senator John and Gen. W. T. Sherman sprang 
from the same stock. 

Dr. Iloyt was born in Licking County, Ohio, Au- 
gust 24, 182'.). When only two j'ears of age he was 
left motherless, and five years later was deprived of 
the care and protection of a father. By his maternal 
grandmother, who was a Moody, he was reared and 
given the advantages of a common school educa- 
tion. About 181;") he came to Michigan, and soon 
afterward continued his western journey to Wau- 
kegan, 111., where he shipped as a sailor, but the 
vessel proving a leak)' one, he stepped off at Mil- 
waukee, and there ended his career asasailor. His 
decision to turn his attention to something else 
proved a very fortunate one, as the ship, crew and 
all went to the bottom. Having found his way 
to Galena, 111., Dr. Hoyt enlisted for the Mexican 
War, which was then the all absorbing topic. His 
cumraand reached Jefferson Barracks, below St. 
Louis, when peace was declared and he was dis- 
charged. Thereupon he returned to Mansfield, 
Ohio, where was celebrated, June 19, 1849, his 
marriage to Miss Nancy Elizabeth Newlon. Mrs. 
Hoyt was born in Rappahannock, Va., Fobruarj' 5, 
1829. Her parents, Elijah and Elizabeth (Adams) 
Newlon, were natives respectively of Loudoun and 
Culpeper County, Va. About 1830 they emigrated 
to Ohio, locating near Mansfield, where the father 



died Miiv 5, 1846. Subsequently the mother went 
to Afton, Iowa, and there died March 21, 18G2. 
Of the Newlon family four survive, Mrs. Hoj't; 
Mrs. Margaret J. Farmer, Wilson ville, Iowa; Mrs. 
Lucy F. Creel, Afton, Iowa, and Charles E., the 
latter residing at Bentonsport, Iowa. 

Prior to marriage Dr. Hoyt had studied medi- 
cine with Dr. John Read, of Washington, Ohio. 
Later he entered the Eclectic Medical College of 
Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1856. 
Coming immediately to this county he began the 
practice of his profession at Sussex, but a year 
later made a permanent location at Menomonee 
Falls. On the breaking out of the war he received, 
October 27, 1861, from Governor Randall, a re- 
cruiting commission. Forthwith he raised a com- 
pany for the infantry service, but was induced to 
change it to Company 1, First Wisconsin Cavalry, 
of which he was elected Captain, receiving his 
commission in Januar3', 1862. On the 17th of 
March following, the regiment started for Ben- 
ton Barracks, where Dr. Hoyt was taken sick and 
was compelled to return home. In Febniarj-, 1864, 
he was made Assistant Surgeon of the Twentj'-first 
Wisconsin Infantry, which formed a part of the 
Fourteenth Army Corps, with which he remained 
until the close of the war, receiving an honorable 
discharge in June, 1865. Returning to Menomo- 
nee Falls, he resumed his professional work, which 
was interrupted February 5, 1870, by the hand of 
death. Dr. Hoyt was a thorough gentleman, and 
was recognized as a physician of superior skill and 
ability. In Ohio he belonged to the Christian 
Church, but as there was no church of his choice 
here, he never became identified with any other. 
In politics he was a Republican, though not a man 
to seek official honors. At his death he left a 
widow and five children, of whom the eldest was 
about eighteen. 

The part that Mrs. Hoyt has performed in rear- 
ing and educating her children is worthy of being 
remembered and told. During her husband's ab- 
sence in the war, she studied and practiced medi- 
cine as best she could, to assist in meeting the ex- 
penses of the home, and when he was taken away 
she took up the work courageously, though it re- 
quired much sacrifice. Through all kinds of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



207 



weather, over all kinds of roads, and at all times 
of night she rode far and near to attend her pa- 
tients. Notwithstanding much opposition from 
professional men whose s^-mpathy and enconrage- 
ment she merited, she made her professional career 
a success, winning the [)atronage and confidence of 
an appreciative community. As will be seen 
further on she has given her children exceptional 
advantages, besides removing an incumbrance 
from the home and laying up a competence for 
old age. The children born to this worthy lady 
are as follows: Celestia E., the eldest, is at home; 
Judson E. was educated at the State University at 
Madison, from which he graduated with the degree 
of A. B. in 1880. He served eight years as Princi- 
pal of the high school at Lodi, two years as Princi- 
pal of the Columbus High School, a year as 
Principal at Antigo, and since 1890 has been Su- 
perintendent of the city schools, and of the Stout 
Manual Training School at Mcnomonie, Dunn 
County, Wis. He has been twice married; his first 
wife, Miss Jennie Chapman, who was a graduate 
of the Slate University in the Class of '78, died 
March 2, 1883. His present wife, by whom he has 
two children. Orace E. and Ralph M., was also 
educated at the State Universil}-; before marriage 
she bore the name of Edith Evans, a daughter of 
Rev. .Tames Evans of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Melvin A., the second son, received his 
education in the White Water Normal School and 
at the State University, from which institution lie 
graduated in the Class of '8.3 with the degree of 
B. L. He is a prominent newspaper man of Mil- 
waukee, being editor and one of the proprietors of 
the Daily News. His wife was formerly Miss Min- 
nie Evans, of Prairie du Chien. George, the third 
son, after graduating from the Lodi High School 
pursued a course in the Chicago Medical College 
(now the Medical Department of the Northwestern 
University), graduating therefrom in 1892. He 
was resident physician and surgeon in the Charity 
and Alexian Hospitals, Chicago, for a year and a- 
half. In 1894 Dr. Iloyt located in Menomonee 
Falls, where he is pursuing his chosen profession. 
In a professional way he is connected with the 
Chicago Medical Society. Lulu M. B. engaged In 
the teaching of music for several years, or until 



prevented by the illness, which terminated fatally, 
June 1, 1893. At the time of her death she was 
twenty-nine years of age. 

In early life Mrs. Hoyt was identified with the 
Baptist Church, but as there was no church of that 
denomination in the vicinity she cast her lot with 
the Methodists. For over thirty-five years she has 
practiced medicine, and now finds it almost im- 
))Ossible to retire, as many of her old patients in- 
sist on employing her still. Mrs. Hoyt is a woman 
of intelligence and refinement, though devoid of 
anything resembling ostentation. 



HENRY DAVIS. To the sturdy pioneers 
who left comfortable homes in the east to 
plant the germs of civilization and nur- 
ture them in their growth on the western frontier, 
a debt of unbounded gratitude is due. The sen- 
tleman whose^name heads this article has not only 
witnessed the development of Waukesha County, 
but also has been an active participant in its [U'og- 
ress, having been identified with its interests for 
over fifty-three years. He has never distinguished 
himself as a money getter, but as a thinker on 
scientific subjects and as a disseminator of truth, 
he has accomplished a work that will live after 
him. 

Mr. Davis is a native of Windham County, Vt., 
where his birth occurred on the 9th of August, 
1814, being sixth In a family of three sons and five 
daughters, whose parents were Josiah and Sarah 
(Averill) Davis. But only three of the above 
family are living, of whom Henry Is the eldest. 
Asa is a wealthy farmer of Waukesha Township; 
and Sarah, who resides in the same town, is the 
widow of William Weed. Grandfather Davis 
served the American cause in the War of the Rev- 
olution. The father of our subject, who was born 
in the state of Connecticut, lived to the advanced 
age of ninety-one. He was a man of good mind, 
and by personal application became well informed. 
Independent in thought and action, conscientious 
in all of his dealings, he won the universal respect 
of his fellow-citizens. IJke himself, his wife was a 
native of New England, born in the Green Moun- 



208 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tain Slate, and liotli were devout members of the 
Congregational Chuicli. .She too died in ^'el•mont 
at about the age of forty-five. 

Until eighteen years of age Henry Davis re- 
mained in his native slate, preparing himself for 
a college course in the Black River Academy, 
where he spent two terms. He had been reared 
to the hatter's trade, and in ordei to perfect him- 
self in tlial vocation he went to Boston, where he 
remained for about two years. Having determined 
to pursue a more thorough course of instruction 
he made his way to Oberlin, Ohio, where lie pro- 
posed to enter Olierlin College, but on account of 
the crowded condition of that insliliilion he con- 
tinued his journey westward to Michigan, and 
there spent two years, engaged in the profession 
of teaching and in working at his trade. At the 
expiration of that period he went to Cincinnati, 
Ohio, thence to Covington Ky., where he was en- 
gaged for three years as a teacher in the city 
schools. Returning to his native state he was mar- 
ried ill April, 18:5',), to Miss Laura A., daughter of 
.lames and Patty (Taylor) Williams; the father was 
a native of Rhode Island, ami was a carpenter 
and joiner by trade; his wife was bctrn in New 
Hampshire, but was reared in A'ermont. In 1840 
this worthy couple came to Waukesha County, be- 
ing numbered aiiiung its honored pioneers. The 
former was a strict adherent to the teachings of 
the I'resbytedan Chiircli, and the latter to those 
of the Baptist Church. Of the live children born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Williams but two sui vive, .1. W.. a 
fanner of the town of Waukesha, and the present 
wife of Mr. Davis. 

The year 1841 witnessed the arrival of our sub- 
ject in what is now AVaukesha County, the trip 
lieing made from Cincinnati across the country, 
through forests and swamps, in a one-horse buggy. 
Mr. Davis at once located upon the land that had 
been purchased by his father-in-law, the two fami- 
lies living in an old fashioned log cal)in. The lirst 
home of Mr. and Mrs. Davis was made of slabs 
fastened by wooden pegs, while a stovepipe thrust 
through the lool served in the stead of a chim- 
ney. Often when they rose on a winter morning 
the bed and lloor were covered with snow. Indians 
were about as numerous as white people; game 



of all kinds was ])lentiful. and now and then a wolf 
would be so bold as to come into their yard. 
Prairieville, now Waukesha, was a very small 
place, the lirst settlers having located there seven 
years previous. 

In March, 1874, Mr. Davis was called upon to 
mourn the loss of his estimable wife. .She was a 
lady who had enjoyed a liberal education, and for 
a number of years w.as engaged in teaching. The 
lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Davis was 
formerly Miss Harriet II. Williams, a sister of his 
first wife. .She too is a lady of culture and re- 
finement, and was also an efficient teacher for years. 
Mr. Davis cleared and developed the old farm 
upon which George Weed lives, making it one of 
the productive farms of the county. He and his 
wife are now living at their cozy home live miles 
fnini the limits of Waukesha. Politically our 
subject was an old line Whig, casting his lirst vote 
for •'I'ippecanoe and Tyler too." After the rise 
of flie Repiililicaii party he was a warm advocate 
of its principles; now, however, he is a strong Pro- 
hibitionist. For three years he was .School Com- 
missioner, when the duties of that olHce made it 
necessary for him to e.\ainine teachers. He has 
ever been a firm believer in public education, and 
has done all in his power to advance the intellec- 
tual and moral welfare of his community. Both 
he and his wife are active workers in the Presby- 
terian Church of W.-uikesha, in which he has been 
an Elder for forty years. For twenty-live years 
he was .Superintendent of the .Sunday-.school in 
.South Genesee. They are people of generous im- 
pulses, ever ready to assist the needy and to give 
the stranger a cordial welcome to their hospitable 
home. 

Mr. Davis has been a life-long student; not- 
withstanding the fact that he has done much man- 
ual labor he has found time to devote to scientific 
study and discoveries. His evening hours from 
seven to twelve o'clock have for thirty years been 
devoted to research in chemistry, astronomy and 
geology. During these years he has stored his 
mind with a vast fund of useful knowledge, which 
renders him an interesting and ready conversa- 
tionalist. .Some ten years before the spectroscope 
was invented, Mr. Davis proved to his own satis- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



209 



faction, by inductive reasoning, that one of the 
elements of the sun was carbon. Wlien that mar- 
velous instrument was comi)leled he referred the 
spectroscopist to the corona of the sun, and thus 
was made manifest the theory of Mr. Davis. Ills 
well selected library shows that he is a man of 
thought and e.Klensive readinjj. In many respects 
he resembles the learned blacksmith, Elihu IJurritt. 
Though eighty years of age Mr. Davis is well pre- 
served; his intellectual faculties retain their vigor 
and strength, and to-day he is the sage of Wauke- 
sha Countv. 



< 






/^^ EUUGI-; 15. II.VRRIS, Secretary of the Wis- 
Vj T consin Butter it Cheese Company, is one 
of the wull known business men in this 
portion of the state. His birth occurred in .St. 
Lawrence County, N. Y., February 10, 1861. Ilis 
father, .himes I!. Harris, was a native of Glasgow, 
.Scotland, but when about nine years old he accom- 
panied liis parents to the United States. In early 
life he turned his attention to tiie manufacture of 
cheese, becoming not only an extensive manufac- 
turer, but also an authority on all (juestions per- 
taining to that business. At one time he owned 
and operated some ten factories. In 1877 lie was 
chosen by the Canadian Government to give in- 
struction on the subject of cheese-making, and for 
three years traveled and delivered addresses. Later 
he was sent by the Scottish Dairyman's Associa- 
tion back to his native land on a similar mission, 
spending two seasons in that way. 

Though retired from active business, Mr. Harris 
is still an aulbority on the subject, which he has 
made a life stud}'. To the leading daily journals he 
contributes articles from time to time, and is the 
author of a standard work on dairying. His home 
is at Antwerp, Jefferson County, N. V. His career 
has been a remarkably' successful one. He began 
a poor boy and »'ducated himself; he is possessed 
of tlie qualities of mind and heart necessary to 
worthy achievement, and rose by the exercise of 



his innate (Xtwers to a high rank among his fel- 
low-men. His estimable wife, who died in 1865, 
was a native of the Empire St;ite, and bore the 
maiden name of Uacliel M. iMiuiiuns. She was a 
consistent member of the liaptist Church and a 
woman of rare worth. To Mr. and Mis. Harris 
were born the following children: Mrs. Agnes 
McKelvey, of Olivet, Kan.; John H., of Elkhorn, 
Wis.; Isabelle J., of Yonkers, N. Y.; George 15., of 
this sketch; and Mrs. C. U. Roberts, of Phila- 
delphia, N. Y. 

George 15. Harris received a good education 
in Ives Seminary, of Antwerp, N. Y. When six- 
teen years of age he began woik in a cheese fac- 
tory, and after becoming master of the business 
took charge of his father's factories. His brother, 
John H., who had also grown u|) in the business, 
came to Clinton .lunction, Wis., in 1H79, to take 
charge of a f.actory at that place, but in 1881 re- 
signed that position to start a factory for himself 
at Spring Prairie, Wis. The subject of this article 
was called to lill the place left vacant b^' the resig- 
nation of his brother, remaining one season. He 
then purchased the interest of his brother's part- 
ner at Spring Prairie, the lirm becoming Harris 
Bros. Their business was rapidly extended until 
they had sixteen factories in operation. 

On the 1st of March, 181tl, the Wisconsin 15ul- 
ter & Cheese Company was incorporated with a 
paid up capital of >!.'iO,(iiin, anrl with the following 
ollicers: J. II. Harris, Piesidcut; W. A. West, \'ice- 
President; G. B. Harris, Secretary'; and G. D. 
PulTer, Treasurer. At the same time the Wiscon- 
sin Dairy &, Produce Company was organized 
with a capital of $15,000, and with the follow- 
ing olficial management: G. B. Harris, President; 
.1. II. Harris, ^' ice- President; G. IJ. Puffer, Secre- 
tar3' and Treasurer. Into these two companies the 
interests of Harris Bros, had been merged, and in 
181)3 the companies in turn became consolidated 
under the title of the Wisconsin Butter A Cheese 
Company, with the capital stock increased to ij^l.OO,- 
000. .Some idea of the extent of their business 
may be gained from the statement that they have 
ten factories in Waukesha County, seven in Wal- 
worth, two in Manitowoc and one in OuUigamie; 
besides they have a fine cold storage in Waukesha, 



210 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL RECORD. 



thiough which the entire product of the several 
factories passes. 

Mr. Harris was married in Walworth County, 
October 5, 1887, to Miss Alma A. Comaii, a native 
of that county, and a daughter of James Coman, 
a prominent dairy farmer. Three children have 
blessed this union: John C, Ilugli M. and George 
Blaine. Mr. Harris is a strong Republican, a Trus- 
tee of the village of Waukesha, and was Chair- 
man of the Waukesha County delegation to the 
last state convention. Socially, he is a member of 
the Masonic order, belonging to Waukesha Lodge 
No. 37, A. F. & A. M., and Waukesha Chapter No. 
37, K. A. M. Mr. Harris, like his brother with 
whom he is associated, is a self-made man from a 
financial stand|)oint. Their career has been at- 
tended with such success as can be achieved only 
by untiring and well directed efforts. 






;e= 



MRS. GEORGE ELLIOTT, one of Wauke- 
sha County's most highly respected 
ladies, was born in Oneida County, 
N. Y., November 24, 1831, and is a daughter of 
William Weaver, Sr., a sketch of whom appears 
elsewhere in this work. She was a maiden of 
eight summers when, with her parents, she came to 
Wisconsin. She acquired her education in the 
public schools and was trained to household duties. 
With the family she went through the experiences 
of pioneer life, its hardships, trials and pleasures. 
On the 19th of October, 1855, was celebrated 
the marriage of George Elliott and Susannah M. 
Weaver. He was a native of Kent County, Eng- 
land, born September 3, 1825. At a very early 
day he came to the Badger State, being numbered 
among the pioneer settlers of Lisbon Township of 
1837. He had no capital at that time, but he was 
industrious and energetic, and made the most of 
his opportunities. He drove the oxen which turned 
the first furrow for the canal at Milwaukee, and at 
one time he knew every settler in the wliole town- 
ship. His hrst home was a log cabin, the floor of 
which was made of rough, loose boards. He 
ground coin in an old coffee mill to make "johnny 
cake," and did his harvesting with a cradle and 



flail, and used other primitive implements in his 
farm work. He frequently killed deer and thus 
supplied the table with meat. Indians still visited 
the neighborhood, and the unimproved condition 
of the county did not seem to indicate that in 
course of time it would rank among the leading 
counties of the state. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Elliott were born twelve chil- 
dren, seven sons and Ave daughters, of whom eight 
are yet living. Ida J. is the wife of John R. 
Small, a prosperous farmer of Lisbon Township. 
Emma L. is the wife of Edward Peffer, a lumber 
merchant of Pewaukee, Wis. George W. resides 
with his mother on the old homestead, and super- 
intends the farm. He is a stanch Republican and 
a young man possessed of many excellencies 
of character. Frederick S. married Miss Lillie 
May, a native of Milwaukee, where he follows 
mechanical pursuits. Retta S., also of Milwau- 
kee, is preparing herself for work as a trained 
nurse. Eleanor C. is one of the successful teach- 
ers of Lisbon, and is now serving her fourth 
term in one school. She was educated in the Sus- 
sex school and in the Union school of Waukesha. 
She is an active member of St. Alban's Ejiiscopal 
Church of Sussex, and is a faithful worker in the 
Good Templars Lodge of that place, now serving 
as its Secretary. Roderick S., who is now a stu- 
dent in the White Water Normal School, began 
teaching at the age of eighteen, at Lannon Spring, 
and had an enrollment of ninety-five pupils, with 
an average attendance of about seventy. Al- 
though so young, his work proved very satisfac- 
tory- Edward S. completes the family. 

In his political views Mr. Elliott was a Demo- 
crat until the breaking out of the war, after which 
he became a stanch Republican. He was honored 
with a number of local otiices, and ever discharged 
his duties with promptness and fidelity. He 
helped to survey the ground for Carroll College. 
AVhen the gold fever broke out in California he 
went thither in 1849, and remained there four 
years. He w.is numbered among the influential 
members of St. Alban's Episcopal Church and 
was serving as vestryman at the time of his death. 
He passed away February 26, 18112, and his loss 
was widely and deeply mourned, for he was an 




GEORGE M. BARNEY. 




JULIA A. BARXHV. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



215 



honorable, upright gentleman, a loyal citizen, a 
true friend and a loving and tender imsband and 
father. Mrs. Elliott is also a failiiful inumher of 
the Episcopal t'luirch, and is a lady higldy es- 
teemed for her many excellencies of character. 
She is now living on the old lioiiu'stead, which 
comprises eighty-two acres of land and is plea- 
santly located between Templeton and Sussex. 
Ilcr friends are many, and with pleasure we pre- 
sent to our readers this record of her life. 



«g^(g-S^SieS»&^»g-^-3l&^^«i&^t^^S 



/^^y- EOHOE M. BARNEY. As Lord ]\Iac;ui- 
^ T lay has truly said, "The history of a na- 
tion is best told in the lives of its people." 
So in relating in a graphic manner the concise 
history of Waukesha County, we tell it in the 
lives of the authentic citizens, and such a gentle- 
man is the one whose name heads tliis record. Mr. 
Barney can trace his ancestry hack to three brothers. 
One came from England, one from Wales, and the 
other from Ireland. The historical story is told 
by one of the old Barney family, that the three 
brothers came to America on one of the three 
vessels, the "Maytlower," the "'Fortune," or the 
"Anna." Two of the brothers married Holland 
Dutch women in the Mohawk \'alle\-. 

Mr. Barney of this article is a native of Adams, 
.Jefferson County, of the old Kmpirc State, born 
June 22, 182.'i, being the only child born to Sebina 
and Polly (Mandcrville) Barney. The father was 
a native of historic Braltlebero, Vt., born July 22, 
1802, and died May 30, 187',). The old (iruen 
Mountain State has furnished many of the sturdy 
pioneers who braved so many adversities in set- 
tling the territories. Mr. Barney w.as reared to the 
trade of a blacksmith, lie with his parents set- 
tled in New York when but a small boy. Sebina 
■ Barney's father was known as M.aj. John Barney, 
who was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was 
present at the insurrection or trouble well known 
in history at Sackefs Harbor. The former settled 
in the village of Adams, and while there was for 
six years a blacksmith, thence he went to Ellis- 
burg, N. Y., where he remained until 18UG. While 
in this place he met with a severe accident which 
2 



occasioned the removal of three ribs. The acci- 
<lent was caused by the rolling of a log upon hira. 
Our subject can well remember the incident. The 
operation w.as successfully performed l)y an emi- 
nent surgeon, and he recovered his normal health. 
While a blacksmith at Ellisburg he devoted some of 
his liiMc to agricultural pursuits. He was a gentle- 
man who was not polished as regards collegiate 
education, lint by individual effort he has made 
himself a well informed man. He was a man of 
wonderful activity and strong convictions. His 
word was considered as sacred as his bond among 
his people. Mr. Barue}- came ver.v near losing his 
life while at Adams. He had just erected his shop, 
aiid(|uitea number of journeymen were present. 
One of the Journeymen had heavily loaded an old 
horse pistol to kill a cat, but being too much of 
a coward to (ire it off himself, a passer-by vol- 
unteered to discharge it at a knot hole in the 
shop. The ball went wide of its mark and struck 
Mr. Barney' in the shoulder. It was removed, be- 
ing an ounce ball, but this disabled him for a long 
time from active duties, and he w.as never .again 
able to lake his place as ollicial militiaman. In 
his political faith Jlr. Barney was a stanch Jack- 
son Democrat. He was a man who stood firmly 
upon those principles and measures best calculated 
for the good of the democracy. Mather's Mills, 
Jefferson County, N. Y., was Mr. Barney's Last place 
of residence in New York. After the accident he 
passed the summer of 18.3.5 at Saratoga Springs, 
which benefited him very much. Returning 
home he deciiled to try his fortune in the far west, 
and in the spring of I83G he came on a prospect- 
ing lour, his objective points being Ohio, Indi- 
ana, Illinois and Wisconsin, selecting the latter 
and the same season purch.ased three eighties near 
Mineral Point, Wis., iia^-ing ^1.2.5 per acre. The 
land was yet virgin and the closest inhabitant to 
his purchase w.as in the little hamlet of (lalena, 
III., excepting the redinen. He remained in the 
west six months traveling, returning to New York 
in the fall of 1836, and in M.ay, 1837, with 
wife and child, George M., of this biography-, 
started for the west, going (irst to .Sacket's Har- 
bor, ten miles from their home. At this point 
George M. and his grandfather stepped aboard the 



216 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



steamer "United Stales," while his parents were vis- 
iting friends in the village, expecting to go on the 
vessel also. The last bell sounded, the vessel moved 
away from the wiiarf, and the parents of George M. 
were left behind and had to be brought on board 
with a yawl. They touched at Rochester, N. Y., 
and there visited for awhile; they took a packet 
for IJuffalo, then re-shipped on the old steamer, 
"Ben Franklin," for Detroit, and when the vessel 
came to Detroit she was so badly disabled in 
breaking the ice that there were only two paddles 
left on one wheel and three on the other, which 
necessitated very slow progress in travel. They 
remained in Detroit about twelve days visiting 
with Samuel Cole, his father's apprentice in New 
York in days gone by. Sebiiia Barney and his 
father left George M. and his mother in Detroit. 
The father went to Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Sabina 
to Paulding, Ohio, to visit. Returning to De- 
troit afterwards, Mr. Barney, wife and son, came 
on to Wisconsin, Milwaukee being their ob- 
jective point. The lake was so very rough they 
could not hind, and were compelled to go on to 
Chicago, afterwards returning to Milwaukee and 
lauding in a yawl boat. This was in the spring 
of 1837. Milwaukee, the present beautiful me- 
tropolis of Wisconsin, contained but few houses, 
and these were of logs. The west jiart of the city 
was a tamarack swamp, and where the large depots 
and factories now stand, not a habitation was to be 
seen. The inn or tavern where they stopped 
was kept b.y Mr. Leland,and they remained but a 
short time. 

Mr. I'.arney was now ready to move his goods 
and merchandise to Mineral I'oiut. To remove 
his household effects such a long distance would 
have been very costly, and as Mr. Barnej' says, 
was out of the question. The price for each load 
was quoted from filOO to *130 per load, to their 
destination. Just at this opi)ortune time. Grand- 
father Barney came to Milwaukee to see where his 
son Sebina expected to settle in the territory of 
Wisconsin. There being no stage or transporta- 
tion of any kind, they walked out to AVaukesha, 
which was then known as Prairierille. and while 
there came across an old settler, Maj. Sylvester 
Pettibone. He had just erected a large house of 



his own and had an empty house; as his wife 
was so lonesome and homesick. Major Pettiljone al- 
lowed him to have the house, rent free, and was 
glad to have Mr. Barney join them. The Pettibone 
farm adjoined the Smart estate. Living on the 
Pettibone farm but a short time, Mr. Barney 
bought a claim of three hundred and twenty acres 
for ^313. The tract of land lay just south of the 
present village of Waukesha. They moved upon 
this claim in the spring of 1838, and the first hab- 
itation was the veritable log cabin home, about 
16x18 feet in dimensions; a projecting roof on 
the south side formed a shed. The chimney was 
the old fashioned stick and mud chimney, the 
base of which was made of "hard heads." The 
roof was covered with oak shingles twenty inches 
in length. l\Ir. Barney says that many of the 
cabins around about them were covered with a 
"shake roof," the roof being held on by logs 
pinned with wooden pins. The experience of the 
pioneers with the "shake roof" w.as that they 
were comi>elled to set six milk pans on the bed to 
catch the water when it rained, and in the winter 
time the snow would sift through on the beds and 
door and could be shoveled up with a sc<jop. 

When Mr. Barne.y's father first settled in Wau- 
kesha it had but a sparse population and was known 
as Prairieville, and the redmen of the forest 
were plentiful. Remnants of the tribes of the 
Menomonees, Pottawatomies and Winnebagos had 
their lodges within a short distance of his home. 
The old Indian chief's lodge was staked a little 
south of the i)retty little depot of the Chicago & 
Northwestern Railroad, near East Broadway, in 
the village. There were no school houses or 
churches when he first became a citizen of this 
count)'. The first meeting jilace for church ser- 
vices which were held in Prairieville was in a sta- 
ble just south of the large burr oak tree south of 
the Bethesda spring, and Elder Griltin was the 
first minister to preach the AYord of God to the 
people. The principal market was Milwaukee, and 
the people hauled their grain there with ox teams. 
There were no highways laid out at that time, and 
the settlers went the nearest way possible to the 
point desired. There were onl}' four habitations 
in the village when Mr. Barney came to Waukesha 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



217 



County. There was a little store belonging to 
Solonion .luiieau, of Mil\vaiii<ce, wlio is well 
known all tlirougli the east and nortliwest as the 
Indian trader. Katlicr Harney was ajjpointed 
cliairinan of the Claim Committee selected by tiie 
pioneers, and served in tliat capacity several years_ 
As for elective ))<)sitions. he would not accept 
any otlice, but regarding the cause of education he 
was a man who did much for its advancement. 
Mr. Barney had a farm of two hundred acres in 
Ohio, wiiicli he disposed of, and al^o the one at 
Mineral Point, Wis., and made Waukesha liis 
home as long as he lived. At liie disposal of this 
])roperty, Mr. Barney had about eiglit iiundred 
acres of land. He located in Waukesha, purchased 
of Mr. Kimball sixty acres, to whicli he added 
eighty acres, and afterwards sold the tinct to 
George Harding. 

February 18, ISo.i, the Waukesha County Bank 
was organized. William Blair was elected Pre- 
sident; and Sebiiia Barney Vice-President, who 
was connected with l.ie bank from its organiza- 
tion until his death. It is a fitting monument to 
this day to such sterling men .as the Blairs and 
Barneys, who helped plant the future financial 
prosperity of the village and county of Waukesha. 
Mr. Barney was a man who respected all religious 
and nu)ral te.ichings. The mother of our subject 
was born in the romantic A'alley of the Mohawk, 
.Tanuary 1, 1802, the first day of the year, the first 
day of the month, and the first day of the week, 
and almost the first year of the nineteenth cen- 
tury-. She died Kebruary 4, 1890. The parents 
are interred in Prairie Home Cemetery, where a 
beautiful granite monument marks their last rest- 
ing place. 

Mr. Barney of this sketch was a lad of fourteen 
when he came with his parents to Wisconsin in 
18,'57, eleven years ere the state was admitted into 
the Union. Truly, Mr. Barney may be classed as a 
pioneer, and has been an eye witness of the remark- 
able growth and development of this section of 
Wisconsin from a wilderness to one of the beau- 
tiful garden spots of the state. Great railroad 
systems have been thrown across the slate in all 
directions; immense factories have been erected; 
and in fact all industries which go to make a 



great state have been perfected since he became a 
resident of Wisconsin. In ((noted langu.age, "the 
wilderness has been made to rejoice and blossom 
as the rose." Mr. Barney's education, i)rimarily, 
was received in the common schools and sup- 
plemented by a short academic course in his na- 
tive state. He is a man who has improved his 
spare moments as his well filled library will attest. 
For his avocation in life lie has passed as an agri- 
culturist and stock-raiser. 

Mr. Barmw wedded Miss .lulia A.Washbuiii.a sec- 
ond cousin of (iovernor Washburn, of Wisconsin. 
The nuptials were celebrated March 1.3, 18.54, and 
to tliis marriage have been born ten children, six 
sons and four dauiihters. Seven are living, .as 
follows: Sabina, of Waukesha; De Newton, at 
home; Henry, deceased, a farmer in Minnesota but 
who liicd in Portland, Oregon, liis remains being 
shii)ped home; and Carrie B., the wife of A. II. 
Tingle, of Harlan, Iowa. He is a gentleman of mu- 
nicipal importance and a real-estate dealer. They 
have four children, named as follows: Wyatt 
Barney, .lohii Barney, Gord(in Barney, and Baby 
IJarney. The next member of the Barney family 
is Milton W., a resident of Zanesville, Wis., 
where he is engaged in the hotel business; Harlow 
F. is employed at the Industrial School of Wau- 
kesha; Nellie is deceased; Charles A. superintends 
the homestead; May is deceased, and Lottie K. The 
latter has been a student in the l^nion .School of 
Waukesha for a iinniber of years and is a gradu- 
ate of the .Siiencerian Business College of Milwau- 
kee; she is also a fine stenographer, and holds a 
teacher's certificate in Waukesha County. 

Mrs. Barney is a native of Industry, Me., and 
was born November 0,, 1831. She is a daughter of 
Kphraim and Clarissa (Roberts) Wa,sliburn. Her 
father was a cousin of Klihu Washburn. She re- 
ceived an excellent education and was a teacher 
for ten years. Her mother was an accomplished 
lady. There were one son and five daughters in the 
Washburn family, all the daughters being teachers. 

Mr. Barney has always been a "Simon pure" 
Democrat, but has never been an ortice seeker in 
any sense of the word. His first Presidential vote 
was cast for (ien. Winfield .Scott. He has taken a 
firm stand in the cause of education and believes 



218 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



that tbe universal education of the masses is the 
salvation of the country. Socially, Mr. Barnej' has 
passed through all the chairs of the Inde))endent 
Order of Odd Fellows to the eneam|)nient. He 
belonged to the old No. 1 Kncaiiipinenl of Mil- 
vraukee. He was Deputy Grand Master of that 
order, his district extending as far north as Green 
Bay. This was about 1815, when he was an 
active member. 

Mr. and Mrs. Barne}' and family are respectors 
of religious and moral teachings, and he has done 
his part in the support of those benevolences. 
Their beautiful estate comprises one hundred and 
eighty-six and one-half acres of fine land, and lies 
within three miles of the village of Waukesha. 
There is an abundance of living water on the farm 
in the way of springs, and tlie Fox River passing 
through it, makes it one of the valuable stock 
farms of the county. The beautiful country- resi- 
dence of brick is one of the modern homes, 
and those who are fortunate enough to be greeted 
as friends by the Barney family are sure of that 
hospitality which is one of tiie characteristics of 
the New Englander. 

A few reminiscences of the early days, given by 
Mr. Barney, we will quote. lie has shot many deer 
on his own premises, and in one fall killed thirteen 
on the wintPr wheat. In the fall of 1839, as will 
be remembered by many of the pioneers who 
resided near section 16, a terrible prairie fire 
broke out which tlireatened the whole surround- 
ing country. All hastened to the rescue and 
fought it for thirty hours without a mouthful of 
food, their efforts being crowned with success. In 
the fall of 1837, Mr. Barney and a friend con- 
cluded to go to Green Bay on a hunting tour, 
and came upon the west side of the lake, killing a 
deer every day that thej' were out. They camped 
out among the Indians and shared their ven- 
ison with them. A. C. Nickell and Dr. Cornwall, 
early pioneers, were "baching" on the land close 
to Mr. Barnej''s in pioneer style, and had a coop 
of chickens. One morning tliey arose and found 
plenty of feathers, but no chickens. Mr. Nickell 
concluded that a wolf must have visited the coop 
and mounted his horse and followed in liot jjur- 
suit; he caught the animal as she was going over 



the fence and dispatched her with his pocket knife. 

The biographj- of this sterling family, whose 
name adorns one of the streets of Waukesha, 
in honor of Sebina Barney, who was one of the 
founders of the bank, and who donated Barney 
Street to the village, will he read by many of the 
leading citizens of Waukesha County, and will be 
cherished by the descendants when the parents 
have passed away. 



^-^m= 



ISAAC SMART. The advancement of civiliza- 
tion has been made possible by the sterling 
old settlers who braved the adversities and 
hardships incident to life in a wilderness. It is to 
the i)ioucer fathers and mothers, who laid the 
foundation and made possible the advantages en- 
joyed to-day, that homage should be paid. The 
present generation of the beautiful state of Wis- 
consin may well commend the efforts put forth by 
their worthy progenitors. Among those deserving 
of mention is the gentleman whose name heads 
this biograpli}', who braved the rigors of the 
northern winters and hardships of a pioneer's life 
that he might make a home for himself and his 
posterity. 

Mr. Smart is a native of England, born in York- 
shire, near the City of Hull, in sight of the North 
Sea, vSeptember 15, 1809. His parents were Rich- 
ard and Jane (Hornscy) Smart, in whose famil)' 
there were nine children, eight sons and one 
daughter. Of the entire family, all with the ex- 
ception of Isaac Smart have passed away. He was 
reared to agricultural pursuits, and, beginning 
early, has been a toiler throughout life. In Au- 
gust of 1832 he was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Clegg, also a native of Yorkshire. Mrs. Smart 
was born September 20, 1813, and died on the Ith 
of December, 1889. Of this union there were six 
children born, two sons and ff)ur daughters, of 
whom four are still living. Jane, the eldest, is 
the wife of David Kyle, a farmer of Pontiac, Mich. 
Benjamin, the eldest son, married Miss Mary Bar- 
ber, and is a farmer of Waukesha Count}-. Mary, 
the second daughter, became the wife of Isaac 
llargrave, who is also a farmer of this county. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAJflllCAL RECORD. 



219 



Maria is the wife of Robert Boyd, who was an en- 
gineer on the Northern Pacific Railroad. Mr. 
Boj'd was born in Waukeslia County, November 
21, 1853. After receiving a common sciiool edu- 
cation he became an employe of the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee iV: St. Paul Railroad, witli wiiicli lie con- 
tinued eight years. He has been an engineer on 
the Northern Pacific. In politics he is a Republi- 
can, liaving cast his first vote for General Grant. 
Socially, he is a member of the JIasonic order, be- 
longing to Waukesha Lodge No. 37, A. F. & A.M. 
He also belongs to tlie Knigiits of Pythias, holding 
membership at Savanna, 111., and to the Brother- 
hood of Locomotive Engineers, No. 505, of Chi- 
cago. Mrs. Boyd was educated in tlie public 
schools and Carroll College, being a lad}' of taste 
and refinement, and one possessed of talent as a 
painter. She and her husband live on the old 
homestead of her father. 

It was in 1834 that Mr. Smart, accompanied by 
his wife and child, bade adieu to Old P^ngland 
and in a lumber vessel set sail from the city of 
Hull. After forty-seven days the vessel landed at 
Castle Garden. By way of the Hudson River, 
Erie Canal and the lakes, he came to Detroit, 
Mich., arriving in July of the same j'car. Going 
to White Pigeon, he there remained till March, 
1835, at which time he hired as teamster, for *12 
per month, to the father of Morris D. Cutler, the 
pioneer of Waukesha. The trip to Waukesha 
County was made by team, coming by way of Chi- 
cago. Chicago at tliat early day was but a hamlet, 
while the principal streets were quagmires and 
mud holes. Milwaukee, the present beautiful city 
of two hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants, 
was a small village of a dozen or more houses. 
There were a few law3-ers there who made their 
living by aiding the settlers to establish their 
claims. The first name by which the present site 
of Waukesha was known was Tchee-gos-cou-tak, 
an Indian name, meaning burnt prairie or burnt 
grass. The next name given it was Prairie Vil- 
lage, which was afterward changed by the legis- 
lature to Prairieville, and after the county was set 
off from Milwaukee, it was called AVaukesiia. The 
Indians, who were inveterate beggars, were far 
more numerous than the settlers at this time. Just 



south of the site of the Park Hotel wiis an encamp- 
ment of Indians, and east of the Smart homestead 
was the village of the Winnehagos and Pottawat- 
omies. They often came to the homes, and upon 
one occasion Mr. Smart's son, George, who was 
playing around the Bethesda Spring, was enticed 
away by an Indian, who bore him off on his horse. 
However, he was soon overtaken, and the child re- 
turned to his home. The first habitation erected b}- 
Mr. Cutler was a log cabin, near Bethesda Spring. 
During the first summer's work in Waukesha 
County, Mr. Smart, with others, slept in covered 
wagons. The first year that he worked for Mr. 
Cutler, our subject prc-em])ted a claim of one 
hundred and sixty .acres of wild land which had 
not yet been surveyed, the first real-estate owned 
by him in the new country. Upon this Mr. Smart 
built a log house, 1(5x20 feet in dimensions, with a 
mud and stick chimney. The roof was what the pio- 
neers called a "shake roof," weighted down by 
logs, while the floor was such as nature furnished; 
however, this was followed by a slight improve- 
ment, the puncheon floor, during the second sea- 
son. The home furnishings were of the most 
primitive character; benches hewn out of logs, and 
finished with wooden legs; bedsteads made of 
poles cut from the forest, and other improvised 
furniture, their first table being the end gate of 
the wagon box laid upon the stump of a tree. 
But with all of these drawbacks, life in the forest 
was not without its sunshine. People of those 
days knew how to enjoj' all that came to them. 

Mr. Smart was present at the first township 
organization of AV^aukesha, and has witnessed the 
growth of Waukesha County from a wilderness to 
one of the most beautiful counties in the state of 
Wisconsin. The network of r.iilroads has been 
thrown across the state in all directions, beauti- 
ful and populous cities have been built, great 
factories and other enter|)rises which go to 
make Wisconsin one of the foremost states in the 
Union have been perfected since he came to the 
territory in 1835. In the development of this 
town and county, Mr. Smart has taken an active 
part, but in no sense of the word has he been an 
office seeker. Politicallj', ho is a Jeffersonian 
Democrat, of the"first water." His first Presiden- 



220 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tial vole was cast for Martin \an lUireii. and he 
well renlelIlber^^ the succccdini; caiiipaign, known 
as "Tippecanoe and Tyler too. "' lie is a man of 
iintlagging zeal and strong convictions, who has 
aimed to do his part in the advancement and gen- 
eral ediicalion of the masses. He ardently favors 
all religious and moral teachings which tend to 
elevate mankind, and is a warm advocate of the 
public school system. 

Mr. Smart came to Waukesha County with less 
than *10, hut hy honest toil, industry and frugali- 
ty, has accumulated a comfortable fortune for him- 
self and Ins children, lie now owns a line farm of 
three hundred and sixty-six acres, lying in the 
town of Waukesha, within a short distance of the 
village, well improved and under a high state of 
cultivation, lie is one of those grand old men 
whom one meets onlj- once in a while in a life 
time, whose word is considered as good as his 
bond. lUit the most valued lierit.age he will leave 
his children, is the example of an upright and 
honorable life; that will be cherished and held 
sacred after he has given up the battle of life and 
pas.scd to that bourne from whence no traveler 
returns. 



r^ KOKCiK AUGUSTINE FAR WELL, Super- 

V^Jf intendentof the Waukesha American (4as 
Light Company and of the Waukesha 
Electric Light Company, is a native of Fitcliburg, 
Worcester County, Mass., born .June 3, I8.'5.5. His 
father, Simeon Karwell, was born at Ilindgc, Chesh- 
ire County, N. II., and was an uncle of .T. V. Far- 
well, of Chicago. In early life the former went to 
Fitcliburg, where he met and married Miss Mary 
Ann Downc, a native of that place. In 1836 he 
removed to the city of Worcester, where he was 
engaged in the manufacture of chairs on quite an 
extensive scale for that early d.ay, but in the 
spring of 1H51 he embarked for Detroit, Mich., on 
the old steamer "Ocean," which carried twelve 
hundred passengers. In the latter city Mr. Far- 
well resumed the business he had followed in the 
east, though he carried it on much more exten- 
sively. Ilis last days were spent in Michigan, dy- 
ing at the home of his daughter in Saginaw at the 



age of seventy-eight years. His wife died at De- 
troit, having reached about the same age. In 
their religious beliefs they were consistent Method- 
ists. Of their four children but two are living, 
Alfred A., dealer in furniture at Toledo, Ohio, 
and the gentleman whose name heads this article. 
George A. Farwell received, in the graded and 
high school of Worcester, a good j)ractical educa- 
tion, which has been supplemented by reading, 
observation, and bj' an extended business experi- 
ence. When fifteen years of age he engaged as 
clerk in a glassware and crockery store in the above 
city. As his father lived two miles from that place 
of business, young George walked the distance 
each morning and evening. It was his duty to be 
there first in the morning to open tlie store and 
remove the massive board shutters with which the 
windows of business houses used to be provided. 
Having remained there about two years, and his 
father having come west to n.ake a location, it de- 
volved upon our subject to see to the packing of 
household goods and to make other preparations 
for removal to the new home. On going to Ue 
troit he engaged as salesman in a furniture store, 
continuing till 1861. A gentleman engaged in 
the gas business in that city wanted an assistant 
immediately- and applied to Bishop McCoskry, 
who recommended Mr. Farwell. The latter was 
induced to enter the office of the Detroit Gas Com- 
pany, where he remained until October, 1869. 
Having aspirations to become more than an assist- 
ant, and thinking himself sufficiently acquainted 
with the business to manage it, he advertised for a 
position in the old "American Gaslight Journal." 
A pro|)osition came to him at once from Law- 
rence, Kan., offering him §100 per month for the 
first six months, and 112.") per month thereafter, if 
his services proved satisfactory. At the expiration 
of the six months his salary was raised to* 1.^0, 
thus showing that his labors gave the highest satis- 
faction. Having superintended the works there for 
six years, Mr. Farwell w.as left without a position 
because one of the stockholders, who had gained 
some idea of the business, wanted to earn the .salary. 
The same position was tendered hiin at Cedar Rap- 
ids, Iowa, where he remained three years, and then 
met a similar fate; this time the President of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



221 



company got out of a job and helped to elect him- 
self to the place held by our subject. At St. 
Joseph, Mo., new gas works were being erected to 
compote with the old ones; as Mr. Karwell was 
known to lie a man of extensive experience in 
tiie business, he was called to work up the inter- 
ests of the latter. As soon as it was apparent that 
the new company intended to push forward its en- 
terprise, a proposition to give or lake was made, 
and the affairs of both companies went into the 
hands of the new one, again leaving Mr. Farwell 
to seek employment elsewhere. Soon thereafter, 
he became Superintendent of the gas light com- 
pany at Appleton, Wis., and remained in charge 
for seven years. In the meantime, in I88I, the Ed- 
ison Light Company established in that city the 
first incandescent central electric light station in 
the world, of which Mr. Farwell had charge dur- 
ing the first two years. In 1885 he was called to 
Chicago to work up the interests of the Equitable 
Gaslight Company, which had just been incorpor- 
ated. His business was to show the people ihat 
the new company had something much better to 
offer than the one they were patronizing. The 
first man upon whom he called and explained the 
purposes of his company was a dignified old gen- 
tleman who listened attentively, and after Mr. 
Farwell had finished, coolly informed him that he 
was President of one of the other companies. 
After working successfully in that field for about 
nine months, the subject of this sketch was left 
without employment by the consolidation of the 
company he represented with others, and the clos- 
ing of its offlce. Hy this time he had gained such 
an extensive reputation that it was no trouble for 
him to secure a good position. In June, 1887, 
Mr. Farwell became Superintendent of the Gas 
Light and Electric Light Company of Waukesha, 
in which he is also a stockholder. Doubtless there 
is not a man in the state of Wisconsin who has 
had a more extended experience or a more thor- 
ough knowledge of the gas business than he whose 
name heads this article. 

On the 31st of August, 1856, in Detroit, Mich., 
was celebrated the marriage t)f Mr. Farwell and 
Miss Helen Smith, a native of Schoharie County, 
N. Y. They have reared one child. May G. S., 



who has won more than a local reputation by her 
elocutionary ability. For a year she attended the 
Conservatory of Chicago, and though the youngest 
in the school, was twice selected to go on the 
stage at the Columbia Theatre. She has the dis- 
tinction of having won seven medals, one of 
which was awarded her in a contest with ninety- 
two competitors. 

Since about twenty years of age Mr. F'arwell has 
been an active worker in the Episcopal Church, in 
which he has served several times as vestrj'raan. 
In the outskirts of Detroit he was made Superin- 
tendent of a Sunday-school consisting of Iwentj'- 
five pupils. They at first put up a board shed in 
which they held services, seated on the grass. 
From this small beginning, through the conse- 
crated efforts of Superintendent, teachers and pu- 
pils, the school grew until it numbered six hun- 
dred. In the work of church and Sunday-school 
Mrs. Farwell is also a cheerful helper. 

Politically, Mr. Farwell is a Republican, and 
while in Lawrence, Kan., was for four years Sec- 
retary of the School Board. He is a Mason, an 
Odd Fellow, and was a charter member of the first 
Knight of Pythias Lodge organized in Kansas. 



E^- 



JOIIN FLANAGAN, who is successfully en- 
gaged in stone quarrj'ing in Menoraonee 
Township, has the honor of being a native 
of Waukesha County. He was born in the 
home of his parents, a log cabin, on section 14, in 
1843. That house was erected in a dense forest, 
and stood until 18;(3. It was 18x24 feet in size, was 
covered with a shake roof, and the floor was of 
white ash logs. The house contained kitc'hen, din- 
ing room and bed room below, and three sleeping 
rooms above. John Flanagan was the fourth in 
the family of three sons and two daughters. James, 
the eldest, born in Massachusetts, August 22, 1836, 
was born of his father's first marriage, and resides 
in Delaware. He enlisted in 1861 in Company G, 
First Wisconsin Cavalry. A year later he was 
taken prisoner and was afterward paroled near 
Cape Girardeau, Mo. He recruited what became 
Company A, of the Fifty-first Wisconsin Infantry, 



222 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



in which he served as First Lieutenant until the 
close of the war. Catherine, born March 1, 1845, 
is the deceased wife of Michael Cawley, a farmer 
of Lisbon Township; Mary Ann, born November 
30, 1847, died January 8, 1872; John is the next 
younger; William, born April 20, 1851, died Octo- 
ber 2'J, 1886, and was interred in the burying 
ground of St. Anthony's Church at Fussville. 

The father of this family, William Fl.anagaii, was 
an only child, and was reared in liis native land. 
In his younger years he was employed to take care 
of the horses belonging to Sir Henry lirooks. At 
the age of eighteen he sailed from Liverpool, land- 
ing at New York after a voyage of seven weeks. 
He secured work in the rolling mills of Taunton 
and Lowell, Alass., and in a calico factory in Prov- 
idence, R. 1. In June, 1842, he came by way of 
the Lakes to Milwaukee, and in Menomonee Town- 
ship bought a quarter-section of land from Amos 
Cain, securing a deed for the same when it came 
into market. Mr. Flanagan held a number of 
public ollices, was an aggressive Democrat, and 
was always a reader of the Boston Pilot. He took 
an active part in the develo|)ment of this commu- 
nity, and was recognized as one of its leading citi- 
zens. He cleared his farm with an ox-team, "Dick 
and Dan," for which lie paid ^oO. His death oc- 
curred at the old home August 1, 18(j2. His wife, 
who was born iu County Donegal, Ireland, in 1817, 
was a daughter of John and Mary Laney, and cmi- 
ffrated to America in 1838. She lirst lived in 
Paterson, N. .1., but met and married Mr. Flana- 
gan in Milwaukee. His first wife bore the maiden 
name of C^atherine Duff, and was a native of Mas- 
sachusetts. She died when her son was two and 
a-half years old. 

John Flanagan was educated in Menomonee 
Falls, walking a distance of a mile and a-half to 
and from school. He continued his studies until 
attaining his twentieth year, his last teacher being 
Judge Griswold, while his lirst teacher was George 
Harlarcher. He continued with his parents until 
November 25, 1875, when he married Catherine, 
daughter of Michael and Margaret (Malloy) New- 
man. Their family numbered three sons and four 
daughters, and Mrs. FManagan was the second child 
born in Menomonee Township, her birth occurring 



on the 30th of November, 1849, in a log cabin on 
section 18. The other members of the family- now 
living are, Mary, wife of Christ Gaynor; Margaret, 
wife of Daniel Crowe, who in early life followed 
farming, but afterward removed to Milwaukee, 
where he was emplo3'ed as sliijiping clerk by Lind- 
say Bros., dealers in agricultural implements, with 
whom he remained until his death; and John J., Su- 
perintendent of the Western Leather Company of 
Milwaukee. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan have been born eleven 
children. Mary A., born March 15, 1877, has been 
educated in music, both vocal and instrumental, 
and is yet at home; Maggie, born July 16, 1878, 
died October 31, 18!)2, and lies buried in .St. James 
Church yard; John, born September 14, 1879, is 
the next younger; William, born Se|)tember 25, 
1880, died September 28, 1881; Elizabeth, born 
November 15, 1881, died October 31, 1892; Eddie, 
born May 18, 1883, and F^sther A., September 12, 
1884, are at home; Belle, born Novenil)er 20, 1886, 
died October 6, 1892; Genevieve, born January 8, 
1890, died October 24, 1892; Arthur E., born 
March 28, 1891, is at home; Frances Alma, born 
March 3, 1893, completes the family. 

Mr. F'lanagan cast his lirst Presidential vote for 
Horace Greeley, and has since been a stalwart 
Democrat. He served as Town Clerk in 1871, and 
was twice re-elected. After an interval he was 
again chosen and filled the otlicc several terms- 
He was Chairman of the Town Board of Supervi- 
sors in 1877-78, and has been Justice of the Peace 
since 1879. He has frequently been otticially con- 
nected with the schools, and is now serving as 
Postmaster of Lannon, Wis., being appointed by 
President Cleveland July 10, 1893. In 1875 he 
aided in the organization of the Menomonee, Gran- 
ville and German town F^ire Insurance Company, 
was its Secretary for seven years, and for two 
years was its President. In all public offices he is 
true and faithful, and prompt in the discharge of 
his duties. In connection with his farm of eighty 
acres of improved land he has since 1890 engaged 
in operating a stone quarry on section 17. He 
there has a large ()lant with a good rock crusher 
from the American Road Machine Company. He 
is connected with Peter Kiefer, and iu the Menom- 




WILLIAM WEAVER, Sr. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



225 



onee Stone (Juarry; they employ from twenty-five 
to tliiily men tliioiniliuiit llie .-season. They ship 
prinfip.illy to Milwaukee, .and are doing a good 
business, which is constantly increasing. 



-m'- 



E^r- 



WILLIAM WKAVER, Si:. It was in the 
year 183S) that this sterling old gentle- 
man became a resident of Waukesha 
County; In- has therefore been a witness of the 
transformation that has made of the wilderness 
in Wisconsin one of the garden spots which can- 
not be excelled for beauty in many states. Mr. 
Weaver's birth occurred November 24, 1802, in 
County Kent, England, he being the only survivor 
iu a family consisting of foursonsand a daughter. 
The parents were William and Mary (Hardeman) 
Weaver, both of whom were natives of the same 
county as their son. The father was foreman of a 
sheep farm in England, but came to America when 
our subject emigrated, and in this county spent 
his last days. The mother passed her entire life in 
England, having been called to the spirit world 
prior to her family 's crossing the sea. She, like her 
husband, was a devoted member of the Episcopal 
Church. 

Mr. Weaver was reared to farm life and learned 
the trade of stone and brick mason. His ediic.i- 
tional advantages were of the most limited char- 
acter, as in those early days the chances for se- 
curing a liberal education were very rare. On 
reaching man's estate he was united in marriage 
with Miss Mary Smith, a native of the county of 
Sussex, England, born August 17, 1800. Think- 
ing that the United States offered better facilities 
for accumulating wealth than could be had in 
England. Mr. Wi-aver decided to emigrate thither. 
and on the lOtli of March, 1830, embarked in a 
coal brig from the port of Rye, arriving in New 
York on the 17th fif April. Of the (ifteen persons 
who came across together on that vessel six are 
yet living, namely: William Weaver, .Sr.; Hon. 
Richard Weaver; William Weaver, 2d; Mrs. .lames 
Craven; William Weaver, Jr., and Mrs. P^leanor 
Roots. From the eastern metropolis Mr. Weaver 
proceeded to Augusta, Oneida County, N. Y., 



where he and his father purchased forty acres of 
land, |)aying *1.') per acre for the same. At that 
early date land could be bought in New York at 
various prices, the very best not commanding 
more than $'M) or $3.i per acre. 

In 18.'^8 Mr. Weaver dis|>osed of his interests in 
the Empire State and came to the territory of 
Wisconsin on a firospecting tour. Heing well 
pleased with the country he returned to New York 
to make preparations for his removal thither, and 
in the following year, 18.3!), made a permanent lo- 
cation in Waukesha County. On coming here he 
took a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of 
wild land, situated on what is now section 26 of 
Lisbon Township. He had about llOO in mone}' 
with which to commence in Wisconsin. He erected 
a rude cabin and at once devoted himself to the 
arduous task of developing and cultivatinga farm 
in the new country. At that time there were not 
more than eight houses in the town of Lisbon, 
and no churches or school-houses in the entire 
settlement. For religious services the piimeers 
met at the different homes on Sunday. Indians 
were plentiful, and as Mr. Weaver remarked, were 
the white man's best friends, from the fact that 
they would sell him plenty of venison and corn 
meal for a mere pittance. He cut his first grain 
with a four-fingered cradle, then threshed it out of 
the straw with a Hail, lirst cleaning a space upon 
which to work. Mr. Weaver well remembers when 
Waukesha County w.as organized and setoff from 
that of Milwaukee, also many other events con- 
nected with the earl}' development of his county 
and town. He has helped to build several .school- 
houses in his town and aided in the construc- 
tion of the beautiful Episcopal Church in Sussex, 
hauling all the water used by the workmen besides 
rendering other assistance. 

Mr. Weaver and wife became the parents of 
three sons .and four daughters, and with the ex- 
ception of one death, that of the mother, the fam- 
ily circle yet remains unbroken. Named in order 
of birth the children are as follows: William, .Ir., 
is a prosperous farmer of Lisbon Township; Elea- 
nor is the wife of Ephraim Uoots, of Janesvillc; 
.lohii R. manages his father's estate; SiLsannah is the 
widow of (Jeorge Elliott and resides in the village 



226 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of Sussex; Ruth is at lioiiie willi her father; Freder- 
ick is a photograplier of Wliite Water, Wis.; Sarah, 
wiio completes the family, wedded David Bouham, 
of Empire Prairie, Mo. The second son, John R., 
chose for a wife Mary Boots, who died in Septem- 
ber, 1865, leaving three children: Minnie, de- 
ceased, Lloyd and Mollie. He superintends the 
old homestead for his father, and like him is an 
advocate of the Democratic party. Mr. Weaver 
was called upon lo mourn the death of his wife 
April 30, 1891. They had shared tiie duties and 
l)leasures of a long married life, and during that 
time had passed through various experiences. She 
was laid to rest in the cemetery at Sussex, where a 
suilahle monument marks her last resting place. 

A .stanch believer in the principles advocated by 
the Democratic party, he has alwa3s exeicised his 
franchise in support of its men and measures. He 
has never been allured by the honor to be gained 
from holding ollicial positions, though he was ap- 
pointed Postmaster at Sussex, and served as As- 
sessor of his town. Mr. Weaver still resides on 
the original claim of one hundred and sixty acres, 
the patent of which was taken out fift^'-four years 
ago, besides which he owns one hundred and 
twenty acres of line land in the town of Lisbon. 
His life has been full of toil; coming to this coun- 
t}' a poor man he has by well directed effort and 
careful management become one of her most sub- 
stantial citizens. Mr. Weaver has the satisfaction 
of seeing his children occupying prominent places 
in the business and social world, and surrounded 
by children and grandchildien he is quietly spend- 
ing the evening of life. Though in his ninety- 
second year his mind is remarkably clear. He 
well remembers the events incident to life in the 
territory of Wisconsin and delights to converse of 
them. "I'ncle William," as he is familiarly called, 
is eighteen dajs older than the present Bishop of 
Chichester, the diocese from which he came. On 
the occasion of their ninetieth birthdays. Rev. 
L. P. Holmes wrote to Bishop Dunford for Mr. 
Weaver, from whom he received a most cordial re- 
ply. During the former's late visit to England he 
called upon the Bishop at his palace, and found 
him very much interested in the fact that St. 
Alban's Parish was founded by members from his 



diocese, and to LTncle William sent a friendly 
greeting. Honorable and upright throughout the 
course of his life, Mr. Weaver is held in high 
esteem by those with whom he has labored all 
these years. To his children he will leave the 
richest heritage, the example of right living. 

BEN.IAMIN B. FUNK has been a resident 
of Waukesha County for many years, and 
being one of the offlcials of the town of 
Genesee, is well and favorably known. He is a 
native of Summit County, Ohio, born November 
7, 1844, and is the fifth in a family comprising 
four sons and two daughters, all of whom are now 
living, 1894. The parents, William and Laah 
(Mark) Funk, were natives of Pennsylvania. The 
father was born near the state capital, Harrisburg, 
October 12, 1803, and died in September, 1877, 
wliile the mother's birth occurred in Pennsylvania 
in 1809, and her death occurred in June, 1881. 
The Funk family traces its ancestiy back to Ger- 
many, and our subject and wife have in their pos- 
session an old relic in the form of a German bible, 
which was printed in 1712, brought to America 
about 1715, and handed down for several genera- 
tions to the youngest son. 

William Funk was reared to the trade of a 
cooper, but later in life engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. He received a common school educa- 
tion, such as the times of his youth afforded, but 
had improved his time by personal application, 
and could speak and write in both the German and 
English languages. In 1849 he emigrated to De 
Kalb County, Ind., where he purchased land and 
engaged in farming, the remainder of his life be- 
ing passed in that locality. He was a Democrat of 
the strongest complexion, and a man who warmly 
espoused the principles of his jiarty. An ardent 
friend of the public schools, with which he was 
connected in an oflicial capacity for many years, 
he did much to add to their eHiciency. 

Mr. Funk of this biography was only a child of 
five years when he went with his parents to Indi- 
ana, and there grew to manhood. He was reared 
lo the occupation of farming and stock-raising, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



227 



wbicli he has continued to engage in. His educa- 
tion was oliUiined in the couinion schools. 15eforc 
lie readied his majority the Civil War had broken 
out, and on the 12th of October, 1864, he enlisted 
in the service at Kendallvillc, Ind., becoming a 
member of Company D, One Hundred and Forty- 
second Indiana Infantry, under Captain Chance 
and Col. John Caniport. After remaining a short 
time at Camp Allen, in Ft. Wayne, the regiment 
was ordered to Camp Carrington, Indianapolis, for 
home guard duty, the object being the concentra- 
tion of troops. From Indianapolis they were or- 
dered to Louisville, Ky., thence to Nashville, Tenn., 
where the regiment was assigned to the Army of 
the Cumberland, to aid in intercepting General 
Hood. Mr. Funk was appointed as Ward of the 
regiment hospital, and was afterward given duty 
at the Post Hospital at Nashville. He went there 
in February, ISC'), and remained until August, 
when he was discharged from the service. While 
in Indianapolis he served as one of the guards of 
the state capitol building. He received his hon- 
orable and final discharge in August, 1805, and 
returned to his home to mingle in the more peace- 
ful vocations of life. During his term of service, 
Mr. Funk was always present at his post of duty, 
and has the record of a faithful soldier. The rig- 
ors of the war impaired his health, which has never 
attained to its former vigor. 

In 1866 Mr. Funk came to Waukesha County 
and commenced as a laborer, from which may 
readily be inferred that his financial means were 
limited. After spending one year here, he made a 
visit to his old home in Indiana, but in 1867, re- 
turned thence to (ireen Hay, Wis., where he en- 
gaged his services as teamster, his route being 
from (Jreen Bay to Ft. Howard and Escanaba, the 
round trip covering a distance of two hundred 
and flfty miles. At that time this portion of the 
state was largely in its primitive condition, and 
Indians were plentiful; the hardships endured were 
many, which fact is well remembered by those who 
have aided in the early development of the state. 

Mr. Funk returned to Waukesha County on the 
1st of April, 1870, and on the 26tli of October of 
that year, married Miss Helen Niver, a native of 
Columbia County, N. Y., and a daughter of Chris- 



topher and Sarah D. (Platner) Niver. Mrs. Funk 
was born .laiiuary 6, 1845, and was the second in 
a family of six children, two sons and four daugh- 
ters. Mr. and Mrs. Funk have five children, as 
follows: Belle, the eldest daughter, is a professional 
dress maker; Dell, the eldest son, is employed in 
the village of Waukesha; Maud, the second daugh- 
ter, has devoted herself to music; Ray, through 
illness, lost his left leg Jul3' 19 by amputation; the 
second son is still in school; Kittle, the youngest, 
is also in school. All, with the exception of Dell, 
are under the parental roof. 

When Mr. and Mrs. Funk commenced their do- 
mestic life, they had a small (•a|)ilal of -^.'iOO. They 
located in the town of Mukwonago on a rented 
farm, and during the winter he chopped cord wood 
and hauled it to niaiket at Waukesha and Trf)y. 
The first winter after liis marriage, Mr. hunk 
chopped and put up two hundred and fourteen 
cords, besides cutting other firewood, which was 
an average of two cords per day, though he some- 
times cut as much as three cords in one day. In 
1875 he purchased eighty acres of i)artially im- 
proved land in the town of Mukwonago, upon 
which he erected the buildings. In 1882 he sold 
this tract of land and came to Genesee Township, 
where he bought his iireseut faun of one hundred 
and twenty-five and three-fourtlis acres. In 1880 
Mr. Funk remodeled his barn and made of it one 
of the largest in the township; its dimensions are 
80x32 feet, with eighteen foot posts, and a base- 
ment that averages nine feet. His farin, of which 
he has made one of the most valual)le in tlie town, 
is t!U|)plied with an abundance of water in the form 
of springs and streams. Trout Brook pa.ssing 
through it, which makes it desirable as a stock 
farm. As a stock-raiser Mr. Funk has lieen very 
successful, and besides has been interested in the 
dairy business, and is an advocate of hojue indus- 
tries .as far as the dairy business is concerned. 

In his political life, our sulijcct is a l\epul)lican, 
having cast his first Presidential vote for (Jeneral 
Grant, the soldier President. Mr. Funk has never 
.aspired to any ollicial position, l)ut in 18!I.'J he 
W!is prevailed upon to accept the olHce of Assessor; 
he has been a member of tfie .School Board for 
eleven yeai-s iu the town of Genesee, and held a 



228 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



like position in Mukwonago Township for four 
years. He and liis wife are true respecters of all 
religious and nioial teachings. They liave wit- 
nessed many elianges in Waukesha County since 
becoming residents; Mr. Funk well remembers 
when tlie IJclhcsda Spiing, wiiicli gave to Wau- 
kesha its I p<> I Hilarity as a summer resort, was sur- 
roundcii by a willow thicket. At the time of his 
coming the county had hut one railroad, but since 
theu, has grown in wealth and population, until 
it now ranks among the fust in tlie state of AVis- 
consin. 

• ^JBIP — ^. 

CTT AMUKL IIAGK, one of the most prosper- 
^S ous farmers of Eagle Township, was born 
March 8, 1844, in Livingston County, 
N. Y., being f)nc of six ciiildren, wliose parents 
were .lohn and Mary (Bingham) llage. Samuel 
was a child a year and a-half old when his parents 
located in the town of Eagle, hence he might be 
considered almost a product of this county. As 
he was early called upon to assist in the care and 
cultivation of the farm, his chances of obtaining 
an education were not of the best. The historic 
log scliool house, with its crude furniture, and the 
old-time pedagogue, who believed, and put into 
practice, his faith that"lickin' and larnin' " go to- 
gether, were still in vogue when Mr. Ilage began 
school life. ]n the district schools he acquired 
suflicient education for all practical purposes of 
life. Like a dutiful son, he worked for liis father 
until twenty-one years of age. 

On the Uth of February, 1866, he wedded Miss 
Sarah A. Kelloway, who was born in Troy, Wal- 
worth County,. Wis., May 2.5, 1844. Her father, 
Moses Kelloway, was born on the 19th of Septem- 
ber, 1805, in Salisbury, England. In youth he 
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed 
all his life, though after coming to this country he 
also engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1830 he 
sailed for New York, arriving August 1st. After 
staying in the United States three years, he de- 
cided to return to his native land, but after spend- 
ing only three weeks there, got homesick to come 
again to America. At Clinton, Oneida County, 
N. Y., he married, .lune 7, 183ij. Miss Sarah Garms- 



ton, who died on the 8th of June, 1837, aged 
twenty-seven years. To his second wife, Mary 
Ann Jobes, he was married in Onondaga County, 
N. Y., October 17, 1839. Of this union three 
children were born, namely: Sylvester, who is a 
farmer of Adair, Iowa; Emma Sophia, who became 
the wife of Schuyler Reynolds, of Loop City, Neb., 
and Mrs. Hage. At New Y'ork Mills he superin- 
tended the building of the first cotton factory, for 
Mr. Walcott. About 1843 Mr. Kelloway went 
with his family to Kendall County, 111., where his 
wife's parents lived. Mary Ann Jobes was born 
in the Empire State in 1818. She remained at 
the home of her parents while her husband came 
on horseback, by Indian trail, to find a location in 
Wisconsin. Near Troy, Walworth County, he 
l)urchased a phace, on what was known as Quarter- 
line, with scarcely any improvements on it, which 
he developed into a good farm. There his estim- 
able wife died August 14, 1847, at twenty-nine 
years of age. Mr. Kelloway was again married 
December 2, 1848, to Ann Padley, who p.assed 
awa}' November 23, 1860, aged fifty-two j-ears. 
Both parents of Mrs. Hage were Christian people, 
her father belonging to the Methodist Church, in 
which he served as Steward and Trustee, while her 
mother was a member of the Baptist Church. On 
the 18th of Februaiy, 181)3, ]\Ir. Kelloway was 
called from the toils of earth. With the exception 
of one year, 1855, which he spent in Clinton, N. Y., 
he lived in Wisconsin after his arrival here. In 
1857 he moved to the town of Eagle, Waukesha 
Count}', and on the farm now owned by Samuel 
Hage spent his last da3's. 

Soon after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hage began 
their domestic life on the farm where they still 
live, and which they have improved until it is one 
of the best in the town of Eagle, being known as 
"Pleasant Vievv Daiiy Farm." He at first owned 
seventj'-six acres, but by additions, made at differ- 
ent times, the amount has been increased to one 
hundred and ninety acres. Mr. Hage gives espe- 
cial attention to shipping milk to Milwaukee, and 
on his well appointed farm keeps twent3'-eiglitcows. 

Politically Mr. Hage is a stanch Republican, 
having cast his first Presidential vote for General 
Grant. He has never been a man to seek oflicial 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



229 



distinction, preferring to give his time and energies 
to his own affairs. Mrs. Hage is one of the active 
workers in the IMelhodist Episeupal Chureh. 

Mr. and Mis. Ilaije have four living children, 
one having died in infaney, whom Uiey liavegiven 
good opporlunilies for obtaining an educntif)n. 
Wiliard 15. is extensively engaged in the inilk 
business in .San Diego, Cal. Louelhi M. assists 
licr mother in earing for the home. Emma May, 
who is one of the successful teachers of this coun- 
ty, when sixteen years of age received on ex- 
amination a second grade certificate, and Edna S. 
received a third grade ccrtilicale when lifteen years 
old. I>y industry and good management, with the 
assistance of his excellent wife, Mr. Ilage has made 
the most of his possessions. 



(•TX III HA R. IIINKLEY is one of the oldest 
y — \ living settlers of the town of Eagle, and is 
one of the best known citizens in Wauke- 
sha County, wliicli lias been Ins home for nearly 
threescore years. The progenitors of the Hinkley 
family in America were two brothers, who emigrat- 
ed from England in 183;'), one settling in Maine, 
and the other at Sioninglon, Conn. From the lat- 
ter descended David Hinkley, a New Hampshire 
farmer, who owned the place upon which his grand- 
son, A. R. Hinkley, was born. Daniel Hinkley, the 
father of the gentleman whose name heads this 
article, was born August 25, 1778, during the great 
struggle for independence, and on reaching man- 
hood wedded Miss Anna Cutler, who was a native 
of Grantham, Sullivan County, N. 11., born .Iiine 
20, 178.3, which year witnessed the ckise of the 
Revolution. Hodges Cutler, the father of Anna, 
was a soldier in the war, and fn recognition of his 
services received a pension. He lacked but two 
months of being a centenarian. Daniel Hinkley 
and wife spent their entire lives in the Granite 
State. They, as well as all their children save one, 
were members of the Methodist Church, and were 
people whose lives reflected credit upon their pro- 
fession. Hy trade Mr. Hinkley was a cloth dresser 
though he lived on a farm and cariied on agricul- 
ture with the assistance of his boys, who, like him- 



self, wei'e stanch advocates of Whig principles. Of 
the eight children in this family, five sons and 
three daughters, but two are living, the pioneer of 
this county and the youngest child, I'ringle H., 
who resides in Mont|)elier, \'t. 

A. R. Hinkley was reared on tlie old home farm 
and received a limited education, as most boys did 
in those early days. Since sixteen years of age he 
has been making his own way in the world, though 
he remained at home until he attained his major- 
ity. For some time he worked as a farm hand, 
and notwithstanding he had the highest wages, 
he received only -^12. oO per month. In Plaintield, 
N. H., was celebrated April 30, 1838, his mar- 
riage to Miss Mary C. Daniels, a native of that 
place, born January 15, 1813, to Leonard and 
Elizabeth (Cutler) D.aniels, the former a native of 
Chesterfield, and the latter of Plainlield, N. 11. 
Grandfather Daniels emigrated from Duxbury, 
Mass., and Grandfather Cutler from Connecticut 
to New Hami)shire. Both were heroes of the Rev- 
olutionary War. Unto LcKinard Daniels and his 
wife were born seven children, five sons and two 
daughters, of whom two survive, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Winkley, of Monona, Iowa, and Mrs. Mary C. 
Hinkley. 

Our subject humorously tells that he began court- 
ing Ins wife when she was ten years old, but she 
protests that she knew nothing of it until eight 
years later. Having decided to try his fortune on 
the frontier, Mr. Hinkley began his westward jour- 
ney in 1836. Going to Whit'diall, Vt., he boarded 
a canal boat for Buffalo, thence to Detroit and up 
the river to St. Clair, where he had a brother liv- 
ing. After working some six weeks in a sawmill 
he returned to Detroit, where he met Andrew Sco- 
field, a sturdy (Juaker, who was aTjout to sail for 
Milwaukee with a boat load of lumber, butter, etc., 
and who i)rcvailed upon him to come along. On 
arriving at the village, which contained the two- 
story house of Solomon Juneau, a small jail l>uilt 
on "stilts," and a few houses on Wisconsin Street, 
they improvised a shelter by standing boards on 
end after the manner of a wigwam, and placing 
loose jdanks within for a lloor. In this crudely 
constructed shanty they remained for some six 
weeks, living on butter and crackers, and having 



230 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



only tlieir blankets for a bed. From Milwaukee 
Mr. Hinkloy, his brotiier Henry an<l Mr. Scolielcl 
started with two yoke of oxen and wagon in search 
of a desirable location. At llu; mill at Wninvatosa 
the hill was so steep that the oxen could pull the 
load only a part of the way up; the wheels were 
chocked, the oxen driven to the lop and by means 
of chains were enabled to draw the wagon to the 
summit. As no roads had been laid out, the trav- 
eling was so dillicult that it took two days to reach 
Mukwonago, where they spent the nigl'l with 
David Orendorf in a roofless log cabin. During 
the niglit a heavy rain foil, wetting the bed, which 
lay on poles placed across the corner of the room. 

On the following day Messrs. A. R. Hinkley and 
Scoficld started on an Indian trail for Eagle Prai- 
rie. From a hill-top near by they caught their first 
view of that beautiful strip of country. To Mr. 
Ilinkley it seemed the most magnificent sight he 
had ever beheld. (Joing some distance across the 
prairie thej' discovered a large spring, whose spark- 
ling waters have been slaking the thirst of man 
and beast ever since. The spring, surrounded by 
a beautiful burr-oak opening, made this a very at- 
tractive place. Each man mentally decided that 
he would make his claim there. Mr. Ilinkley step- 
ped to a large burr-oak tree and cut on it his ini- 
tials, which according to the unwritten law of 
early days gave him an incontestable right to the 
claim. When his companion saw what was done, 
in his quiet way he exclaimed, "Ilira, thee is very 
quick with thy knife!" Another claim not far 
distant, for which llOO was asked, was acceptable 
to Mv. Seolield, but .as he had not sold his lumber 
he lacked the necessary funds. ]\Ir. Ilinkley fur- 
nished him the money without taking any note 
or other evidence of debt, deeming Quaker hon- 
esty a suUicient guaranty for its repayment. 

Mr. Ilinkley returned to his New Hampshire 
home, while his brother erected near the spring a 
log cabin eleven feet square in the clear, with one 
door and a hole for a window, but no lloor. In 
1838 the former brought his bride, whom he left 
at North Prairie while he put a floor and window 
in his cabin and made other necessary improve- 
ments preparatory to their occupancy. They had 
with them a good supplj' of provisions and such 



an outfit of household furniture as very few of the 
first settlers enjoyed. It is astonishing how much 
that one little room held; why, in it they had five 
barrels of Hour, a barrel of pork, a cook stove, a 
table three feet .square, three chairs, a folding bed- 
stead, two trunks and a large packing box on 
which a bed was made of nights. For about five 
years Mr. Ilinkley 's brother shared their home with 
them. There was room for not only the three, 
but a weary stranger might find a hearty welcome 
and the best entertainment they could furnish. 
During the fall of the same year an addition was 
made to the house which still stands in a reasona- 
bly' good state of preservation. His frame barn, 
erected in 1842, was the second one ))Ut up in that 
vicinity, and his cobble-stone house, constructed in 
1848, is at present one of the best farm houses in 
the town of Eagle, one wall of which was laid bj' 
his own hands. The original tract of land secured 
by Mr. Hinkley conlained five hundred and sixty 
acres, of which he still retains two hundred and 
eight}'. He has alw.ajs been a hard worker, and 
in the improvement of his farm built miles upon 
miles of rail fence. For the p.ast fourteen years 
Mr. Ilinkley has been interested in the dairy busi- 
ness, keeping now a herd of about fifty thorough- 
bred Jerseys, the only herd of the kind in the 
count}'. 

In every enterprise that [uomised to be of ben- 
efit to the county he has taken a commendable in- 
terest. When it was proposed to put through the 
Prairie du Chien branch of the St. Paul Railroad, 
he took $2,000 worth of stock, giving a mort- 
gage for that amount on his farm. A bond was 
given liim that no interest should be called for, 
and that he should be paid the par value of 
his stock. After years of litigation he had to pay 
not only the principal, but interest at the rate 
of ten per cent., which took just a hundred-acre 
slice from off his farm. He was a member of the 
first elected Board of Directors of the roail. For 
all the money paid and services rendered he got 
in return only a pass for himself and family. In 
politics he was at first a Whig, then a Republican, 
having always voted for his party's interest. For 
a number of terms he has served as Side-Supervisor. 
In 1856 he was made a Mason in Robert Morris 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



231 



Lodge No. 115, of Eagle, in which he has filled all 
the chairs. In 1834 he and his good wife were 
baptized in the Methodist Episcopal Church with 
which they have since been identified, he being a 
Trustee of the church at Eagle. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ilinkley became tlie parents of 
seven children, the oldest of whom, Leonard D., 
was the second white child born in E.agle Township 
and was the first native citizen elected to the State 
Legislature. During the late war he served the 
Union cause for three years, and for a number of 
years thereafter he traveled for the (St. Paul Hail- 
road, but is now traveling for a linseed oil house 
with headquarters at Aberdeen, S. Dak. Anna E., 
who wedded M. 15. Pitman, a prominent business 
man and banker of Boscobcl, Wis., is a leading char- 
acter in all church, charitable and social affairs. 
Frank w.as for years inspector of grain in Milwau- 
kee, being one of the well known business men of 
that city. Mary became the wife of .S. P. Cline, a 
veteran of the late war, who after a short but very 
successful business career passed away in 18'J2. 
Emeline is the wife of A.J. Pardee, who carries on 
his father-in-law's farm and does an extensive 
dairy business. Laura W. married .John 11. Payne, 
a business man and the present Postmaster of Oil 
City, Pa. Grace, the youngest of the familj-, 
wedded Howard Pardee, who conducts a ranch at 
Watsonville, .Santa Cruz County, Cal. There are 
twenty boys and girls who call Mr. and Mrs. Hink- 
le_v grandpa and grandma. This pioneer cou|)le 
have seen this fine agricultural county developed 
from a wilderness, and in the growth and progress 
have ever done their part. The material, the moral 
and the educational welfare of the community 
have ever been dear to them. For years Mr. Ilink- 
ley was a zealous worker in the interest of educa- 
tion, and the present good schools are in no slight 
degree the result of his efforts in that direction. 
Of the cause of temperance he is a warm advocate; 
twice he has l)een nominated by his party to the Leg- 
islature, but as he would under no circumstances 
use liquor as a lever to raise himself into office, his 
election was an ira()ossibility. For fifty-six years 
Father and Motlier Ilinkley have walked the rug- 
ged road of life together, cheering each other when 
sorrows came, as they sometimes did. Happy are 



they in seeing their children become useful and re- 
spected men and women, and happy in being 
blessed with good health and faculties well pre- 
served. Perha|js there is not another couple in 
the state having so many descendants can say with 
Mr. and Jlrs. Ilinkley that but one of them is num- 
bered with the dei)arled. 



HKNKY M. YOUMANS, owner and editor 
of the Waukesha Freeman, was born .lan- 
uary 6, 1851, at Mukwonago, Waukesha 
Countj', and was the second son of Dr. Hcniy A. 
and Luc3' (Andrews) Youraans, both now decc.ised. 
On his mother's side Mr. Youmans' ancestry ex- 
tends back to the earliest settlers of Massachusetts, 
and his fatiier's family was domiciled in New 
York at least two centuries ago; the founders and 
promoters of "The I'opular .Science .Monthly "(who 
may be justly termed pioneers of modern scientific 
thought in America,) were near relatives of Dr. 
IL A. Youinans. The only surviving members of 
the Litter's family are the subject of this sketch, 
his brother, L. E. Youmans, M. D., of Mukwonago, 
and his two sisters, Mrs. T. W. Haight, of Wauke- 
sha, and Mrs. Dr. S. G. West, of Chicago. 

The elder brother, Augustus, became a soldier 
in the war for the Union at the age of seventeen, 
and died in October, 18(34, from the haidsliips and 
exposures of his military service. In 1867 Henry 
had developed a taste for business pursuits and 
took a course of study in the .Spencerian Commer- 
cial College at Milwaukee, in preparation for mer- 
cantile work, which he undertook the nextyear as 
an assistant in the general store of Pierce ife Gree- 
ley at Mukwonago. Continuing in this employ- 
ment until the summer of 1870, he was then in- 
duced to try newspaper work in the office of the 
Freeman, o{ which his brother-in-law,'!'. W. Haight, 
was then the publisher. Very shortly after making 
this change, September 14, 187U, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Frankie G. Kellogg, youngest daugh- 
ter of the late E. H. Kellogg, of Mukwonago. 
During the next three years he continued his ap- 
plication to the mechanical work of the nowspa])er 
and to obtaining a mastery of all the details of the 



232 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



business. During tliese years also liis two ciiil- 
dreii, both sons, were born: Augustus II., tlic eider, 
on tiie 8lli of Si'plcmber, 1871, and Salmon K., 
the younger, February 8, 187.i. Later in 1873 
Mr. Youmans acquired a half-interest in the own- 
ership of llie paper, and purchased the remaining 
half-interest two years afterward. Since 1875, 
now almost twenty years, he lias been the respon- 
sible head of the business and editorial dci)art- 
mcnts of the Frecniuii, and with the exception of 
a siiort period in liie ■8(ls has been its sole pro|iri- 
etor. During all this time his life has been blended 
with that of the newspaper, which has, in the 
meantime, taken position as one of the very best 
e.\ponents in this country •of what a country 
newspaper ougiit to be. By his efforts it has been 
brought into the closest possible touch with its pa- 
trons and all the peoi)le of the country, and its 
circulation has accordingly' more than doubled by 
a process of gradual and natural growth, no espec- 
ial efforts in the way of boonung circulation hav- 
ing ever been adojitcd. 

With his life and interests centered in his news- 
paper, it goes witht)ut saying that Mr. Youmans 
has never been a seeker after ottice. From time 
to time, however, his fellow-citizens have called 
on him to i)erform the duties of local offices, 
without any solicitation or suggestions of his own. 
In 1876 he was elected and served a year as Town 
Clerk of Waukesha, and in 1889 he was elected 
President of the vill.age by a majority larger than 
had ever before been given to a candidate for 
that ollice. He was again elected to the same po- 
sition in 1885, since which year he has kept out 
of political office, though in 1893, in opposition 
to his own expressed wish, he was elected Presi- 
dent of the Wi-sconsin Editorial Association, and 
was unanimously' re-elected at the February meet- 
ing of 1894, .so that he still holds that honorable 
position. He has also been a director of the 
Waukesha Building & Loan Association since its 
beginning in 1889. 

On the ()th of December, 1876, the death of his 
wife above mentioned left Mr. Youmans a widower, 
and from that lime until his marriage with Miss 
Theodora Wmlon in 1889, he made his home with 
his brother-in-law at Waukesha. Miss AVinton 



had been a member of the Freeman editorial force 
for a considerable time at the date of the marriage, 
anil, after a short tour to the Paci lie Coast, both 
Mr. and Mrs. Youmans resumed their newspaper 
work with increased zeal and industry, and at the 
same time arranged for the building of their pleas- 
ant residence on Carroll Street. Mrs. Youmans' 
literal \ .•iiid joiiriialistic iiroduetions have found 
more than local praise and ajjiireciation, and her 
husliand accords to her work on the Freeman much 
credit for its solid success. As both arc still in 
the prime of life and in excellent health, it may 
fairly be expected that their future endeavors will 
not be inferior, at any rate, to what they have 
been in tlii' past. 



=^>^^<! 



'(iav^ 



r^ ROVE HARKNESS, M. D., has been en- 
^ T gaged in the [iractice of his profession in 
Waukesha since May, 1892. Dr. Harkness 
is a native of Wisconsin, born at Spring Prairie, 
Walworth County, October 18,1860. His father, 
Dr. Daniel llaikiiess, was a pioneer physician; he 
came to Wisconsin in 1837, but went thence to 
Jonesborough, Union County, 111., where he re- 
sided for a number of years. He afterward re- 
turned to Wisconsin, and settled at Spring Prairie, 
where the remainder of his life was [lassed, his 
death occurring in 1872. He was a well known 
citizen, and prominent among the early physicians 
of the state. Dr. Harkness, Sr., was a native of 
Salem, Washington County, N. Y., while his wife, 
Harriet ( Whitinore) Harkness, according to local 
history, was the first white child born in Walworth 
County. 

The subject of this sketch is the eldest of a fam- 
ily of three children, comprising two sons and a 
daughter. The second is a sister, Ella, who is the 
wife of R. M. Hubbard, of Spring Prairie. The 
third and youngest of the trio is James, who is 
also a resident of that place. 

The literary education of Dr. Harkness was ob- 
tained in the public schools, including a course at 
the Burlington High School. He began the study 
of medicine at the latter village in 1886, with Dr. 
L. N. Hicks as his preceptor. In 1887 he entered 




HANNAH P. RICHMOND. 




THOMPSON RICHMOND. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



237 



Rush Medical College, of Chicago, from wliich he 
giadu.'Ued in the Class of 'IMI. Soon after his 
graduation he began liie practice of his profession 
at Waterford, Racine County, being associated 
with Dr. (ieorge K. Newell, where lie remained 
some two years, then came to Waukesha. 

Dr. Ilarkness is a well educated physician, cour- 
teous to all, and attentive to lliose who n(^ed his 
professional services, lie has pleasant otlice rooms 
in the Putney Block, and icceives a liberal share 
of the public patronage. 






1 



^T^IIOMPSON RICHMOND. Forover a half- 
century has this sterling old gentleman, 
who comes of good old New Kugland 
stock, been a citizen of Waukesha Countj', Wis. 
Jlr. Richmond is a native of Windham County, 
Conn., born November 211, 1817, and w.is Ibe third 
in a f;unily comprising four sons and lour daugh- 
ters, whose |)arenls were Michael and Polly (Byles) 
Richmond. Of this number six survive, and in 
order of their births are named as follows: Thomp- 
son is the eldest; Juliette is the wi<lovv of Kdwin 
Cliilds, who was a relative of the pliilanthropist, 
George W. Childs. She resides in .\shford. Conn. 
Kmily, who is the widow of Dr. Charles C. Parry, 
resides in Davenport, Iowa, ller husband was a 
practicing physician, and in connection with his 
medical studies and work, was a botanical student 
of wide reputation, .lames, a retired ca[)italist, re- 
sides in Philadelphia. Elizur, the youngest of the 
brothers, is a resident of Ashford, Conn., having 
retired from mercantile life. Sarah, the widow 
of Dr. (dmstock, is a resident of lirooklyn, N. V.. 
she being the youngest of the family. 

The father of our subject, Michael Richmond, 
was a native of Connecticut. lie received a good 
common-school education and w.is reared to mer- 
cantile life, although he also engaged in agri 
cultural pursuits. A man of firm opinions and 
sound judgment, he was very successful in Ijusi- 
ness. lie never emigrated to the west, but spent 
his entire life in his native state, where he 
<lied at the advanced age of ninety-live years. 
Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, and took 
3 



an active and prominent part in the affairs of his 
party. He was elected to lepresent his district in 
the State Legislature a nundjer of times, and in 
that capacity disc^hargecl the duties devolving upon 
him in a manner most satisfactor}' to his constitu- 
ents. In his native town he was one of the Select- 
men for many years. In religion he and his wife 
were members of the Pree-Will P>aptisl Church, 
he being a leader anil one of the most active men 
in the body. He gave liberally to the support of 
vaiious benevolences, and was the chief oj'crator 
in erecting the Pree-Will IJaptist Cliurch of the 
Weslford SfKiety in the town of Ashford, Conn. 
Generous and free-hearted, he was ever ready to 
lend .1 hand to those who were in need of help, 
or less fortunate than himself. His wife, P0II3' 
(Byles) Richmond, was a native of the state of 
Connicticut, and was there reaied and educated. 
The gr.'indfather of our subject was one of the 
Revolutionary heroes. 

Thompson Richmond spent the da\s of his boy- 
hood and \outh in his native stale. He received 
a liberal education; besidis attending the com- 
mon schools, he was a student at the academy at 
Williraham. Mass., where he litted himself to en- 
gage ill a business career. His early life was full 
of variety, as he was employed as a salesman, 
also on a farm, and his father having the control 
of a stage line from Hartford to Hoston, young 
Thompson often turned his hand to that. On 
reaching manhood, he and his brother-in-law, 
Amasa Carpenter, entered into partnership, carry- 
ing on a country store, their stock consisting of 
general merchandise. The business was continued 
for about two yi'ars, when, Mr. Richmond's health 
failing him, lie was obliged to withdraw from tlie 
p;irtneislii|). Soon after leaving the store he de- 
ciiied to make a tour of the west, and in company 
with Elisha Pearl, an old neighbor, st,arted for 
Wisconsin, (ioiiig to Hartford, they took a steamer 
for New York, thence by the Hudson River to 
Albany, and to liiitTalo on the Erie (.'anal. From 
Hulfalo they came by way of the (ireat Lakes to 
Milwaukee, which was then a small port on the 
shore of Lake Michigan. From Milwaukee they 
made the trip across the country to Prairie du 
Chien by team, where they took a steamer bound 



238 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



for St. Louis, thence to Cincinnati on the Ohio 
River. The journey was continued to Cleveland, 
thence on l>ake Erie, reaching home in the fall. 
In 1812 Mr. Richmond concluded to make his 
future home in Wisconsin, and in company with 
Mr. Pearl again came west. From Milwaukee the 
young men started out on foot to select a tract 
of land, and on reaching the present town of Lis- 
bon our suliject laid claim to four hundred acres 
of wihl Land. Immediately adjoining this tract 
one hundred and thirty acres had been taken up 
by another, but becoming in debt to Mr. Rich- 
mond, he disposed of his claim to the latter; 
thus Mr. Richmond's estate reached five hundred 
and thirty acres, lie did the first stroke on 
his house, a primitive log cabin, situated in the 
forest, and from this lowly home not a habitation 
could be seen. Indians often came to the cabin, 
always to beg, as they were inveterate beggars; 
deer were plentiful, and at one time Mr. Richmond 
saw lifty-two in one drove. The first team with 
which he worked was composed of five yoke of 
oxen, and he became quite an expert in handling 
the ox-goad. 

May 14, 1846, Mr. Richmond wedded Miss Nancy 
M. Penniman, a native of Woodstock, Conn., and 
a daughter of Aldis Penniman. She was born 
September 11, 1820. One child, Thompson P., 
was born of this union. He was educated at Ap- 
pleton. Wis., and in the medical college at Louis- 
ville, Ivy., where he fitted himself for the pro- 
fession of a i)harmacist. lie chose for a wife Miss 
N. J. Dickinson, who was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., 
in January, 1852, being a daughter of Philomen 
and Mary Franklin (Schallenger) Dickinson. Her 
education was acquired under private instruction 
and in the public schools of Brookl3u. Having 
received a superior musical education, she was en- 
gaged for some time in teaching that art prior to 
her marriage with Mr. Richmond, April 21, 1883. 
Her grandfather, Cornelius Schallenger, figured 
conspicuously in the Revolutionary War, being 
the prime mover in capturing the first English 
frigate in Chesapeake Baj'. Mrs. Richmond's par- 
ents were natives of New Jersey, and her father 
served as a Lieutenant in the Civil War. To 



Thompson P. Richmond and his wife was born a 
daughter, Mary Franklin, now deceased. 

Mr. Richmond, Sr., brought his young bride to 
his cabin home, but they were not long permitted 
to enjoy wedded life, as he was called upon to 
mourn the loss of his wife, whose death occurred 
March 26, 1847. He was again married, the lady 
of his choice being Mrs. Hannah P.(Dean) Palmer, 
who was born in Ashford, Conn., January 1, 1815. 
She is descended from an early New England fam- 
ily, being the daughter of Leonard and Hannah 
(Phillips) Dean. She grew to womanhood in her 
native state, was educated at the Academy of Wil- 
braham, M.ass., and on the 3d of November, 1836, 
became the wife of Chauncey Palmer, also a native 
of Connecticut. There was one child born to 
this marriage. Friend B., who died at the age of 
two years. Mr. Palmer received a common-school 
education, and was reared to farm life. His death 
occurred in his native state, at the age of forty- 
four years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richmond were married on the 
28th of April, 1850, and have consequently trav- 
eled the journey of life together for forty-four 
years, sharing alike the joys and sorrows that 
have corae to them. She became a resident of 
Waukesha County in 18.50. Mr. Richmond as- 
sisted in building the first church in the town of 
Lisbon, which was known as the Methodist and 
Congregational, both organizations using the same 
building for worship. He also aided in the con- 
struction of the Baptist and Methodist Churches 
in Merton Township. The first harvesting on his 
farm was performed with the tliree-fingered cradle, 
after which the grain was threshed out by hand 
with a Hail, and the nearest market for the crop 
was Milwaukee. Mr. and Mrs. Richmond may be 
classed among the earlier pioneers of the county, 
and they have therefore witnessed the wonderful 
change in the country which has made out of a 
wilderness one of the finest agricultural sections 
in the state. All honor is due to the fathers and 
mothers who braved the hardships and trials in- 
cident to pioneer days that they might make a 
home for themselves and posterity. 

Politically, Mr. Richmond is a strong Repub- 
lican, his first Republican Presidential vote being 



PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRArmCAL RECORD. 



239 



cast for Abralinm I.incoln, and in all matters con- 
cerning iiis party lie has stood lirnily by his convic- 
tions. The public scbools have found in iiini a 
firm friend, and in an ollicial capacity he has 
been connected with Ihcni as Director and as Treas- 
urer for many years. Mr. Richmond was one of 
the members of the County Board who asked to 
have this county set off from Milwaukee County. 
Though taking a lively interest in the growth 
and i)rosperity of his town and county, he has been 
in no sense an oHice-sceker; his fellow-townsmen 
have offered him the position of Assemblyman, 
but \w has modestly refused, rather devoting his 
time and energies to his (lersonal affairs and home. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richmond r.re members of the I'.ap- 
tist Chui-ch at Mertt)n, and have been for many 
yeai'S. They have performed their part in giving 
support to the different benevolences of the church. 
When .Mr. Richmond began life in Waukesha Coun- 
ty, he did not have an abundant supply of means, 
but through the united efforts of himself and wife 
h.as beoune well-to-do, and in their declining years 
they may enjoy the result of past labor and care. 
Their estate, which is one of the finest in the town 
of Lisbon, comprises five hundred and fourteen 
and one-half acres, and in their beautiful country 
home their friends find a most cordial welcome. 
They are sterling f)ld people, whose life record is 
above reproach, and they have the esteem and re- 
gard of all who know them. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richmond have no children, but 
being of a kindly disiiosition and inclined to aid 
others, they took two little girls, Sarah and Edna 
Counsell, .iged respectively eleven and six years, 
whom they reared and educated. The eldest, who 
is now the wife of II. M. Kraine, Cashier of the 
Waukesha National Uank, was sent to Wayland 
Academy, and afterward taught successfully in 
the schools of Waukesha County. She received 
special instruction in music, and was organist in 
the Haptiht Church for years. Edna, the youngest, 
became the wife of James Ringro.se, a merchant 
and agriculturist of Alma Centre, Wis. .Mrs. Ring- 
rose was educated at Appleton, Wis. 'I'liese girls 
are an honfir to their kind friends; thev im- 
proved the opportunities given them and are both 
useful members of society. For the love and care 



bestowed upon them they will always remember 
Father and Mother Richmond with the greatest 
kindness. 



ell.VRLES E. WINTERMUTE, M. D., is a 
well known physician and surgeon of Pe- 
waukee. Family tradition says that three 
brothers emigrated from Holland to America in 
ITli.'J, one settling in Canada and the other two 
respectively in Pennsylvania and New Jersey'. Dr. 
Wintermule is four generations remove<l from the 
progenitor of his branch of the family in the 
United Stales. The parents of the subject of this 
sketch, Sanford A. and Anna D. (Robins) Winter- 
mute, were natives of Orange Count}', N. V. In 
184',) Sanford U'inleiiiiute au'i his father, who bore 
the Christian n.'iine of Thomas, went to California 
and were siieces.>ifiilly engaged in gold mining for 
some time. Having returned to their home in the 
east, they again visited the Pacific Coast and con- 
tinued their o|)erations. (Jne trip was made over- 
land and the other by water. In 18.02 these two 
gentlemen, accompanied by their families, came to 
Wisconsin and located in .letTerson County, where 
the father purchased a farm. The son, however, 
went to St. Louis, Mo., just before the war, and 
from that time until Ins death ke|)t the Lindell 
Hotel. His death occurred in 18tj3. This sad 
event caused his widow, with her only child, 
Cljailes E., who was then but three years old, to 
return to the home of Thomas Wiutermute in .lef- 
ferson County, Wis. Soon, however, both fami- 
lies moved to .lancsville, where she still resides. 

Dr. Wiutermute and Ins little daughter are the 
only living representatives of his grandfather's 
family. He was born in .lefferson County, Wis., 
.lune 1, 18(ili. His education, which was acquired 
in the high .school of .Tanesville, and in the Wis- 
consin State Universit}-", which he attended two 
years, has been supplemented by reading and (iri- 
vate study. On quitting the university he began 
the study of medicine in the ollice of Dr. Henry 
Palmer, of Janesville, with whom he remained un- 
til his graduation. After tsiking two courses of 
lectures at the Chicago Medical College, Dr. Win- 



240 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



teimute changed to the College of Ph^'sieians and 
Surgeons of tiie same city, graduating iu 1886. 
Tlieieui)on lie began practice at I'ewaukee, but two 
years later removed to Sussex, tliis county, con- 
tinuing there three years. The following year he 
pr.icticed in Chicago, but as an opportunity was 
presented for him to succeed Dr. M. R. Hewitt at 
Pewauiiec, he embraced it, and has since enjoyed a 
liberal i)atronage. 

On the 16th of June, 1885, Dr. Wintermute mar- 
ried Miss Minnie A. Doty, a native of Janesville, 
and a distant relative of Governor Doty. She 
passed from among tlie living at Sussex, June 1), 
1889, leaving an infant son, who soon followed her 
to the spirit world, and a daughter, Ruth. 

Dr. Wintermute is a member of the Episcopal 
Church, as was also his wife. In politics he is a 
Democrat, tliough he takes no active part in polit- 
ical affairs, believing that one who keeps abreast 
witli tiie progress in the medical profession cannot 
devote his time to outside matters. As a result lie 
has won the conlidence not onl^' of the people, but 
of his professional iirethren as well. Dr. Winter- 
mute is health ollicer for the town of Pewaukee, and 
is local surgeon for the Cliicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul liailway ; he is also a member of the Association 
of Railroad Surgeons of the same road, and of tlie 
National Association of Railroad Surgeons. 

Socially our subject is connected with the Ma- 
sonic order, belonging to Pewaukee Lodge No. 
246, A. ¥. & A. M., and to Waukesha Chapter No. 
37, R. A. M. 



/^T^llOMAS EDWARDS has since 1842 been 
I a resident and honored citizen of Wis- 
consin, and has witnessed tlie full and re- 
markable development of Waukesha County from 
an unbroken wilderness to one of the most beau- 
tiful counties in the slate. He is a native of Mont- 
gomeryshire, Wales, born May 1, 1838, and is the 
third in a family of four sons and four daughters, 
of whom the following are now living: Hannah 
is the wife of Solomon Horn, a fanner of the 
town of Pewaukee; David is engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits in L3'nn County, Mo.; Thomas is 



the next; Mary became the wife of Lewis Passolt, 
of Pewaukee, an auctioneer by occupation; Evan 
S., the youngest living, resides in Chicago, where 
he is engaged in mercantile life. The parents of 
this family, Thomas and Hannah (Owens) Edwards, 
were natives of Wales; the former was born in 
1809, and died on the 17th of February, 1863, 
while the latler's birth occurred in 1808, and lier 
demise September 30, 1893. They were reared and 
educated in tlieir native country, where the hus- 
band was a farmer by occupation. 

In 1842 Mr. Edwards, Sr.,and wife, accompanied 
by their four children, bade adieu to home and 
country, and going to Liverpool, Jinglancl, took 
passage in a sailing-vessel bound for New York, 
where they arrived after a tedious voyage of ten 
weeks and three and a-half days. They remained 
but a short time in the city of New York, contin- 
uing their journey westward by way of the Erie 
Canal and the Great Lakes to Milwaukee, Wis. 
The city at that time was a small village, num- 
bering between two and three dozen houses. In- 
dians were numerous throughout the country, 
wliile deer and other game roamed through the 
dense forest. The present county was yet a part 
of Milwaukee County, and the village of Wau- 
kesha was known by the name of Prairieville, the 
principal inn being the Prairieville House, which 
was kept by Mr. Jones. Mr. Edwards took a claim 
of one liundred and six tj' acres of what was known 
as "canal land," paying to the Government the 
nominal sum of 81.25 per acre. On this tract not 
a single improvement had been made, but Mr. Ed- 
wards set to work to make a home for himself and 
family, and by untiring effort developed a valu- 
able farm. Their first home in this country was 
a small cabin, nine logs in height, a stove pipe 
thrust through the roof doing duty instead of a 
chimney. Under the house was a cellar, the fa- 
ther and one son sleeping there until the building 
was completed. In the course of a year or two 
an addition was raaile to the house, and at that 
time a stone chimney was erected. The old-fash- 
ioned cradle was used in cutting the grain, which 
was afterward threshed out on a floor or with a flail, 
an instrument with which the pioneers were well 
acquainted. Ox teams and carts were almost wholly 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



241 



used in traveling, the two-wheeled cart being the 
principal conveyance in use in that early day. 
Father Edwards was a Democrat until the election 
of Abraham Lincoln, for whom he voted, there- 
after supporting the measures advocated by the 
Ueinililiean party. He was a resiiccter of all re- 
ligious and moral teaching, and was a man who 
was widely known for his integrity and honor. 

Thomas Kdwards, of this article, was a child of 
three and a-half years when he came with Ills par- 
ents to Waukesha County, which has since been 
his home. Ilis education was obtained in tiie old 
district schools, which he attended during tiie win- 
ter season, while in the summer he aided in car- 
rying on the work of the farm, but by improving 
his spare moments ho has liccome well informed. 
Mr. Edwards is one of the boys who wore the blue 
and shouldered his musket in defenseof iiis adopted 
country. He enlisted August 22, 1862, in Com- 
pany G, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry, under 
Capt. Elihu Enos and Col. .1. M. Lewis, and ren- 
dezvoused at Camp W.ashburn, Milwaukee. The 
regiment's first orders were to go to Port Wash- 
ington, south of Waukegan, to swell a riot, going 
thence to Columbus, Ky., to aid in resisting Gen. 
Forest, who, however, failed to make an attack, 
and from there to Union City, in the same state. 
Returning to Columbus, where they arrived at 
four o'clock in the morning, tlie members of the 
regiment were put to tlirowing up breastworks, 
the work accomplished in the time being the great- 
est feat our subject has ever witnessed. After an 
interval of eight days the command was ordered 
to Helena, Ark., to join General (iorman's expedi- 
tion up the White River, proceeding as far as St. 
Charles; the regiment returned to Helena on the 
boat "Imperial." For a time the Twenty-eighth 
Regiment was stationed there and engaged in 
scouting duly; later they joined an expedition to 
Ft. Pemberton, but again returned to Helena, where 
they went to work building fortifications and do- 
ing picket duty. On the 4tli of July, 18G3, at 
four o'clock in the morning, they were attacked 
by the rebels, who continued their assault until 
ten o'clock, when tlicy were routed with heavy 
losses. It is said that in this engagement more 
Confederates were killed and taken prisoners than 



there were Union soldiers participating. On the 
10th the Federal army pursued the enemy to Little 
Rock, attacking and driving them out of the city. 
The Twenty-eighth Regiment was next ordered to 
re-inforce Colonel Clayton at Pine Bluff, where it 
remained for thirteen months in camp. Returning 
to Little Rock, orders were given to erect winter 
quarters, and the work was almost accomplished, 
when, on the 11th of February, 1865, the regiment 
was sent to Algiers, oi)posite New Orleans, thence 
by boat to Ft. Morgan and Spanish Fort, los- 
ing a niinil)er of its brave men in cai)turing the 
latter place. Mr. Edwards w.as wounded by a 
l)iece of Hying shell, which caused him to be sent 
to the field hospital. A few da3's later he was 
transferred to the l)arracks hospital at New Or- 
leans, where he remained until honorably' dis- 
charged, .June 30, 1865. He was a faitliful sol- 
dier in the cause of his country, ever being found 
at the post of duty. During his entire service he 
was never absent on furlough, nor was he away 
from his regiment, except when wounded. Such 
a record was seldom made, and is one of which 
any soldier might be justly proud. 

Returning to this county, Mr. Edwards was mar- 
ried, on the 21st of June, 18G7, to Miss Maiy 
Jones, a native of Brecknockshire, Wales. Five 
children have blessed this union, of whom three 
are living. The eldest, Lydia M., who w.as edu- 
cated in the Union school of Waukesha, has taught 
successfully for some six terms. .lohn T., who 
was educated in the pul)lic schools of Waukesha 
and in the Agricultural Department of Wiscon- 
sin State University, at Madison, is conducting a 
livery st.ible at the former place. Richard, the 
youngest child, is at home. He, like the other 
children, is enjoying good educational privileges. 
Mrs. Edwards was born February 2, 1841, being 
a daughter of Richard and Mary (Williams) Jones. 
In 1853 the parents and ten children emigrated to 
the United States. Her father followed farming 
and school teaching for a livelihood. His death 
occurred in 1893, at the .age of eighty-eight years. 
He w.as a gentleman of unquestioned integrity 
and of true moral worth. His wife had preceded 
him to the spirit world, i)assing away in August, 
1869. She was a member of the Baptist Church, 



242 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



beinp- niucli beloved for licr piety. Nine of their 

cliildix'ii are still living, six sons and three daugh- 
ters. 

In his iiolitical views Mr. Edwards is a thor- 
ough Kepuhlican, though not a radical partisan. 
His first Presidential vote was cast for Lincoln, 
and a better man he has never supported. He is 
a believer in good public schools, h.is served his 
distiict as Director, and has held the position of 
School Treasurer for a term of sixteen j'ears. Mr. 
and Mrs. Edwards in their religious beliefs are 
Congregationalists, and have always done their 
part in contributing to church and other charitable 
work. 

The Edwards estate comprises two hundred and 
fifty-four and a-half acres of fine hand within three 
miles of Waukesha. Their home is a cozy farm 
residence, and all its surroundings indicate the 
thrift and enterprise of its owner. Mr. Edwards 
carries on general farming, but makes a specialty 
of dairy products. His long residence licri^ has 
made him well known throughout the county, 
and his honorable, upright life has won the golden 
opinion of those with whom business or pleasure 
has brought him in contact. 



HENRY DWIGIIT VAN RENSSELAER 
(deceased) is descended from the old New 
York family bearing that name, and as 
many families in the westare descendants from the 
same stock, an account of the family will be of 
more than passing interest, and we herein give it 
substantially as he left it in his own handwriting: 
"The Van Rensselaers were Dutch noblemen who 
came to America with their own ships and retain- 
ers, and were granted a tract of land forty by 
twenty miles in area at Albany, N. Y., the richest 
in the state. Having received the right of pa- 
troons, they ruled like feudal barons for many years. 
The richest and most powerful, they were the ac- 
knowledged head of the patroons and we were al- 
so the last of thoni. So powerful were they that 
the other patroons were suppressed long before the 
Van Rensselaers. In fact the last patroon defied 
the existing Government, and only succumbed after 



tlie Revolution. The manor was granted in 1630. 
Our family was so prominent in early history that 
I have no trouble in tracing it back to grandfather 
and grandmother fourteen generations. Commenc- 
ing at the first patroons in America, I find as I go 
down that the family intermarried with the pow- 
erful Dutch -families of those days, and that I am 
related to the Schuylers, Livingstons, Harailtons, 
K.ijards of Delaware, Kanes, licekmans, Grangers, 
Carrol Is and Morrises. My father was a lawyer at 
Detroit, Mich., where he was sent as a young man 
by his family, which owned large landed possess- 
ions in that state. He died of gout in 1841. My 
grandfather w.as Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, of Utica, 
N. Y., a very rich man who lived in grand style. 
He w.as so opulent that he always drove a coach 
and four, and had outriders. His daughters were 
beautiful women; one married Hon. Charles Car- 
roll, of Mt. Morris, N. Y., grandnephew of Charles 
Carroll, of CarroUton, and the other wedded Hon. 
Francis Granger, of Canandaigua, N. Y. Uncle 
Carroll was very rich and good. He left two 
daughters, Mrs. William D. Fitzhugh, of Mt. Mor- 
ris, and Mrs. E. P. Fuller, of Grand Rapids, Mich. 
Uncle Francis Granger was for many 3'ears New 
York's foremost man. He was ver}' rich and lived 
in almost baronial style. He served as Postmaster- 
General, as did his father before him. He left one 
son, cousin Gideon Granger, deceased, who had 
two daughters, one of whom married Robert C. 
Winthrop, Boston's celebrated citizen. 

"M3' great-grandfather, Gen. Robert Van Rensse- 
laer, of Greenbush and Cleverack, N. Y., was the old- 
est son and lord of the manor. He commanded the 
troops and defeated Sir -John Johnson on his fa- 
mous raid through the Mohawk Valley in 1812. 
Gen. Van Rensselaer's sister Katharine was the cel- 
ebrated beauty and heiress who afterward wedded 
Gen. Philip Schuyler. (4en. Van Renssel.aer's fath- 
er, my great-grandfather, was Col. John Van Rens- 
selaer, who married Eugeltie Livingston, grand- 
daughter of Col. Peter Schuyler. 

"My grandmother Van Rensselaer was S^'bal Ad- 
eline Kane, first cousin of Chancellor Kane, whose 
laws are standard works to-daj'. Me is looked up- 
on as being the most celebrated lawyer and judge 
of his time. My mother was Mar}' E. Hartwell, a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



243 



lady of culture and refinement, who was educated 
in the Fptnalc Seminary at Canandaigua. Iler 
family- came originally from New Bedford, Mass., 
and they prided themselves upon their Puritan 
stock. One niece of my mother. Miss Carrie War- 
ren, became the wife of Brigadier General Wesley 
Merritt, in command of the United States Army at 
St. Louis. Another, Miss Lucy Warren, wedded 
IJenjamin 1*. Kissam, a retired Ijaiiiter and a broth- 
er of Mi-s. William K. Vanderbilt, the mother of 
the present heads of tlial liouse. 

"I had one brother and one sister; the former, 
Carroll, who was an invalid, died a few years ago 
in Brfioklyn, N. Y.; the latter, Kate Schuyler, mar- 
ried William 15. Court, an Euglisli gentleman, and 
died in Geneva, Switzerland. I have no family — 
all gonel I am tlie last of the name in our partic- 
ular branch of the family; all my father's brothers 
died without issue." 

From an examination of the genealogy of the 
Kane family it appears that Mr. N'an Rensselaer of 
this sketch is a double second cousin of Kane the 
noted Arctic explorer. He was born in Detroit, 
Micb., September 11, 1848, and in early life was 
left an orphan. When only six years of age he 
was deprived of tlie love and watcliful care of a 
mother, and six 3-ears later his father was taken 
from Uiin. After the death of the latter he went 
to live with his uncle, Francis (Ti-aiigor, of Canan- 
daigua, N. Y. In a college at Geneva he prepared 
to enter West Point, but on account of delicate 
health was not permitted to enter that institution. 
On the 7th of November, 1868, he was married to 
Miss Arline Chase, Bishop McLaren officiating. Of 
this union there were two children, Francis Gran- 
ger, who (lied in childhood, and Carroll, who was 
a fine specimen of physical and mental boj'hood, 
and who died at the age of thirteen years. The wife 
passed away on the 2'.Hh of December, 1890. 

Mr. Van Rensselaer chose for his second wife 
Mrs. Kate H. Mill, a native of Natchez, Miss., and 
a daughter of .lohn B. and Hyacinth (Ferrara) 
Botto, both of whom were natives of Genoa, Italy. 
In 1810 Mr. and Mrs. Botto, with two sons, emi- 
grated to the United States, an'd in 1817 located at 
Natchez, where the husband embarked in the 
wholesale and retail grocery business. By keeping 



the finest imported goods he built up an extensive 
and lucrative trade. Having accumulated a for- 
tune he retired from business for the purpose of 
spending the remainder of his daj'S in the enjoy- 
ment of a well earned rest; but the war came on 
with all its horror and devastation, and Mr. liotto, 
like many other southern gentlemen, lost much of 
his propert3'. However, his business ability and 
undaunted courage remained. With renewed en- 
ergy he again betook himself to his former calling 
and ere he died became wealthy. 

In 1871 he passed from among the living. His 
good wife had been taken away in 1848, by that 
dread disease, yellow fever. To them were born 
three children, as follows: Louis, the eldest, is a 
prominent capitalist and banker of Natchez. Paul 
Anthony, who served the southern cause during 
the late war, subsequently established the Denwcrat 
and Courier of Natchez, which he conducted until 
his death, wliich occurred at the age of thirty-nine 
years. He was a young man of bright mind and 
of fine literary attainments. Both of the sons 
above named were l)orn in sunny Italy. Kate B., 
the youngest of the family-, received a classical ed- 
ucation at the Convent of the Sacred Heart. Her 
marriage to John Hill was celebrated on tlie 27th 
of September, 1871. Mr. Hill was a native of Al- 
sace, Germany, and when about eighteen years of 
age emigrated to the United Slates, locating at 
Natchez in 1863. He and a partner were extensive 
dealers in planters' supplies, and also owned two 
large plantations known as Morvilie and Frogmore. 
The latter is one of the most magnificent planta- 
tions of the south, and to it the Grand Duke Al- 
exis w.as taken during his tour through the sf)uth- 
ern states. Mrs. Hill was called upon to mourn the 
loss of her husband within three short weeks. His 
loss was deeply felt, as he was a man of unbounded 
charity and universally beloved. Both he and his 
wife were members of the Catholic Church. Mrs. 
Hill had visited Waukesha and was so much pleased 
with its pure water and other attractions that she 
purchased the Clysmic Spring in 1878. Four years 
later she began to make improvements, building 
the first pavilion of any consequence in Waukesha. 
The spring is now leased to John L. Lockwood, of 
New York, to which city the water is shipped and 



244 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHTCAL RECORD. 



there bottled. The water from the Clysmic Spring 
commands tlie liighest price in the market, and is 
found on tlie 1)111 of fare in the leading hotels and 
restaurants of the east. 

On the 14th of October, IHOl, Mrs. Hill became 
Mrs. Van Rensselaer. Mr. Van Rensselaer was a 
member of the Episcopal ("liurch, and was a 
Knight Temiilar Mason. In Springfield, Mass., 
he had been most successfully cngage<1 in the whole- 
sale grain and commission business, from which he 
retired on account of poor health in 1887. His 
death occurred on the iid of August, 1893. 
Notwillistanding his lack of physical vigor, Mr. 
Van Rensselaer was a man of striking appearance, 
being almost perfect in form and features. 

Mrs. Van Rensselaer has a large and well ap- 
pointed home on Grand Avenue wiiich was erected 
in 189.'3, and is one of the linest in Waukesha. The 
house was built after a plan conceived by her 
and has that air of cheerfulness and comfort so 
often found in southern homes. 



E-5-****+++= 



(Tpt NDREW L. DAVIDSON, a well known 
/ — \ farmer of Lisbon Township, residing on 
section 23, is a native of Linlithgow, 
Scotland, born September 8, 1822. Ills fatlier, 
James Davidson, was there born August 14, 1787, 
and became a stone mason by trade. Having 
reached mature years he married Marion Lauder, 
whose birtli occurred the same year. They became 
the parents of nine sons and four daughters, of 
wiiom six are yet living. Andrew L. is the second 
in the family and the eldest now surviving; Will- 
iam, a iirominenl contractor of C'liic.ago, was for 
fifteen years connected with the city water works; 
Walter was formerly a stt)neand marble cutter and 
a hardware merchant of Tacoma, Wash., l)ut now 
resides in Chicago; Agnes is the wife of William 
Butler, who carries on agricultural pursuits in 
Lisbon Township; Elizabeth is the widow of Will- 
iam Wliittaker, of West Superior, Wis.; Marion re- 
sides in Milwaukee. The father of this family 
passeil away July 1, 18r<3, and his wife dejjarted 
this life in 1877. They sailed from (Slasgow to 
America in May, IS.^O, on the good ship ''(Jimmel," 



and after seven weeks landed at New York. They 
came direct to Wisconsin by way of Albany, the 
Erie Canal, and Great Lakes, and from Milwaukee 
made the journey to Waukesha County with ox- 
teams. The father purchased a farm of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres, and in true pioneer style the 
family lived for some years. 

Andrew Davidson grew to manhood in his na- 
tive land, and theic married Margaret Gra^'. of 
Linlithgow County-, the wedding being celebrated 
in October, 1812. The lady was born .luly 16, 
182.5, in Scotland, where her parents spent their 
entire lives. 

The first home of Mr. an<l Mrs. Davidson in this 
county was a log cabin, which is still standing, one 
of the few landmarks yet remaining Their pres- 
ent home was erected in 1874, and is a monument 
to the thrift and enterprise of the owner, who 
came to Wisconsin in limited circumstances, but by 
energy and well directed efforts has steadily 
worked his w.iy upwards. He has witnessed the en- 
tire growth and development of this region, and is 
familiar with its histoiy of pioneer life, for he too 
lived as a frontier settler. He can remember when 
the men went to church in patched homespun 
and the ladies in calico gowns and sun bonnets. 
Remnants of the Indian tribes still lived in the 
neighborhood, and deer and all kinds of feathered 
game were to be had in abundance. 

To i\Ir. and Mrs. Davidson were born twelve 
children: .lames, a stone mason of Lisl)on Town- 
ship; Andrew, a shoemaker of Sussex; Jane, wife 
of John Tempero, an agriculturist; John, a cai [)eii- 
ter and builder of Milwaukee; Marian, wife of 
Walter Gourlie,a farmer of Alderly, Dodge Coun- 
ty; Thomas (i., of Sussex; Maggie, wife of Charles 
Rose, a farmer of Lisbon Township; Walter, a 
blacksmith t>f Spencer, Iowa; Alexander T., a 
farmer of Templeton, Wis.; William, a farmer of 
Lisbon Township; Agnes, wife of David Temi^ero, 
and Emma. The first four children were born in 
Scotland. 

Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are members of the 
United Presbyterian Church, and are charitable 
and benevolent |)eoplc. In earl3' life our subject 
was a Free-soiler, but in 1866 supported John C. 
Fremont, and has since been a stalwart Republican. 




74^ ^7^ 



f^^^f^-^D-wvy 



PORTRAIT AND BIOflRAPHICAL RECORD. 



247 



He served as Justice of the Peace for three yeare, 
was Chainnan of the Town Board for one year, 
and has been a membci- of tlie School Hoard for a 
number of years. His farm comprises seventy- 
eight acres and is a liighly cultivated tract, im- 
proved witli all modern accessories and conveni- 
ences. His success in life is due entirely to his 
own efforts. His straightforward dealing has won 
him universal confidence and esteem and numbered 
him among the best citizens of tlie community. 



^^^J**"** "t* *•* ■ 



i****t 



'+***>^^'-S"f*+F 



HON. W. D. BACON. Among the few citi- 
zens of Waukesha County who number 
tlie years of tlieir residence at more than 
a lialf-ccntury, and who have l)een intimately 
identified with its progress and the upbuilding of 
its interests, is the late Winchel J). Bacon, of Wau- 
kesha, who came in September, 1841. Mr. Bacon 
was a native of Stillwater, Saratoga County, N. Y., 
and came from old New England stock of English 
ancestry. According to the well attested geneal- 
ogy of the family, his grandfather, Samuel Bacon, 
Sr., was a native of England and emigrated thence 
to the Colony of Connecticut. Later he removed 
to Stillwater, Saratoga County, N. Y., and settled 
on a farm where the father of the subject of this 
sketch, Samuel B.icon, .Tr., w.as liorn, and where 
the son was also born and spent the first years of 
his life. The place of his birth is historic ground. 
The homestead farm formed a part of the battlefield 
of Bemus Heights, which was the scene of the strug- 
gle between the British army of (leneral Burgoyne 
and the American forces under General tiates. 
(General IJurgoyne with a large and well equi[)ped 
army w.as marching from Canada south through 
the state of New York, while another British 
army was marching north from the city of New 
York to meet the former and thus divide and 
conquer the country. But the gallant yeomanry 
from New York and New Englaurl rallied to the 
defense of their country, and facing the British 
on the field of battle, not only rolled back the tide 
of invasion, but compelled the surrender of the 
entire British army. At the battle above referred 
to, the American line of defense extended entirely 



across the Bacon farm. Here it was that Benedict 
Arnold, stung to madness by having been de- 
prived of his command by General Gates, per- 
formed the most heroic deeds. Placing himself at 
the head of the American troops, he assumed com- 
mand of them in spite of fJeneral Gates, and in- 
fusing his own fiery spirit into his troops, did more 
than any other oflicer to defeat the British and 
force their surrender; here, too, the gallant British 
(Jeneral Frazier fell, shot by one of Morgan 's rifle- 
men, and it is said by the order of Morgan, who, 
seeing that officer rallying and encouraging his 
troops, re<iuested the rifleman to "do his duty." 
With Frazier fell the courage of the British army, 
which soon after surrendered. Mr. Bacon, of this 
article, found many a souvenir of that famous bat- 
tle while engaged in |)lowing up the soil, ;iii(l has 
still in his possession musket balls and grape shot 
gathered on that historic field. Samuel Bacon, Jr., 
was too young to take part intlie light, but M.ajor 
Buel, a member of the family for many years, look 
an .active part in the battle. 

Winchel D. liacoii was born August 21, 1816, 
and is a son of Samuel I'.acon, Jr., and L3-dia Bar- 
ber (Dailey) Bacon. The latter was a native of 
the state of New Yoik. Of the daugliters of the 
family two survive, Mrs. Cyrus Bootlie and Miss 
Louisa Bacon, of Milwaukee. Mr. Bacon's broth- 
ers were Owen R., younger than he, who has been 
dead a number of years, and Horace A., who died 
in childhood, while the sistere deceased were .lu- 
liza, Frances A. and Julia E. Mr. Bacon remained 
at home and aided in operating the farm until he 
was nineteen, then went to Troy and obtained a 
situation as clerk in a store where he remained 
two years. At the end of that time, 1837, his fa- 
ther having sold the old homestead and purchased 
another farm in Butternuts, OtsegoCounty, he de- 
cided to accompany the family to their new home, 
which he did, and again engaged in farm work. 

Ou the 4th of July, 1838, Mr. Bacon was mar- 
ried to Miss Delia Bl.ackwell, a native of that 
place, who was born February 17, 18 1 7. He con- 
tinued ou the home farm for four years thereafter, 
teaching school during the winter season. How- 
ever, he had resolved to "go west," and on the 2d 
of .September, 1811, started with his wife and what 



248 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



little they possessed, for the territory of "Wiscon- 
sin. They went fioin Itica to Buffalo l)y canal, 
thence by steamer to Milwaukee, and from there 
by team and wagon to wiiat was then called Prai- 
rieville, now Waukesha. 15eii)<? pleased with the 
country, he resolved to make a settlement, and at 
once bought a farm, paying *30() down, all the 
money he had, receiving credit on the remainder, 
lie immediately set to work, and within a few 
days had the ground liroken and a Held of wheat 
sown. During tlie following winter he taught 
school, and before spring sold his farm and bought 
another nearer the village. In the summer of 
1812, Mr. llacon worked that farm and taught 
school in the village, walking to and from his 
home daily, a distance of three miles. 

In tiie fall of 1843, Mr. Hacon removed to Wau- 
kesha, and with his brother-in-law, Charles Black- 
well, engaged in the business of wagon-making. 
In the following spring, 1844, he formed a part- 
nership with Edmund Clinton in the wagon-mak- 
ing and blacksmithing business. However, this 
connection was soon dissolved, after which Mr. 
Bacon bought a lot. at the corner of West Division 
and Main Streets, on which he built a shop, and 
with Mr. Blackwell still continued the old busi- 
ness. In 1846 he erected a three-story stone black- 
smith and wagon »hop, where he was engaged in 
l)usiness for about six 3'ears, at the end of that 
time exchanging his slio|)S for a steam sawmill at 
Brookfield. 

In 1863 Mr. Bacon was appointed by President 
Lincoln Paymaster in the army, and was directed 
by General Andrews, Chief Paymaster General, to 
report to M.ajor Brown stationed at St. Louis; the 
latter detailed Major Bacon to serve at St. Louis, 
but in the meantime he resigned, as his private 
business required his attention at home. In 1865 
he with others organized the Farmers' National 
Bank in Waukesha, with a capital of *100,000, 
which he closed up about four years later, desir- 
ing as far as possible to retire from active business. 
He has always had important farming interests, 
ever leading a bus^', u.seful life. 

After the great fire in Chicago in October, 1871, 
Mr. Bacon was emploj'ed by the North-western 
National Fire and Marine Insurance Company of 



Milwaukee, to adjust the losses it had sustained in 
the fire. He had previously had no experience in 
the insurance business, and yet his work was so 
satisfactory that the company offered him a posi- 
tion as general adjuster, which he accepted, spend- 
ing much of the time for several years in travel- 
ing in that capacity. 

In his political atliliations, Mr. Bacon was in his 
early voting days a Whig, casting his first Presi- 
dential vote for General William Henry Harrison 
in 1840. In the da>'s of slavery agitation he es- 
poused the cause of the oppressed slave, and man3' 
an escaping slave has he helped on his way to 
freedom by way of the "under-ground railroad." 
Of the many slaves who escaped from their mas- 
ters and reached the soil of AVisconsin, not one 
was ever returned to his master by virtue of the 
fugitive slave law. The most noted case of the 
kind tliat ever occurred in the state, and one in 
which Mr. Bacon took a prominent part, was that 
of the alleged fugitive slave, Joshua Glover. In 
March, 1854, Glover was arrested in Ra(nne,at the 
instigation of a slave owner named Garland, from 
Missouri. He was most brutally treated at the 
time of his arrest, hurried off to Milwaukee and 
put in jail. This was on the 11th of March, 1854. 
At five o'clock that afternoon, a crowd of men 
from Racine and Milwaukee broke open the door 
of the jail, and out came the fugitive into the 
hands of his rescuers, who fled with him, pursued 
by a pro-slavery mob. They succeeded in getting 
him to the outskirts of the city, where one John 
A. Messenger took him in his buggj' and, aided 
by the darkness, got him safely to Waukesha. 
Knowing Mr. Bacon to be thoroughly reliable and 
a friend of the oppressed. Messenger went directly 
to his house, called him up and left the negro in 
his kindly care. Mr. Bacon was then living where 
the Spring City Hotel is now situated. It is need- 
less to say that in due time the alleged slave found 
his way over the Canadian border. This is but 
one of several instances in which he interested 
himself in the escaping slave. 

Mr. Bacon was identified with all the important 
enterprises that have had for their object the best 
interests of Waukesha, both village and county. 
He -was a member of the Assembly in 1853, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



249 



was appointed one of the Commissioners to locate 
a State Reform Scliool, wliicii, largel3' through his 
inlluoiicc, was looalcd at Waukesha. ITo was sev- 
eral times appointed one of the Commissioners of 
the Hospital for the Insane, and resigning that po- 
sition, was appointed Trustee for ttie Asylum for 
the Deaf and Dumb. He was several times Presi- 
dent of the Waukesha County Agricultural So- 
ciety, and filled various town and village ollices. 
Mr. liauon also served as Trustee of the Univer- 
sity of Chicago, and in a like capacity, of Carroll 
College, of Waukesha. He took a commendalile 
interest in tem|)crance reform, and passed to the 
degree of Knight Temj)lar in the M.asonie frater- 
nity. 

Mr. Bacon was bereft of his lirst wife by death 
on the 12th of F^ebruary, 1880. September l;j, 1«8:!, 
he was married to Mrs. Clara M. Campbell, a na- 
tive of Muncy, Pa., anil a daughter of Ilezckiah 
Noble, deceased. I ler mother, Mi's. Jane (Brown) 
Noble, p.assed away at Muncy, December 5, 180."i. 
Mr. Bac(.n had three children: Dr. .1. E. Bacon, 
Mrs. Lydia Delia Barber and Mrs. Ida.Iulia .lames, 
all residents of Waukesha. lie lost two sons in 
early life, Samuel I), and Wiiicliel D. 

Mr. Bacon always led an active and industrious 
life. As a business man he was successful, energy 
and enterprise ever characterizing his career. His 
business relations were varied and extensive and 
alw.ays prosperous. As a citizen, he was active in 
promoting the moral and material growth of the 
community in which he so long resided. When 
twenty years of age, in 1H:!6, he was baptized in 
the I'nadilla River, atSoulh New Berlin. N. V., by 
the noted evangelist, Jabez Swan, and from that 
time until the clo.se of life was a consistent mem- 
ber of the Haptist Church. He was a life-long 
friend of D. L. Moody in his work, and for over 
forty years of KIder .lames Delaney. Mr. Bacon 
has the distinction of having been the first Secre- 
tary, Ml Wisconsin, of the American Baptist Free 
Mission Society, and to this most worthy organiza- 
tion gave liberally of his time and money. As 
his means were abundant so w.as his generosity ex- 
tensive. Believing that ''The (iospel is the power 
of God unto salvation," he did all in his power to 
carry it to those who had never heard its precious 



call; for .several years, largely at his own exi)en8e, 
he supported a missionary in China. Churches, 
missions and schools all found in him a benefac- 
tor not only through life, but at his death were re- 
membered in a substantial way. Some three years 
.ago INIr. Bacon, in full vigor, was stricken down, 
but not until the 2()tli of March, 1801, did the 
candle f)f life entirely hum out. lie was a man 
of strong convictions; whatever he l)olieved to be 
right he did regardless of the motives any might 
ascribe to his action. 



"^"^""^^^ki^ 



THOMAS WELSH. To the sterling old pio- 
neer scttleis of this count}' due hom.age 
should be paid; to them the present gener- 
ation is indebted for the many comforts and lux- 
uries it enjoys. Prominent among the early ar- 
rivals is the gentleman whose name appears at the 
head of this biography, who since 1846 has been 
identified with the growth and develo])mcnt of 
Waukesha County. Mr. Welsh is a native of 
Pcrthshiie, Scotland, born on the 1st of Septem- 
ber, 1825, and is the youngest of three children 
whose parents were .lames and Elizabeth (Pilket- 
hely) Welsh. The other members of this family 
are Elizabeth and .lames, the former being the 
wife of James Booth, a farmer of the town 
of Lisbon, while the latter resides in Canada, 
where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits'. 
The father, James Welsh, also a native of Perth- 
shire, received only a common school education. 
He was reared to the trade of stone mason, which 
occupation he followed during the summer season, 
but during the winter worked at the weaver's trade. 
On the 12th of M.ay, IHIl, Mr. Welsh, Sr., with 
his family, bade adieu to "Bonnie Scotland" and 
sailed from Dundee for New York, arriving in the 
harbor of the latter port on the 3d of July. On 
this trip the family was accompanied by the fol- 
lowing persons: James Rodgers, Aunt Margaret 
(Rodgers) Craven (who though eighty yeai-s of 
age is still hale and hearty), William Small, John 
and Gilbert Watson, Mrs. Elizabeth (Small) Waite, 



250 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mrs. Isa.ic (Sm.nll) Smilli, Mrs. Isabclle (Small) 
Councell, and Alexander North. Coming across 
the water, John and Gilliei t Watson and our sub- 
ject siiared one l)unk. The Welsh family located 
in Delaware County, N. V., going from the cit3- of 
New York to Catskill, tiience across the Cat- 
skill Mountains to the town of Deliii, where the 
father rentc<l land and engaged m farming. lie 
broughl alioul .^il.OOd from the Old Country with 
which to begin a home in the New World. They 
remained in the slate of New York until 1846, 
then again turned their f.aces westward, their des- 
tination being the territory of Wisconsin. The 
journey tiiitlier was made from Delhi to Norwich 
on the Chenango Canal, thence U> I'tica and Buf- 
falo on the Eiie, and from that city by the lakes 
to Milwaukee. When they came to Wisconsin, 
Milwaukee, which is now by far the most impor- 
tant city of the stale, was then but a village, and 
had scarcely liegun to assume any importance. 
AVhere the most beautiful and costly business 
blocks and the great railroad dci)<)ts now stand 
was a vast tamarack swamp; the |)rincipal streets 
were Ihuon, East and West Water, while small 
frame houses predominated. Coitig at once to 
i^isbon T(jwnship, Mr. Welsh, Sr., bought a claim of 
two inuKlred acres from an Irishman, the piu'chase 
price for the farm and the few im|)i-ovements 
that had been made being -^960. Their lirsl home 
was a log cabin having the customar}' ''shake roof," 
and our subject, who slept upstairs, says that in 
the winter season he would often waken in the 
morning and lind an extra cover of one or two in- 
ches of snow spread over his bed and on the Boor. 
Their lirst teams were oxen, and for a number of 
years they cut their grain with the old fashioned 
four fingered cradle, then thrashed it with the 
llail. The roads traveled throughout the country 
were the Indian trails, which extended in all direc- 
tions; the nearest inark(-t was Milwaukee, while the 
village of Waukesha was then known as Prairie- 
ville. Indians often passed the Welsh homestead, 
and deer and other wild game abounded in the 
forests. 

Mr. and Mrs. Welsh were devout members of 
the United Presbyterian Church in the town of 
Lisbon, he being one of the first elders. lioth are 



now deceased and lie at rest in the Lisbon "Six- 
teen" Cemelei'3'. 

Thomas Welsh was a young man of twenty-one 
when he came to Wisconsin. His primary educa- 
tion was obtained in his native land, but being a 
lover of books he has improved his spare moments 
thereby becoming a well informed man. Me and 
two others have the distinction of being the only 
Scolchmen in this section of the country who can 
yet read tiieir native language. Mr. Welsh in- 
formed the writer of this article that the people of 
Scotland use a dialect peculiar to the shire in 
which they reside, and that they differ so very 
much that it is dillicult even for a countryman to 
understand. He remained at home working on 
his father's farm until twenty-nine years of age, 
then began for himself. On the 3d of November, 
1853, Mr. Welsh wedded Miss .lanet Watson, 
daughter of Andrew and Catherine (Rodgers) 
AYatson, and a native of Perthshire, Scotland, born 
March 20, 1825. Mrs. Welsh was reared and edu- 
cated in her home across the seas, and in the sum- 
mer of 1848 accompanied her mother to America. 
They set sail from Glasgow on the 5th of .luly, 
aboard the vessel "Pilgrim," and after a vo^-.age 
of five weeks' and three days' duration cast anchor 
in the American port. Proceeding by rail from 
New York to Buffalo, thence by way of the lakes 
to .Milwaukee, they came direct to the town of 
Lisbon, and to the location of .John Watson's 
present home, though their lirst winter was passed 
with Robert Rogers, .lohn Watson, another of the 
old Scotch pioneers so widely known in this coun- 
ty, is a brother of Mrs. Welsh, but came to the 
United .States several j-ears prior to the coming of 
his mother. 

Mr. Welsh and his biide commenced their do- 
mestic life in a log house, which still stands on the 
Welsh homestead on section 15. Here they re- 
sided from 1853 to 1874, a period of more than 
twenty years. In this home all of their children, 
three sons and four daughters, were born. Of 
this family but four survive, as follows: Elizabeth, 
born Eebruai'}' 17, 1855, became the wife of Al- 
bert Phillips, a prosperous farmer of Lisbon Town- 
ship; Robert K., born November 18, 1861, is a tal- 
ented young law^'er of Rockford, III. He is a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



251 



graduate of the Union Schools of Waukesha, and 
also of Beloit College. After completing his col- 
lege course lie went to Rockford mul conimciiced 
the study of law uiifler C'lmilcs Works, then State's 
Attorney. Upon his admission to the liar lie be- 
gan the (iractiee of his profession in that city, and 
has there continued, being the present City At- 
tornej'. He married Miss Minerva Prout}-, also 
a Ik'loit graduate, who for a number of years 
taught in the High School of Heloil. They have 
three children: Carlton F., Frank A. and Roger 
T. .lames A., the next in order of Mr. Welsh's 
family, born on the 17lli of April, 18G,'), was reared 
to the life of a farmer. His education was ac- 
quired in the common schools and by reading. 
Possessing naturally a meciianical mind, the 
whole bent of his thought seems to be in that direc- 
tion. At quite an early age he gave ]iromise of 
more than ordinary inventive genius, and when 
twelve years old whittled as a Christmas present 
for his mother, an arm chair out of cord-wood 
taken from the yard. He made liis own turning 
lathe, and takes gre:it delight in the practical ap- 
(ilicnlion of mechanics. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican, having cast his first Presidential ballot for 
Benjamin Harrison. Though a young man lie was 
chosen to fill tlie ollice of Clerk for three years, 
which shows liolli his popularity and the relation 
he sustains to the public schools. He now super- 
intends the homestead for his father. Ruth I., 
born .lanuary 2.'?, 1870, is the youngest in the 
family. She was educated in the common schools 
and for seven terms taught successfully in the 
schools of Waukesha County. Her primary edu- 
cation has been broadened by personal application 
and observation, she being in a large measure a 
self-educated young lady. Mr. and Mrs. Welsh 
have lived to see their children tilling responsible 
positions in both the social and business world, 
and ma^^ well be proud of their sons and daughters, 
who have profited b^' the example of right living 
that they have given. 

In political sentiment Mr. Welsh was at fii-st an 
old line Whig, but on the organization of the Re- 
publican party gave his support to the men and 
measures it advocate<l. He has never in any sense 
of the word been an ollice seeker, but instead has 



devoted himself to his own immediate interests. 
His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
she having been identilied with that organization 
since a maiden of sixteen. To the support of the 
various church benevolences they have given lib- 
erally, and are in hearty sympathy with whatever 
promises to be of benetll to mankind. 

Their present beautiful homestead comprises 
eighty acres of line land on section 28, which is 
not e(niale(l in the town of Lisbon, nor is there any 
in the county more (elevated. Tliey have a eoni- 
fort.-ibie country residence, and the neatly kept 
lawns present a most pUiasing appearance from the 
liighw.ay. Springs abound on the farm, which 
makes it one of the most valuable stock farms in 
Waukesha County. In this home all are given a 
cordial or courteous welcome; to the friend, that 
greeting that befits his relation, and to the 
stranger such treatment as would be expected by 
them under like circumstances. 

ISAAC HARLAXD. who became a resident of 
Waukesha County in 1815, is a native of 
Yorkshire, England, he w.as born March 7, 
18Hi, the fourth in a family numbering eleven 
children, of whom but one other, Robert, a farmer 
residing near Madison, Wis., survives. His par- 
ents, Simon and Betsey (Hobson) Ilarland. were 
also natives of Yorkshire. The former w.is reared 
on a farm and received but a limited education. 
In 182:?, with his wife and family, he emigrated to 
.\merica. embarking on a sailing-vessel from Hull, 
England, and seven weeks later landed at Quebec, 
Canada, near which place he rented a farm for two 
years. At the expiration of that time he pur- 
chased a farm at Morristown,St. Lawienee County, 
N. Y., on which he remained until 1841, that year 
witnessing his arrival in Wisconsin. From his 
eastern home Mr. Ilarland came by way of the 
Erie Canal and the Great Lakes to Milwaukee, 
thence by wagon direct to the town of \'ernon, 
this county, where for 1560 he bought eighty acres 
of land on which he immediately erected a log house 
and began to develop a farm. Here he resided for 
some ten years, then removed to Monroe County, 



252 



i^RTRAIT AND BIOGRAl^HICAL RECORD. 



wliere he purcliaserl tliree huiulred acres of land. 
This continued to be his home until his death, wliich 
occuned in 1869, while iiis wife, who survived him 
two years, also died Iherc. liotli were laid to rest in 
the cemetery at Kendall, Wis. 

Isaac Harland, whose naiiu! heads this article, 
was a child of four years when he cauie with his 
parents to this country. He grew up on a farm, 
where he early learned lessons of tinift and econ- 
omy, llis education was accpiircd in the schools 
of those early days and as a consequence was of a 
limited character. At tiie age of twenty-six he 
came to Waukesha County. (4oing to the town 
of Mukwonago, he was emi)loyed by John Stock- 
man,* hotel keeper living on the Mukwonago 
road, with whom he remained during the winter. 
The following two years he worked the Worth- 
man farm on shares, and for a like period operated 
the farm of Samuel Cliafin. For some seven years 
he rented the farm of Sewall Andrews, then bouglit 
fort}' acres in the township of Vernon, on which 
he lived for six years, after which he again rented, 
working the farm of William M. Frazier for two 
seasons. In 1864 Mr. Harland bought his present 
farm of eighty acres located on section 22, in the 
township of Mukwonago. The land was under a 
fair state of cultivation and had a substantial house 
and other iin[)rovements on it. Since coming into 
possession of it Mr. Harland has built an addition 
to the house and erected other good outbuildings. 
Since then he has added fifteen acres more. He car- 
ries on general farming and is also interested in 
sheep raising, having a flock of fine wool Merino 
sheep. 

Ou the 3d of May, 1816, occurred the marriage 
of Mr. Harland and Miss Jane Wortliman, daugh- 
ter of Samuel and Polly (Weeks) Wortliman, who 
were natives respectively of Scotland and Massa- 
chusetts. Mr. Worlhman in later years owned 
and carried on a farm in Tro}' Township, Wal- 
worth County. His death occurred in Sauk Coun- 
ty in 1878. His estimable wife died in the same 
county in October, 1879. They were the parents 
of seven children, namely: Margaret, who is de- 
ceased; Lydia E., who is the wife of Joseph Con- 
saul, a retired business man of Oslikosh, Wis.; Mary, 
who is now deceased; Jane, who is the wife of our 



subject; Thomas and Benjamin, who are also dead; 
and James, wlio resides in Haraboo, Wis. Mr. and 
Mrs. Harland have fourchildren. Edward is a farm- 
er in South D.^kola; Helen F. is at home; George is 
engaged in agricultural pursuits in Walworth Coun- 
ty, and Alice became the wife of J. A. Pratt, a mer- 
chant residing in South Dakota. 

In politics Mr. Harlniid is a Republican, having 
first exercised his right of franchise in favor of Will- 
iam H. Harrison. While he takes a lively interest in 
the successes of his parly, he has no inclination or 
time to seek official positions. With his wife he 
is identified witli the rniversalist Society of ISIuk- 
wonago. 

■ • — ^ )^ c^^— . 

REV. 1-. P. HOLMES, the present rector of 
St. All)an's Church, Sussex, is of English 
birth, having been born in the cathredral 
city of Chichester in the old count}' of Sussex, 
England, after which the village of Sussex, Wau- 
kesha County, Wis., is named. He came to this 
country in 1861, locating with the rest of the fam- 
ily in Rochester, Racine County, Wis. In 1870 he 
removed to Kansas, whither his brother Charles, 
who is also a minister of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church, had preceded liiin. He remained in Kan- 
sas for eighteen years, during which time he pros- 
ecuted his studies for the ministry under Bishop 
Vail, the pioneer bishop of Kansas; he was ordain- 
ed to the diaconate April 29, 1888, by .Assistant 
Bishop E. S. Thomas. For sixteen years previous 
to his ordination he had held a license from the 
Bishop as a layieader, doing service in all parts of 
the county in which he lived, as a missionary. 

In 1873 Rev. Mr. Holmes married Miss Clementine 
Odelin. a lady of Parisian birth. Their only child, 
a daughter, Annie Maud, who is still living with 
her parents, was born in 1875. Receiving a call 
to St. John^s Church, P>lkhorn, Wis., Mr. Holmes 
returned from Kansas in Maj', 1888, and took 
charge of that parish, with the missions at Bur- 
lington and Rochester in Racine County, continu- 
ing to serve them for a little more than three 
j'ears, when the strain of the long drives of six- 
teen and nineteen miles every Sunday and l\Ion- 
day, winter and summer, with the ordinaiy minis- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



253 



terial work of the three places, brought on nervous 
prostration and compelled a change of field, lie 
then removed to Sussex, where he found liimself 
among natives of his old county in Kiiiiland. 

While servinij the cliurcli in Klkliorn Mr. 
llohnes p:issed his examinations for further orders 
at Nashotah, and was ordaiueil priest at his own 
parish church in Elkhorn, by the late lamented 
Bishop V. V. Knijjht. December l!l, IHH'.t. 

Rev. Mr. Holmes has one brother. Rev. Charles 
Holmes, of St. Paul, and three sisters living, all 
of whom, as well as himself, have s|)ent many years 
in educational work as teachers in the schools of 
this country. The eldest sister, Mrs. George Wal- 
ter, of Rochester, has been engaged in the same 
work in England also. 

m^ 



feT"' 



■|i » | i 1 ^ 1 » | i » t » » t » i | i «^ A«^«^«^ ' {"} ' ' S ' '{* 



"^m 



THOMAS EDWARD .TONES was born on 
his present farm, on section 23 of Ottawa 
Township, July 18, 1816, being a son of 
John and Anna (.Jones) Jones. His father was born 
in Montgomeryshire, Wales, March '2.'5, 1814, and 
his mother in Shropshire, England, A[)ril 22, 1810, 
both being of Welsh extraction. In early life John 
Jones learned the trade of wheelwright with his 
father and worked llicreal until his emigration to 
America. In 1843 tiie father, accompanied by his 
wife and cliilfl, sailed for the New World, and 
after landing at New York continued his westward 
journey by way of the Hudson River, Erie Canal 
and the Great Lakes to Milwaukee. He first se- 
cured eight}- acres of Government land in Genesee 
Township, but the following year disposed of that 
and secured eighty acres on section 2."5, in the 
town of Ottawa. By additional purchases he in- 
creased his farm to two hundred and forty acres. 
When he settled on the place no house had been 
erected and few acres had been broken. The first 
cabin home that he built was the birthplace of the 
gentleman whose name heads this biography. The 
cabin was repKaced by a good farm residence, which 
was burned in the fall of 1863. The following spring 



the house in which our subject lives was erected 

on the site of the one which was burned. The same 
year that Mr. .lones, Sr., lost his house by fire he 
was also deprived of his beloved wife, who died 
September 1. Though eighty years of age he is 
still (piite active. In their native land bf)th he 
and his wife were identified with the Ejiiscopal 
Church. Politically he has always been a Demo- 
crat, an<l as such has been elected by his fellow- 
townsmen to the oflices of Assessor and Side- 
Supervisor. After the death of his first wife Mr. 
Jones was again mairied, but h}' this wife had no 
children. His family by the former marriage con- 
sisted of six children, though only one is now 
living. 

Thomas Edward Jones, or "Teddie," as he is 
familiarly called, has spent all his life on the farm 
where he now lives. In the district school he 
received a practical education, fitting him to 
perform intelligently the functions of a citizcm. 
In the town of Mukwonago on tlie 23d of No- 
vember, 1870, he was married to Miss Annie, 
daughter of John and Jane (Cobb) Burnell. Mre. 
Jones was born in Mukwonago Township, April 
23, 1847. On the old Jones liomestead our sub- 
ject and his wife began their domestic life. Their 
home has been made ha|)|)y by the presence of 
seven children: Chelseli E., a graduate of the 
Agricultural Department of the State University; 
Ellen .v., Walter 1)., Emma, Calvin J., Albert and 
j Eugene. Mr. Jones owns a fine estate of three 
I hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, 
being one of the substantial farmers of the town- 
ship. 

Politically he has always voted with the Demo- 
crats in national affairs, but in local matters he 
supports the candidate best suited for the ottice. His 
first Presidential vote was cast in 1868, when Sey- 
mour and Klair were the nominees of his party. Eor 
some six or seven years he has served as Assessor of 
his town, and for three years, 1887, '92 and '1)3, 
was Chairman of the Town Board and ex-otlicio 
member of the County Board. He h:is the distinc- 
tion of having been a member of the building 
committee under whose supervision the new coun- 
ty court house w.as erected. In every ollicinl ca- 
pacit}' he has sought to carry out the wishes of 



254 



PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



his constituents iuul promote the best interests of 
tlie people in jjeneral. Tliat his services have 
been acceptable is shown from tlie number of terms 
he has been called upon to lill responsible positions. 



*^#»= 



-C T 'J^ILLIAM WEST, the oldest living set- 
\/\/ tier III the town of ]\Iiikwunago, is a 
native of Kunburnholme, Yorkshire, 
Kiighuid, born May G, 1811. Ills parents were 
Thomas and Anna (Pipes) West, who spent nearly 
their cnliie lives in Yorkshire. Thomas West 
owned and farmed a small estate, and also worked 
for wages. In leligious faith he adhered to the 
Episcopal Churcli, while his wife was a (Juaker. 
He lived to be over eighty years old and his wife 
some sixty. In their family there were ten chil- 
dren, of whom only William ever came to the 
United Stales. 

The education of Mr. West, whose name heads 
this article, was ac(|iiirod in the national schools of 
England. When lifleen years of age he was ap- 
prenticed to the trade of carpenter and joiner for 
six years, getting only his board in retnin for his 
services. During the three succeeding years he 
worked as a journeyman and thus earned money 
to bring him to the United States. Before leaving 
his native land IMr. West was married, March 18, 
18.'5I, in Lincolnshire, to Miss Elizabeth Youhill, 
who was also born in Yorkshire, .laiinary .'il, 1814, 
and was the only child of .lames and Elizabeth 
Youhill. Mrs. West was left motherless when a 
baby. In 1832 her father emigrated to America, 
and some seven years later l)ecame a resident of the 
town of Mukwonago, where his death occurred at 
aliout the age of seventy years. The bridal tour 
of Mr. and Mrs. West was an extended one, cover- 
ing nearly four thousand miles. From Hull, Eng- 
land, they sailed for New York, whca'c they arrived 
forty -six days later, thence by the Hudson River 
to Albany, where they took the cars for Schenec- 
tady. The train on which they rode was exhibit- 
ed as a curiosity in the Transportation Building at 
the World's Fair in Chicago in 18!):j. Over a por- 
tion of the road they were drawn by an engine, 
but on coming to a very steep grade were drawn 



to tlie top by means of a rope; then horses were 
hitched on and by that means the cars were taken 
across the elevation and down to an engine on the 
other side. Coming on to Detroit, Mr. West worked 
for three years in and around that place. By ox 
team he started for Wisconsin, coming all the way 
overland. The journey required some three weeks, 
as they were compelled to wait for swollen streams 
to subside, and in some places where crude bridges 
had been torn away by the water, they had to be 
repaired before a crossing could be made, but at 
length they arrived in safety* at Mukwonago, on the 
14tli of July, 18.'57. Mr. West located on a claim 
of one hundred and sixty acres on section 18, 
in the town of .Mukwonago, which his father- 
in-law had puicliased for $400. After the land 
came in to market Mr. West paid the (Jovcrn- 
ment the customary jiricc of ten shillings per acre 
and received his patent. On the tract was a log 
cabin of the most primitive sort, the dimensions of 
which were 10x12 feet. In that crude home the 
young couple began their domestic life and there 
spent the happiest days of their lives. By the 
united efforts of the husband and wife good im- 
provements were placed on the farm, and its boun- 
daries extended until it included two hundred and 
eighty acres of as good land as there is in the 
township. 

Mr. and Mrs. West are actively identilied with 
the Episcopal Church, and in [jolitics he is a Dem- 
ocrat, having cast his first Presidential vote for 
Martin Van Buicn. By his fellow-townsmen Mr. 
West has been honored by a number of official po- 
sitions; for some four terms in an earl^' day, he 
was County Surveyor, and for 3ears was Deputy 
County Surveyor; he was seven years Assessor of 
Mukwonago Township, and for two 3'ears a niem- 
berof the town board. In the advancement of the 
imblic schools he has taken a dce|) interest, and for 
fourteen or fifteen years he served as School Treas- 
urer. By many years of efficient pulilic service, 
Mr. West has become well known all over the coun- 
try. The family of Mr. and Mrs. West numbered 
seven children, as follows: Maiy is the wife of 
John Roberts, a farmer of the town of Mukwona- 
go; James C. carries on agriculture in Genesee 
Township; Hannah, who wedded George Richard- 




JAMES C. GREENGO. 




ANN W. OREENGO. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



259 



son, died in 1877; Elizabeth became tlie wife of 
George D. Uobb, and died in 1X7(1; Tliom.i.s Will- 
inin operali's tlie old homestead; Anna is the wife 
of Albeit llinkley, a farmer of the town of Eagle, 
and Jennie, vvlio completes the family, superin- 
tends the home. 

15y industry, good judgment and the assistance 
of his estimable wife, Mr. West has accumulated 
valuable proijorty, hut it must not be supjiosed 
that he had no dillieulties to meet. To pay the 
Government priee f)f the laiul lie borrowed *2()0 
on the t'ondilion that it was to double in four years, 
and that he was to p.ay twelve per cent, on *1U0, 
which would be equivalent to paying alxjut fifty 
per cent. To meet such exoiliitaiit rates he hauled 
wheat to Waukesha and sold it at thirty-live cents 
a bushel. Before he had raised any grain he sent 
to Detroit, Mich., for Hour and also pork, paying 
for the former -"sl;") and for the latter ^^O a barrel. 
Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. West is in his 
eighty-fourth year, and that he has been a worker 
all his life, he is remarkably well preserved in body 
and mental faculties. Mr. West is one of those 
genial whole-souled Englishmen whom to know 
hightens one's admiration for the people of his 
native country. 



-i--- 



=+ 



JAMES C. GREENGO, an esteemed citizen of 
Menomonce Township, who owns and ope- 
rates one hundred and fifty acres of rich 
laud on sections (J and 7, was born in Kent 
County, England, August 2!(, lH;iH. and is a son 
of Je.'ise and Mary Ann (Potter) Greengo. In 
their family of twelve children, seven sons and live 
daughters, he was tlie seventh in order of birth. 
Eight are yet living: Harriet, wife of Charles 
Wildisli, a prosperous farmer of Menonionee Town- 
ship; George, a retired farmer of Sussex; Nelson 
an agriculturist of Lisl)on Township; .lames C; 
Eliza, wife of .loseph White, a machinist of Pewau- 
kee Townsliip; Mary, wife of Charles Hrown, a 
farmer of Lisbon Township; Charlotte, wife of 
Humphrey Kanklns, an agriculturist of the same 
township, and Richmond, who is engaged in mak- 



ing asplialt sidewalks. He makes his home in 
Waukesha, and is the etlicient President of the 
W.'Uikesha (iun Club. 

The father of this family was a native of Hawk- 
us, Kent County, England, born October 26, 1805, 
and a son of (Jeorge and Mary (Kemp) Greengo. 
On the :U\ of April, 1813, he sailed from London 
on the "liuirow," a three-mast English vessel, and 
after eight\-four days sjient upon the bosom of 
the deep, landed in (Quebec, Canada. Accompanied 
l)y his f;iiiiily lie reached Milwaukee, .Saturday, 
.lune 21, IKl.'i, and came at once to Waukesha 
Ctmnty. He ate his first ni(!al. which was fish 
caught in .Snail Lake, in this county, at the home 
of Henry Wood, of Lisbon Township, and on sec- 
tion 12 of this township purchased eighty acres of 
laud. This honored pioneer, who has been an im- 
portant factor in the development of the county, 
is still living, in his eighty-ninth year. His wife, 
who w.as born February 1, 1805, died December 
15, I87!t, and lies buried in Union Township 
Cemetery, where a monument marks her last rest- 
ing place. Of the Methodist Episcopal Church she 
was a faithful member. The place of her nativity 
was Fritlenden, Kent County-, ICnglaiul, and she 
was a daughter of James and Mary Ann (Potter) 
Morris. Mr. and Mrs. Greengo were married in 
Cramburk Cliuich, England, May 15, 1826. The 
foiiiicr was one of the most successful hop growers 
and dryers in this county, and was well versed on 
every det.ill pertaining to the culture of hops. He 
Weill through the experiences of pioneer life, and 
on one occasion w.as chased by wolves. Deer 
abounded in this .section and were frequently seen 
in droves of twent3- or thirty. Amid such sur- 
roundings Jesse Greengo aided in the develop- 
ment of the count3\ 

Tlie gentleman whose name heads this reeoid 
was a child of five years when the parents crossed 
the Atlantic. He was reared on the old home farm 
and worked for his father until nineteen years of 
age, when he secured employment in a sawmill in 
Pewaukee, owned by Mr. Nicholson. During the 
following year he was engineer in the Nelson saw- 
mill in Menonionee Township. In the spring of 
1858 he went to Marcpiette County, where he se- 
cured employment as a farm baud with his brother- 



260 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in-lnw, Charles Wildish, with whom he afterwards 
returned to Menonioiu-e Townsliii). 

When Ft. Sumter was fired upon, Mr. Greengo 
responded to President Lincoln's call for trooi)S, 
enlisting in Milwaukee October H. 1861, in the 
First Wisconsin Infantry. He participated in 
many skirmishes on his way to Chattanooga, after- 
wards returncfl to Louisville, Ky., and later bore 
his part in the battles of Perry villc, Stone River and 
Chickamauga, wlu^e he remained all night with the 
wounded, and then returned to his comi)any to 
participate in the engagements at Mission Ridge, 
Rocky Face Ridge, Rosaca, Calhoun, Adairsville« 
Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, At- 
lanta and Jonesboro. He was honorably discharged 
on the I Ith of October, 1804, in Milwaukee, and 
returned to his home but a few weeks later, and in 
company with his brother Amos went to Nashville 
to serve as foreman in the (Quartermaster's ollice 
of the Department of the Tc^nnessee. While thus 
employed, the (iovernnieiil solicited volunteers 
from the Department Service at Nashville, and 
Mr. Greengo responded, lie i)arlicii)alod in the 
battles of Franklin and Nashville. At the Last 
named place Mr. (ireengo was tendered the posi- 
tion of manager of (ien. "Pap" Thomas' private 
train, but after careful consideration he decided 
not to accept the offer, and returned to his depart- 
ment duties as foreman of the Government ware- 
house, thus serving until the spring of 18().5, when 
he was made steward over the (ioverniiicnt em- 
ployes. His lime was lliiis passed until the fall of 
that year, when, the war having ended, he returned 
to his Wisconsin home. During Mr. (ireengo's 
entire service he was never absent from his post of 
duty. At Resaca, Ga., he had a narrow escape, as 
his belt was .shot from his bod}'. In this battle 
sixteen of the brave boys of Company G lost their 
lives. From the pocket of a fallen comrade Mr. 
(ireengo took a little Testament, which he prizes 
highly as a relic of that fierce struggle, and which 
he has presented to his son, Charlie. Of the 
original one hundred men constituting Comjiany 
G who left the state, not a jirivate returned, all 
having been killed, taken j^risoner or promoted. 
All honor is due to the men who so nobly de- 
fended their country in its hour of greatest need. 



On tliel7th of November, 1866, Mr. Greengo 
married Ann \\ . Baker, daughter of 11. E. L. and 
Frances P. (Taylor) Baker. She was born in Ot- 
tawa, Wis., .lune 7, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. (Jreengo 
are the parents of Ave children. .Jennie May, born 
p-ebruary 22, 1869, is a graduate of the Indiana 
Normal School, of the Class of '91, having com- 
pleted the course in art. Many fine pictures, the 
work of her brush, adcirn the home. She is also ac- 
complished in instrumental music. She was mar- 
ried October 19, 189;), to Alliert R. Baer, a merchant 
of Menomonee. Jesse ,J., born April .'J, 1873, died 
September 17, of the same year, and was buried in 
Union Cemetery. Charlie L., born September 2, 
1875, completed the scientific course in the Ind- 
iana Normal, and was graduated in the Class of 
'9.'!. lie also pursued a teacher's course at the insti- 
tute. Francis II., born April 15, I881,isattending 
the common schools, and one child died in infancy. 

Mr. (ireengo is a member of the (Jrand Army 
Post of Waukesha, and exercises his right of fran- 
chise in support of the Republican party, having 
cast his first vote for "Honest Abe." He and his 
family arc members of the Methodist Church, and 
are people of prominence in the community, where 
for more than half a century they have resided. 



REV. .lOlIN IIA(iE needs no introduction 
to the people of Waukesha County, since 
for nearly a half-century he has lived and 
labored among them, being honored and respected 
by all who know him. Ilis life li.as been a bus}' 
one indeed; besides performing the arduous tasks 
of developing a farm and rearing a family, he has 
done much to spread the Gospel and direct erring 
man to the Fountain of Life. Many a happy cou- 
ple has he seen united, and at very many funerals 
has he consoled the grieving friends of the de- 
parted. No other minister has pre.acbed so many- 
funeral sermons in the vicinity as b.as he. 

This worthy pioneer of Eagle Townshii) was 
born in Anerham, Nottinghamshire, England, Oc- 
tober 10, 1811, being a son of John and Dorathy 
Il.age, the former of whom lived to be over one 
hundred years old. The educational privileges of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



261 



Mr. Mage were of tlic most meagre sort, he at- 
tending .scIhioI hut two weL'k.s. Wlieii only tliir- 
teen years ohi lip liegan U> work for wages and 
tliii> 1k'I|) to make liis own sui)|)()rl. On reacliing 
maturity, lie Mniglil in mairiage the hand of IMiss 
Mary Hinghani, a native of the same sliire as him- 
self, born Kehniary 2M, USll. On the Ulli of 
April, IK.-ill, Mr. and Mrs. Ilage embarked at Hull, 
Kngl.'uid, in .-m ohl whaling vessel, and after a 
long and tedious voy.age stc|)|)e() ashore in the 
harbor of New York, .June 1 1. (iomgup the Hud- 
son River to Albany, they boarded, for .Sehenec- 
tady. a train of ears that w.as exhibited as a curios- 
ity at the Columbian Kxposition in Chicago. On 
reaching a grade too steep for the engine to pull 
the train up, the engine was detached, and after it 
ha<l ascended, drew the cars u|) by means of ropes, 
wliile tlie passengei-s walked. At Greigsville, Liv- 
ingston County, N. Y., Mr. Ilage remained some 
six years, managing a farm for Messrs. William 
and .lolin Dieke}'. 

October, ISlf). witnessed the arrival of our sub- 
ject and his family in the town of Kagle. On sec- 
tion 14, Mr. Ilage purchased, at *o per acre, one 
hundred acres of land on which not a rail had been 
laid or a furrow turned. In a log cabin of the 
most primitive sort, he and his faithful wife made 
their first home, toiling, sorrowing and rejoicing 
together. From time to time, as their resources 
would permit, they added to their original tract 
until two hundred and ninety-seven acres paid 
tribute to them, though since then a part has been 
given to their children. 

In \Mi this good man became a member of the 
Methodist Kpiscopal Church, and a year later be- 
gan to |)roclaim to others the truth he had found 
so precious to himself. This noble work, which 
he carried on without remuneration, he ce.ased not 
until within the last few 3'ears, when age made it 
necessary. His estimable wife had united with the 
same church in 1826. After enduring great alllic- 
tion for years, she pa.ssed to the home of the right- 
eons, January 2G, ISHlt. I ler family consisted of 
six children, three sons and three daughters, of 
whom four are living. Ann, widow of .lames Orif- 
lin. resides in the town of Kagle; Samuel is a 
prominent farmer of the same township; .loliii W. 



lives on ttie old homestead; and Mary became the 
wife of Henry 11. Karle, one of Kagle Township's 
best citizens. 

Father Ilage will soon have re.'iched his eighty- 
third year, and considering his advanced age, his 
activily and strength are remarkable. On the 
brink of the river of death he only waits the boat- 
man's call. To his children he will leave consid- 
erable of this world's riches, but belter than all 
else he will leave tluMii a good example and the 
priceless heritage of an untarnished name. 



-^^HJH^-i 



CS_ 



E5~ 



IS.'VAC OAI-K, who for almost a half-century 
has been an honored citizen of Wisconsin, is 
a native of Heiinington, Henningt.on County, 
N't., born June 2, 1832. His birthplace was made 
famous in American history as the field upon which 
the liatlle of Heiinington was fought, August 16, 
1777. at which Col. .hilin Stark rallied the militia, 
saying to his men, "We will whip the Hritish or 
Molly .Stark will be a widow to-night." Mr. (iale 
knew some of the members of the "Thirteen" who 
took part in that engagement, which resulted in 
victory for the American forces, among whom he 
remembers Messrs. Hobinson and Gates, of whom 
the former afterward became (Governor of Ver- 
mont. Mr. (iaie was the third in older of birth in 
a family of four sons and two daughters, who.se 
parents wore Isaac and Lydia (Gardner) Gale. Isaac 
(iale, Sr., was a native of the Green Mountain 
.State, his liirth occurring on the 17lli of .lune, 
1800. and his death September 6, 1861. His father, 
who was a farmer by occupation, was born at .Sut- 
ton, \'t. The son was reared on his father's farm, 
and on reaching manhood was united in marriage 
with Lydia (iardner. In 18.")6, with their family, 
they emigrated to the then "far west," and located 
in Beaver Dam, Wis., in which city they purchased 
a home, and there resided for three years, going 
thence to Morris, III., where both husband and wife 
remained until death. Of their children all are 
living but one, and are named in order of their 
births as follows: The eldest, Hev. KIbridge (Jale, 
who was for many years a clergyman in the Bap- 
tist Church. IS now living retired at Lake Worth, 



262 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Fla. lie graduated from Brown University', and 
was an educator of note. For twenty years lie de- 
livered horticultural lectures in the College of Kan- 
sas, in which he was instructor. He was married, 
but his wife is now deceased. Mary, the next, is 
the widow of Winslow Kay. She resides in Titus- 
villc. Pa. Our subject is the next in order; Nel- 
son O. is a resident of Neosho County, Kan.; Ilat- 
lie M. is deceased; the youngest is Ansel IL, whose 
home is in Chicago. He is a mechanic and an in- 
ventor of some note. 

Mr. Oale of this article grew to maturity in his 
native state. He was reared to agricultural pur- 
suits, and received a good common school educa- 
tion, which has been added toby reading, observa- 
tion and contact with the world. Mr. Gale began 
life as a laborer, receiving ^12 per month for his 
services. On the 1st of March, 1854, he wedded 
Miss Julia Dutcher, also a native of Bennington, 
Vt., where their marriage was celebrated. To bless 
this happy union three children, a son and two 
daughters, have come, namely: Martha D., who was 
the wife of J. K. Uandall, is deceased. She was 
educated at the White Water Normal School, and 
was one of Waukesha County's successful teachers. 
Alfred Isaac, the only son, is a resident of Union, 
Union County, Ore. He was a student at Carroll 
College, and is now engaged in horticultural pur- 
suits, and promises to make a successful business 
man. For a wife he chose Miss Mabel Townley, 
and to the young couple a son has been born,Ced- 
ric A. Mary F., who li.is a decided talent for music 
and painting, graduated from the Waukesha High 
School, after which she taught in the country 
schools. Her husband, William .7. Townley, is also 
a graduate of the same school. They have a little 
daughter, Wythel, aged three years, who is the 
sunbeam of the home. 

Mrs. Gale was a daughter of Eliliu and Sarah 
(Ploss) Dutcher. Her father, who was born in 
Shaftsbury, Vt., on the 9th of November, 1802, 
died October 30, 1854. He was a Baptist clergy- 
man, and worked in the Master's vineyard for six- 
teen years; he was a man of more than ordinary- 
intelligence, even of brilliant intellect. His wife 
was born at Hoosac, N. Y., August 8, 180G, and 
died October S), 1888. They were sterling people 



and merited the confidence and esteem of a wide 
circle of friends and aciiuaintances. In their fam- 
ily there were two sons and three daughters; all of 
the latter are still living; John Milton went to Cal- 
ifornia in 1849 and afterward died there; Eliza is 
the wife of N. W. Hall, a farmer of Beloit, Wis.; 
Mrs. Gale is the next; Covell is also deceased. He 
entered the army as a sharpshooter and served one 
year, then entered the band as a musician. He 
participated in the battles of Corinth, Fts. D(»n- 
elson and Henr^', and other engagements. At the 
close of the war, he entered the regular army as a 
Lieutenant. His death occurred in Denver, Colo., 
where he was assassinated while serving as Provost 
Marshal. The youngest in the family is Lucj', who 
is the wife of J. M. Cobb, of Highlands, N. C. Mr. 
Cobb is a commercial traveler, employed by Fair- 
banks, Morse & Co. All the members of Mr. Dutch- 
er's family are possessed of more than an ordi- 
nary education. Mrs. Gale was a teacher for three 
years in the states of New York and Vermont. 
She taught in the schoolhouse where her father 
first went to school. For her first term she received 
$1.75 \)er week and "boarded around" with her 
pupils, the enrollment of whom reached as high as 
sixty. Mrs. Gale is a lady of bright and cheerful 
disposition, and one of those kind and considerate 
people who make friends everywhere. 

When Mr. and Mrs. Gale began their domestic 
life, their possessions were very limited; she relates 
that when their cook-stove and other necessary 
utensils were bought, they had but -^10 in money, 
and that was in the "Stark Bank" of Bennington, 
which broke, but finally paid out ninety cents on 
the dollar. In 1854 they emigrated to Wisconsin, 
locating in Waukesha County upon their present 
farm, which had been bargained for by Mr. Dutch- 
er. Mr. (iale made the first p.ayment on the land. 
Their first home was a log cabin with a stone chim- 
ney, while to furnish it the young couple had to 
imi)rovise various articles of furniture. As an il- 
lustration, their bedstead comprised the plank 
which was used as the wash stand, with a few 
boards added. They have indeed realized what 
pioneer life meant with its ups and downs. At 
that time deer and other game abounded, often 
passing by their humble door; they knew every 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



263 



person in the village of Waukesha, but from this 
earl^' condition they have seen Waulvcsha County 
advance to the foremost rank in tiic state. 

A Rcpuljlican in politics, Mr. Gale has always 
supported the principles advocated by that party. 
His tirst Presidential vote was cast for Franklin 
Pierce. He has ever taken a lively interest in po- 
litical affairs, and by his fellow-townsmen has been 
elected to various positions of honor and trust; 
was Chairman of the Town Hoard for five years, 
and Clerk of the School Board for fifteen years. 
He w.as President of the Waukesha County Agri- 
cultural Society for three j'cars, and Secretary for 
two yeai'S of the same body, in all of which he 
h.as acted in such a manner as to command the re- 
spect and confidence of the people. 

The Gale estate comprises one hundred and for- 
ty-six acres of highly cultivated and improved 
land, lying within three and one-half miles of the 
limits of Waukesha. Their comfortable residence 
is the abode of hospitality and good cheer. Mr. 
and Mrs. (iale believe in enjoying life as it conies, 
and among their pleasures they made a trip to the 
Pacific Slope in 1890, and through the state of Or- 
egon, covering a distance of seven thousand miles. 
They were fortunate in escaping accidents and had 
a delightful lime. Their homestead is known far 
and wide as one of the fine fruit farms of AVauke- 
sha Count}'. Mr. and Mrs. Gale were reared in the 
Baptist faith, to which they have ever adhered. 

/^ EORGE LAUCHBAI'M, one of the highly 
V^JX esteemed pioneei's of Muskego Township, 
is a native of Lingefelt, kingdom of Ba- 
varia, Germany, born on the 12th of April, 1812. 
He is a son of Jacob and Regina (Schlingwein) 
Lauclibaum, and is one of three sons, all of whom 
are yet living. The eldest, Michael, is a farmer of 
Menasha, Wis.; the second, George, is the subject 
of this sketch; the third and youngest, John, is a 
prosperous farmer of the town of Muskego. The 
parents emigrated to the United States when their 
son George was but four years of age. coming the 
same year, 184G, to this county, where they pur- 
chased forty acres of timbered land in section 35, 



Muskego Township. Upon this Mr. Lauchbaum 
erected a log house, replacing the old one, having 
a sod roof that had become uninhabitable. Ten 
years later he added forty acres to his original 
purchase; this land was covered with timber and 
adjoined the first. Ills funds were exhausted in 
paying for the first piece bought, but by dint of 
hard work and rigid economy, in ten years he was 
enabled to double his acreage. In this county he 
spent his last d.ays. His good wife survived him 
many years, dying in 1887. Both lie at rest in 
the cemetery at Franklin, Milwaukee County. 

Mr. Lauclibaum, of this record, enjoyed very 
meagre educational advantages. In a new coun- 
try where everything must be gained h}' unceas- 
ing industry, there was not time or means to spend 
in acquiring book knowledge. What the boy 
learned in the fields was considered infinitely more 
valuable. Young George experienced man}' hard- 
ships in those early days on his father's farm, but 
the schooling, severe as it was, has proved most 
profitable. Many were the nights in harvest time 
that he swung the cradle until ten o'clock, reap- 
ing the golden grain that grew where a few years 
prior stood the stately pine. Indians were en- 
camped all about his father's home, and many 
visits did they receive from the redmen; deer 
abounded, and within the recollection of our sub- 
ject, wolves did much damage by carrying off the 
young stock, besides making the night hideous 
with their dismal howls. At the age of twent}'- 
six, Mr. Lauchbaum lost his father by death. 

On the 25th of October, 1867, the marriage of 
Mr. Lauchbaum and Miss Josephine Katendieck 
was celebrated in the Catholic Church of Water- 
ford, Racine Count}-, Wis., of which place the 
bride was a native, born April 10, 1819. She is a 
daughter of Henry and Lisette Katendieck, who 
were the parents of two children, the other being 
a son, Barnhard. The latter, who is the younger, 
is engaged in agricultural pursuits near Waterford. 
The father and mother met and were married 
in Burlington, of the same county. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Lauchbaum nine children have been born, 
seven of whom survive: Henry, born October 2t, 
18G8; John, July 29, 1871; Bernliard, December 
13, 1876; Regina, November 26, 1879; Jacob,June 



264 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



5, 1881; Caroline, October, 30, 1886; and Cather- 
ine, February 23, 1888. 

Mr. Lauchbauni now owns a line farm of one 
hundred and sixty acres, eighty of which he pur- 
chased, the remaining eiglity having l)een a part 
of tlie old homestead. During tlie .summer of 
1893, lie erected a farm residence which is one of 
tlie best to be found in this section of the county. 
His farm is well cultivated and furnished with 
good barns and other needful outbuiblings. 

Politically, Mr. I,auchl)aum gives allegiance to 
no particular party, preferring to use his best 
judgment in selecting those whom he deems fitted 
to lill the position to which they aspire. He is a 
man who has many friends, and is esteemed for 
his honesty and upright jirinciples by all who 
know him. 

' ^ ^ P • 



1AMKS liOCyni, a successful fanner oS the 
town of Lisbon, Waukesha County, li.as been 
a resident of the I'nited .States for over a 

half-century. Me was born in Forfarshire^ 
Scotland, on the 2d of .July, 1816, and was the 
fourth in a family of twelve children, comprising 
seven sons and live daughters, whose |)arents were 
Charles and Agnes (Hutton) Hootli. However, 
there are but three of this family now living, 1894, 
of whom our .subject is the eUlest; the others are 
Charles and Nichol. The former is a resident of 
Forfarshire, Scotland, and was for many 3ears a 
soldier and sailor on a IJritish man-of-war. The 
latter lives in Diinedin, New Zealand, where he 
follows the trade of a carpenter and joiner. The 
father was a native of .Scotland, born in the same 
shire as his son, and by occupation was a manu- 
facturer of cotton goods and crash, but Later in life 
engaged in agriculluial i)ursuils. He and his wife 
spent their entire lives in their native land. They 
were members of the Presbyterian Church, the es- 
tablished church of Scotland. 

I\Ir. Bixith, whose name heads this record, was 
brought up on a farm in his native country. He 
received a common school education, to which he 
has added by reading and business contact with the 
world. When a young man of twenty-six years, 
he decided to come to the United States, and in 



accordance with that decision, in iNIay, 1842, set 
sail from Dundee, Scotland,. on board the vessel 
"Dundee," commanded by Captain Patrick, and 
after a voyage of six weeks' duration, landed in 
New York on the 4tli of July. When he arrived 
in that city he had but ^5, and was a stranger in a 
strange land, but the very fact that ho had bade 
farewell to home and friends to try his fortune in 
a far away country, evidenced that energy and per- 
sistence of will that have carried him through a 
successful career. Going to Delaware County, 
N. Y., he there commenced as a laborer, receiving 
for his services ¥10 per month. Later he w.as em- 
ployed in a tannery at ^KJO per year. 

On the 4tli of May, 1846, Mr. Booth married 
Miss Elizabeth Welsh, who w.as born in Perthshire, 
Scotland. November 18, 1820. Mrs. Booth w.as 
educated in her native land, where she resided un- 
til she was grown, then came with her parents to 
America, sailing on the "Peruvian" in 1841. Mr. 
and Mrs. Booth became the parents of six children, 
two sons and four daughters, of whom the former 
and three of the latter survive, and are named as 
follows: Janet, born May 3, 1847, became the wife 
of Henry Edwards, a farmer of Andrew County, 
Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have four daughters, 
two of whom are successful teachers. Robert R., 
born .lanuary 30, 1850, is one of the prosperous 
farmers of Lisbon Township. He was reared and 
educated in his native county, and on reaching 
maturity married Miss Marion Butler, a daughter 
of one of the pioneer families of this county. They 
have one daughter. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics. The next in order is Agnes, bcirn tlanuary 
28, 18.')2, who became the wife of James (iibson, a 
farmer of Empire Prairie, Andrew County, Mo. 
They have a family of seven children, five sons 
and two daughters. Elizabeth, born March 17, 
1854, married Ambrose Howell, who is also an ag- 
riculturist of Andrew County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. 
Howell have four children, three sons and a daugh- 
ter. The youngest of the family is James, whose 
birth occurred June 14, 1863. He grew up on his 
father's farm, and received his education in the 
public schools of his native county, though he has 
supplemented the knowledge gained in the school 
room by personal reading and application. Pos- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



265 



sessing naturally a mechanical turn of mind he has 
always taken great interest in niacliiiiery. In poli- 
tics he is a Republican, having cast his first Presi- 
dential vote for Hon. .Tames G. Blaine, though he 
is a strong temperance man in principle. He now 
superintends the homestead for his father. 

In 1846, soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. 
Booth came to Wisconsin. The trip was made by 
wagon, canal and the lakes, landing at Milwaukee, 
then but a small village; the ducks were swimming 
around on the common, where now stand some of 
the best buildings in the city. There was no rail- 
road in the present state of Wisconsin until a 
number of years after their ai-rival. From Mil- 
waukee the}' came to the town of Lisbon, Wau- 
kesha County, locating on section 10, where Mrs. 
Booth's father bought a claim of two hundred 
acres, and there remained three years as a renter. 
The first claim Mr. Booth made was of eighty acres, 
and when it came into market he had thirty acres 
of it deeded to Richard Craven, in order to deed 
the eighty, not having suHicient means to pay for 
it at the time. Their first home was a log cabin, 
with a puncheon floor and a shake roof; there 
w.as one little window, containing four panes, held 
in ])lace by mud plaster; not a nail was used in 
the construction of the building, but it was put to- 
gether with wooden pins. The door was f.astened 
by the old fashioned latch and string, with which 
all the earlier settlers were familiar. Mr. Booth 
cut his grain with the cradle, and then tlireshed it 
out by hand with a flail. When they came to 
Waukesha County, there were not more than three 
teams of horses here, ox-teams being used for all 
purposes of draught and conveyance. The roads 
were the old corduroy, the kind first made in a 
new country, while their direction w.as governed 
by the best way to reach llie desired place, many 
times being only the Indian trails. Mr. Booth 
has mowed wild hay in the marshes when he had 
to step from hillock to hillock, and after the hay 
was cut, had to carrj' it out on a stretcher. Deer 
were plentiful, and one evening as he was return- 
ing from work, he was attracted by the bleating of 
a deer, and on going in tlie direction of the sound, 
found two dogs worrying a deer. Di'awing liis 
scythe across its throat he carried it liome and 



placed it in the potato hole, then went about his 
work. Two Indians followed the trail to his 
home, went to the pit, brought out the deer, and 
were skinning it when our subject came to his 
home. The Indians often came to his house, and 
were always friendly. 

Mr. Booth sold his first purchase, and bought 
one hundred and twenty acres on section 29, in 
the town of Lisbon, and there lived until about 
eight years ago, at which time he purchased his 
present farm of one hundred and ten acres, and 
upon which he has resided since 1886. 

In politics Mr. Booth has always been a true 
Republican; his first Presidential ballot was cast 
for Gen. John C. Fremont, the first candidate of 
the party, since which time he has always sup- 
ported the men and measures of the Republican 
party. In religion lie is in sympathy with the 
United Presbyterian Church, f>f which his wife is 
a member. Mr. Booth w.as one of the organizers, 
and helped to build the first Presbyterian Church 
that was erected in Lisbon Township. When he 
and his wife came to Wisconsin they had nothing, 
but by untiring effort and industry have become 
possessed of a competence which they may enjoy 
in their declining years. To their children they 
will leave the legacy of a good name and an hon- 
orable and upright life, which is to be prized above 
gold and silver. 



-€^ 



JOHN EDWARDS, who follows farming on 
section 27, Lislx)n Townshi]), is numbered 
among the early settlers of Waukesha Coun- 
ty of IS.")!. He has therefore witnessed 
much of its growth and devcloi>ment, has seen its 
wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and 
farms and has watched the growth of towns and 
vilhiL^es. He li.as always borne his part in the work 
of progress and advancement and well deserves 
mention among the founders of the county. 

Mr. Edwards was born near the historic city of 
(.iuebco, Canada, M.ay 7. 1831, and is a son of 
Henry and Helen (Emerson) Edwards. His father 
was born on the Isle of Wight September 10. 1800, 
and emigrating to Canada in an early day, there 



266 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cnrried on agriciillural pursuits until bis removal 
to the I?adger State in 1851. He was a man of 
Bim convictions, a Uemociat in political belief, 
and he and his wife wci'o members of Ibe Episco- 
pal Church. The lady was born in Ireland in 
1805 and was a child of five years when with her 
parents !-be came to the New \Vf)rhl. The Kdwards 
home in Waukesha County comprised one hundred 
and sixty acres of land, and was transformed 
from a wild tract into one of rich fertility by hi.s 
father. Ills death occurred May 5, 1881, and his 
wife died in 188.'?. They were tlie parents of five 
sons and eleven daughters, of whom our subject is 
the eldest. The others yet living are, Isaac, a 
leading farmer and dairyman of I'ewaukec 'I'own- 
ship; Ilenrv, who is married and lives in Andrew 
County, Mo.; Martha, widow of Samuel Kliiott, 
and a resident of Delta County, Mich.; and Il.-ir- 
riet, wife of Stephen Elliott, who runs a transfer 
line in Waukesha. 

John Edwards reinaii ed in Canada until twenty- 
two years of age. He has made fanning his life 
work, and allhougli he started out dependent en- 
tirely upon his own resources he has steadily 
worked his way upward. He purchased llio inter- 
est of the other heirs in the old homestead and for 
forty years has resided Iheieon, liaving now one 
of the best im|)roved farms in the township. In 
1890 he suffered severe losses by fire, having a 
large barn, granary, sheds, twent^'-eighl hundred 
bushels of grain and fine machinery consumed in 
the llaiiU'S. His loss amounted to abmit :>; 1,000, but 
with cliaracteristic energy he re-I)uilt and now has 
a barn '.lOxSfi feet, with eighteen-foot posts and a 
nine-foot ba-sement, sheds 22x52 feet, a wagon 
shed 22x28 feet, and a granary 22x38 feet in di- 
mensions. These buildings stand as inonumeiits 
to his thrift and enterprise. 

Mr. Kdwards was married November 8, 1859, to 
Mary Mclntyre, of Scotch descent, and they have 
one son ami five daughters, all yet living, namely: 
William H. S.; Elizabeth A., wife of (ieorge Craig, 
a farmer of Dodge County, Wis.; Jennie E., who 
was educated in the Sussex schools and is now at 
home; Rhoda, wife of Eugene Craig, an express- 
man of Denver, Colo.; Alice, at home; Emma, who 
attended the White Water Normal School for two 



and a-half years and is a successful teacher, being 
now employed as primary teacher in Sussex. For 
his second wife .Mr. Edwards chose Mrs. Mary 
(Simmons) Bacon, a native of Potsdam, N. Y. 
They were married January 9, 1875, and had three 
children, two yet living: John F., of New York; 
and Bessie, of Sussex. The mother of this family 
was called to the home beyond in .lanuary, 1890. 
In politics Mr. Edwards has been a Republican 
since casting his first Presidential vote for Hon. 
John C. Fremont, but has never lieen an olHce- 
seeker. He holds membership with the Odd Fel- 
lows' Lodge of Pewaukee; is a prominent member 
of and was vestryman in St. Alban's Episcopal 
Church of Sussex. He is a gentleman of honor 
and integrity, and his sterling worth has won him 
the confidence and esteem of all with whom he 
has been brought in contact. 

g ■ ^'^<^^*E3 --S) 

OSCAH W. H.VDFIELD. a prominent young 
farmer and poultiwman residing in S.ayles- 
ville, Genesee Township, Waukesha Coun- 
ty, is a native of the tctwn of Waukesha, his birth 
having occurred on the 16tli of October, 1860. 
He was one of eleven children, com])risiiig nine 
sons and two daughters, born to Jose))h and 
Sarah (Harrison) Hadtield. He was reared on his 
father's farm, and obtained his primary education 
in the district schools, which h.as been supplemented 
by a course of six 3'ears in Carroll College. 

Mr. Iladfield was married to Louisa Luke, Jan- 
ary I, 1878. Mrs. Iladfield is a daughter of Fred- 
erick and Kale (llildebrandt) Luke, and is one of 
five children. She is a native of New Berlin, 
Wis., where her father died at the age of .seventy- 
four years. Her mother survives her husband 
and makes her home at New Berlin. The union 
of Mr. and Mrs. Iladfield has been blessed with 
three children: Charles, Albert and Pearl Lucile, 
all of whom are at present attending school. 

Mr. Iladfield has a splendid dairy, and the most 
completely equipped |)oultry yard in (ienesee 
Township. He is very successful as a pcmltry 
raiser, his net profits per month l)eing on an aver- 
age about *50. Previous to his settling on the 




COL. EDWIN HURLBUT. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



269 



farm he acted as collector for the Hadfield Com- 
pany, of Milwaukee, dealers in coal and lime. He 
has also l)een employed l)y A. W. Hadfield, of Chi- 
cago, in ft like capacity. Besides his daii'y, poul- 
try and farniiiii; interests he conducts a gasoline 
and f)il business, having a route of his own. Mr. 
Hadlield is an enterprising and progressive man, 
and one who is esteemed for his honesty and in- 
tegrity. 



=0#C: 



©OL. EDWIN HUHLIU'T, of Oconomowoc, 
one of tlie prominent lawyers and jour- 
nalists of the slate of Wisconsin, was born 
at Newtown, Conn., ()ctol)er 10, 1818. On botii 
his father's and molliei's side, he is descended 
from early New England ancestors. The original 
American ancestor on his father's side was Thomas 
Hurlbut, who, it is supposed, crossed the Atlantic 
in 1635. The writer of the genealogy of the Hurl- 
but family is of the opinion that he was Ixn-n in 
Scotland, but that fact is not fully established. 
However, it is known that he became a member of 
the Connecticut Colon}' as earl}' as 163.5. His de- 
scendants are numerous throughout the I'nited 
States, and many of them have attained to emi- 
nence and distinction in various walks of life. 
Both the grandfathers of ]Mr. Hurlbut were soldiers 
in the Revolulioiiai v War, and his father. Philan- 
der Hurlbut, served in the War of 1812. 

The faniil}' removed to Bradford County, Pa., 
when Edwin was about seven years old, vvhcre he 
reinaiiH'd some eight jears, and enjoyed the liter- 
ary advantages of a common school. At the end 
of that time he started for New Jerse}-, walking all 
the way to Newark, where he had an uncle, with 
whom he lived a 3'ear. Soon afterward he started 
westward, stopping a short time in Eaton County, 
Mich. Returning to the east. Mr. Hurlbut bfgan 
the study of law at Lodi, Seneca County, N. Y. 
In 1842 he removed to Towanda, Pa., where he 
continued his studies with David Wilinot, author 
of the famous Wilmot Proviso, being admitted to 
the Bar in 1847. The same year lie returned to 
Michigan and commenced the i>ractice of his pro- 
fession, settling at Mason, Jiigliam County. He 
was appointed Postmaster at that place in 1848; 



District Attorney the same year, and a little later 
received from Governor Ransen the appointment 
of .Judge Advocate in the State Militia, with the 
rank of Colonel. In April, 18.5(1, Colonel Hurlbut 
settled at Oconomowoc, where he has been in the 
steady and successful practice of the law ever since, 
in the United States Court, .as well as the Circuit 
and Supreme Courts of the state. During the first 
year of his practice in Wisconsin he was appointed 
Attorney of the Milwaukee, Wateitown it Madison 
Plank road; was elected District Attorney in 1856, 
holding the ollice two years, and in 18.58 was ap- 
pointed attorney for what was then known as the 
Milwaukee, Beaver Dam & Baraboo Railroad, now 
a branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee iV St. Paul, 
which |)osition he held for several years. 

At th(' opening of the Rebellion, in the spring 
of 1861, Colonel Hurlbut was ap|iointed Colonel 
on (iovernor Randall's staff. He was very active 
in recruiting soldiers for the Union army, and con- 
tributed liberally to the war fund, and afterward 
gave his services gratuitously in procuring pen- 
sions and bounties. He went to Washington with 
the Fourth Wisconsin Infantry, and had a posi- 
tion in the State Commissar}' Department. He 
had the inspection of troops, and before the close 
of the year, was appf>iiited b}' the Governor aide 
.as Commander-in-chief with the rank of Colonel. 
In 1862 he was appointed Deputy I'nited States 
Marshnl, with Provost Marshal's jiowers. He was 
tendered the colonelcy of one of the Wisconsin 
regiments, but declined, the historian says, "be- 
cause the army w.as being olHcered by politicians 
rather than soldiers." 

Colonel Hurlbut was a member of the (ieneral 
Assembly in the session of 186;(. He was Chair- 
man of the Committee on Federal Relations, and 
two or three other committees, and was one of the 
hard working and inllncntial members of the Leg- 
islature. The ne.vt year (Jovernor Fairchild ap- 
pointed him to represent himself at the Interna- 
tional Congress on penitentiary and reformatory 
discipline, of which congress he was chosen Vice- 
President, and Rutherford B. Hayes President. 
Colonel Hurlbut is known as a liuinanitaiian, and 
in 1872 was appointed a delegate to the Interna- 
tional Penitentiary Congress, which met in London. 



270 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Two years later lie was a member of the National 
Prison Congress, held in St. Louis, and was made 
one of its Trustees and put on tiie Committee on 
Criminal Law Reform. In 1875 he became a Trus- 
tee of the National Prison Association of New York, 
and wiis placed on the Committee on Discharged 
Convicts. 

He has long been prominently identilied willi 
the Wisconsin Press Association, and was a dele- 
gate from that body to the National Kditoiial As- 
sociation, which met at Cincinnati in 1886, of 
which he was chosen Vice-President. Colonel 
Ilurlbut was one of a committee appointed l\v that 
body to visit Florida and rc|)ort the extent of the 
injury to the orange groves of that state by frosts. 
He is Circuit Court Commissioner and \'ice-Presi- 
dent of the State Bar Association of Wisconsin. 
He has held various oflicial positions in the vil- 
lage and city of Oconomowoc, one of them being 
that of Clerk of llie School Board, which he held 
fourteen years, and during that time was prime 
originator (>( the excellent school system of the 
city. He has also served as President of the vil- 
lage, as Alderman several terms, and is now City 
Attorney as well as a member of the County Board 
of Supervisors. He was a member of the Board of 
Managers of the State Industrial School, located at 
Waukesha for seven years, and did good service 
while acting in that capacity. 

In politics Colonel Ilurlbut was a Democrat un- 
til IH;')!, when he aided in forming the Republican 
party at Madison. With this party he acted until 
1872, when he supported Horace Greeley for the 
Presidency; since that lime he has been known as 
a reformer. It was by the Reform party that he 
was elected District Attorney of Waukesha County 
in 1873. He is editor and proprietor of the Wis- 
consin Free Press, a weekly newsi)aper published 
in Oconomowoc, which was devoted to the inter- 
ests of the Reform party until the attack was 
made on the public schools by the Democrats, in 
1890, since which time it has been strongly Repub- 
lican. It is a large and ably conducted journal. 
Colonel Ilurlbut is an honored member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, belonging to Neosha Lodge, Ocon- 
omowoc Chapter, Olivet C'oniniandery, Wisconsin 
Consistory and Tripoli Temple. He is a member 



of the Episcopal Church, and has long been an 
active and strong advocate of temperance. He 
was Grand Worthy Patriarch of the state in the 
order of Sons of Temperance in 185.3, and is usu- 
ally a leader in movements tending to improve the 
condition of the unfortunate or raise the fallen. 
As a citizen he has few peers in usefulness, while 
as a lawyer he is, in every sense of the word, a 
success. He has probably the largest and best law 
librarj' in Waukesha County. 

On his twenty-third birthday, October 10, 1840, 
Colonel Ilurlbut was married in Lodi, N. Y., to 
Catherine Chandler, whose death occurred in Ocon- 
omowoc April G, 1861, leaving three daughters, 
namely: .Julia Augusta, who was born at Spring 
Hill, Pa., on the 31st of March, 1841, is the widow 
of William Hassell,a former attorney of Oconomo- 
woc; Henrietta C, whose birth occurred in Ocono- 
mowoc April II, 1851, is the next in order; Kate, 
the j^oungest, was born July 21, 1856, and mar- 
ried Mr. Borden of Leslie, Mich. On the 14th of 
October, 1886, Colonel Ilurlbut was united in 
marriage with Miss Margie E. Spearing, of New 
Orleans, a daughter of John F. Spearing, Esq., of 
that city. Of this union two daughters have been 
born: Edwina, October 18, 1887, and Margie Spear- 
ing, June 15, 1889. 

Mrs. Ilurlbut is a lady of culture and refinement, 
and the home of the famil}' of Colonel Ilurlbut is 
a pleasant and attractive one. 



WR. PjLODGETT, one of the esteemed 
and highly respected early settlers of 
Waukesha County, has been ideutifled 
with the interests of the town of Brookfield since 
1842. At the time of his coming here the county was 
yet in its infancy. Indians sti'l made their homes 
in this section of the country, deer had not aban- 
doned their stamping grounds, and the wolf's 
dismal howl was heard as he continued bis nightly 
depredations. Where now stands Ins lieautiful 
home on section 20, was when he received liis pur- 
chase papers, covered bj' stately oak and maple 
timber and a dense growth of underbrush. Of 
this wilderness Mr. Blodgett has been not only an 



PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL RECORD, 



271 



eye witness, but a participant in the wonderful 

transformation lliiit lias taken place in Ins lown. 
T>ike Ills pioneer neiijiibor, Mr. I'litney, lie lias, 
tliroii^li his own exertions, developed a line farm 
and ai<ied in the material ii^rowlh of his townsliip 
and county. To men of such steilini;; wortii the 
younger generations owe the many advantages and 
luxuries enjoyed; by their efforts and deprivations 
the beautiful homes, schools, and all other im- 
provements were made possible. 

Mr. Blodgetl is a native of Oorham, Ontario 
County. N. Y., born December 4,1821. lie grew 
up on his father's farm, where he early learned les- 
sons of thrift and industry that have been of un- 
told value to him in after life. He obtained his 
education in the district schools, which afforded 
excellent advantages for fitting one for the prac- 
tical duties of life. At the age of twenty-two 
years, he liegan teaching school, being eniiiloyed 
for two years in New London, Ohio, and after com- 
ing to Wisconsin resumed that occupaiion, teach- 
ing t>ne term each in Districts No. 3 and 5 in the 
town of Brookfield. Thinking that the west af- 
forded more opportunities for a young man, Mr. 
Blodgett decided to try his fortunes there, and ac- 
cordingly in 1842 emigrated from his home on 
the Erie Canal to Buffalo, and thence on an old side 
wheel steamer came to Chicago. He arrived in 
Milwaukee on the intli of October of that year, and 
from there walked to Brooklield Township, where 
be located a claim of one hundred and sixty 
acres. The same year of his arrival Mr. IJlodgett 
cleared ten acres, but the following fall returned 
to the home of his birth in order that he might 
more rapidly earn money to continue improve- 
ment-* on his territorial purchase. After an absence 
of two and a-half years, he returned to Wiscon- 
sin and began the erection of his log house. It 
was 21x30 feet in dimensions and constructed of 
oak and elm logs; it had an oak shingled roof, two 
doore and five windows, the panes being 7x9 inches, 
while the doors were hung with iron hinges. Be- 
sides the improvements made in his house, Mr. 
Blodgett enjoyed the luxury of a gate on his farm, 
an unusual adornment in those early days. 

In the winter of 1840-17, he taught the district 
school in the log schoolhouse. Among his pupils 



was George Daubncr, who still resides in the 

town, and many others that have passed to the 
spirit world. In the spring of 1847, he bought a 
yoke of oxen, and with this team began clearing 
in earnest, hauling the logs to the Storey sawmill, 
which was situated on the old territorial road on 
section 2i). This mill, in the construction of 
which Mr. Blodgett had aided, had a capacity of 
about five thousand feet of lumber per day, and 
was built for the purfjoseof cutting out timber for 
the Milwaukee plank road. Unassisted, he cut 
the timber on his land, cultivated it, and in 18fiO 
replaced the original home with a comfortable 
farm residence, the family eating their first meal 
in the new house on the 4th of December. lie 
has good barns and other necessary outbuildings 
on his estate, which at once indicate the careful 
and thrifty management of the owner. During 
the last ten years, Mr. F.lodgett has added to the 
desirability of his property by planting maple 
trees for shade, putting out a few each spring. 

On the 1 Itli of April, 18.")1, our subject was 
united in marriage with .Miss Adeline L. Wads- 
worth, a daughter of Israel and Hannah (151ack) 
Wadsworth.a native of Vates County, N. Y., born 
May 13, 1833. This l.ady died September 19, 
1852, and was laid to rest in the Brookfield Ceme- 
tery on section 15. October 17, 1855, Mr. lilod- 
gett wedded Miss Zilplii.a. L. Wadsworth, daughter 
of Samuel and Rebecca (Foster) Wadsworth. Mrs. 
Blodgett was born in the town of Amity, Alle- 
gany County, N. Y., March 15, 1824, and was 
the eldest and only daughter in a family of three 
children. She lost her inolher when a maiden of 
nine years, and from that age until nineteen years 
old kept house for her father, who died at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-three jears. Of recent years 
Mrs. Blodgett has been more or less an invalid, but 
her amiable disposition and sunny temper have 
proven a blessing to herself and family. To her 
friends she is the same hospitable hostess as of yore, 
and in her home they are sure to lind a cordial 
welcome. 

Mr. and .Mrs. Rlodgett have one son, W. W. 
Blofigett, who?e birth occurred in the old log 
cabin on the 6th of .luly, 1851. lie is a bright, 
progressive young man, and enjoys an extended 



272 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



acf|ii:iintai)ce. His marriage to Louise Ilankey was 
celebifiled Kehniary 25, 18'.)!. Slio was born at 
Kim Grove, Biooi<(ield Township, September 6, 
1862, and is a daughter of John Ilankey. Mi", 
and Mrs. W. \V. Blodgett reside on the old home- 
stead. 

In ))olilies our subject vote.s with the Democratic' 
party, and by his townsmen has been called upon 
to fill a number of local oHices; he has served as 
School C'onimissionerone term; as Assessor in 1847, 
and held continuouslj', barring one year when he 
was Assessor, for seventeen years, the office of 
Town Clerk. In the laving out and improving of 
roads in the town of Urooklield, Mr. Blodgett has 
taken (jnite a prominent part. The road passing 
his home, now one of the best in the county, was 
cut out under his supervision; it extends north 
and south and is known as the .Junction Road. He 
has been administi'ator of several estates in his 
township, and in all relations, whether of a busi- 
ness or social nature, has the confidence and high 
regard nf all who know him. 

D.Wll) I'.KOWN WILSON, a successful 
tanner of section 21, Ottawa Township, is 
a native of Waukesha County, his birth 
occurring in the town of Mukwonago, oii the 29th 
of August, 1847. His parents were .lohn and Ag- 
nes (Brown) AVilson, both of whom were born 
in Scotland, the father at Hamilton, near P^din- 
burg, and the mother at I'aisley. In his native 
land John Wilson learned the trade of shoemaker, 
at which occupation he worked after completing 
his apprenticeship. When a young man, he came 
with his father, William Wilson, and his step- 
mother (his mother having died in the Old Coun- 
ty) to the United Slates, locating in I'hiladelphia, 
where he worked at his trade. In that city he 
married Miss Brown, who came with her parents 
to this country when but six years old. Mrs. Wil- 
son's parents both passed their last years in riiila- 
delphia, where she was reared and educated. Karly 
in the '4<)s, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson came to this 
county, settling at Mukwonago, where thej' were 



among the pioneers. lie bought a small farm, upon 
which they lived, and in connection with his farm- 
ing duties, he resumed work at his trade. Some 
years later his father also came to Waukesha Coun- 
ty-, where he died. Mr. Wilson was a Republican 
in his political faith, and although he cared little 
for otticial preferment, he served .as Justice of the 
Peace several times. His wife is a member of the 
Congregational Church, and is a woman possessed 
of many excellencies of character. She was called 
upon to mourn the loss of her husband, who died 
on the 16th of February, 1886. Since his death 
she makes her home with her daughter in Wal- 
worth Count}'. In their family were nine chil- 
dren, five of whom are living: Mrs. Jennie Hunter, 
of Walwf)rth County; Mrs. Mary Bagley, of the 
town of Mukwonago; William, also of that town- 
ship; Mrs. Agnes Hood, of the town of Genesee; 
and the gentleman whose name appears at the head 
of this article. 

David Brown Wilson was reared on his father's 
farm, where he learned lessons of thrift and econ- 
omy-. He enjoyed very few educational advan- 
tages, as at the early age of fifteen years he lured 
out for wages, receiving for his services 16 per 
month. He continued to work for wages off and 
on until his marriage, which happy event was cele- 
brated March 16, 187.5, in the town of Mukwon- 
ago. The bride was Miss Hannah, daughter of 
John and Jane (Cobb) Burnell, early settlers of 
this county. Mrs. Wilson is a native of Mukwon- 
ago Township, the date of her birth being March 
16, 1850, her marriage being celebrated on her 
twenty-fifth birthday. The members of Mr. and 
Mrs. Wilson's familj' are, Earnest B., .John, Jennie 
and Albert. 

After their marriage, Mr. Wilson and his wife 
rented a farm in the town of Mukwonago and be- 
gan their domestic life. Having lived there for a 
number of years, they came, in 1883, to Ottawa 
Township, where they purchased the farm upon 
which they now live. Their estate comprises one 
hundred and thirty acres of valuable land, well 
improved and under a good state of cultivation. 
In connection with general farming, Mr. Wilson 
is engaged in the dairy business. He is a Repub- 
lican in politics, having given his support to that 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



273 



party since casting his first vote for Gen. U. S. 
Grant in 1868. 

Mr. Wilson lias ever been a hard workinjj; man, 
anci by careful management has l)ocome comfort- 
ably fixed in life. He and his estimable wife have 
acquired b^' their own efforts nearly all that they 
possess. Throughout life his career has been 
characterized fjy honesty and enterprise, and by 
all who know him he is respected for his true 
worth. 

■ ^^^^ P ' 

BENJAMIN UDNKY .lAC'Ol!, M. 1)., of 
Waukeslia, a prominent member of the 
medical profession, located at the above 
named village in the spring of 1887. Dr. Jacob 
is a native of Ohio, born in Tuscarawas Countj-, 
April 4, IS.'JO. His father was Rev. Elisha P. Ja- 
cob, a Methodist clergyman. His mother bore the 
maiden name of Mary Ricketts. The former w.ts 
born in New England, while the latter was a na- 
tive of Ohio. The history of the Jncol) family in 
America goes back to early Puritan times, and 
shows that it is of English origin. The genealogy 
of the family in this country is traced back to 
1692, at which time the first representative of the 
family was a member of a New England colony. 
The year that he came from England is not i)Osi- 
lively known, but that he came as a young man is 
certain, as his children were all born in America. 
Rev. Elisha P. .lacob emigrated with his lather's 
family from their New England home to the state 
of New York, and came thence to Illinois. How- 
ever, he afterward returned as far as the state of 
(Jhio, where he taught school, and where he also 
entered the ministry. He was a faithful pastor 
and an earnest worker in the cause which he had 
chosen as his life work. He was long a member 
of the E.ast Ohio Conference, extending from his 
early ministry- till his death, which occurred in 
1890. He had attained to his seventy- eighth year. 
His good wife survives him and still resides at 
New Philadelphia, Ohio, which had been their 
home for many years. In their family were eight 
children who grew to mature years, while .several 
others <lied in childhood. Dr. .lacob is the eldest. 
The next in order of birth is Elisha, a hardware 



merchant of Waynesburg, Ohio. Robert R. is 
associated with his brother Elisha in business. 
Rev. Josephus R. Jacob, a Methodist clergyman, 
is now at (Jarrettsville, Ohio. Thomas II., the 
youngest of the brothers, is a resident of Wauke- 
sha. The sisters are Mrs. Mary Norton, of Lamont, 
111.; Hettie, wifeof Mr. Trostdorf, who resides near 
New Philadelphia, Ohio, and Ella, the youngest 
sister, the wife of Frank Wills. Sjic resides on her 
father's old homestead near New Pliihulclphia. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
received his primary education in the public schools 
and graduated from the high school at New Phil- 
adelphia in 1867, and in the fall of the same year 
entered Mt. Union College at Alliance, Ohio, from 
which he graduated in the Class of '71, receiv- 
ing the degree of A. P.. During his college life 
he had taught at intervals, and after his gradua- 
tion took up the study of analytical chemistry 
with the view of becoming an analytical chemist. 

In 187.S he engaged in the drug business at La- 
mont, near Chicago, in which he continued until 
1879. From the business of a druggist it is but a 
step to the study of medicine, and the Doctor 
eventually became deeply interested in the read- 
ing of medical works. Disposing of his business 
in 1879, .as above stated, he entered the Chicago 
Medical College, or more properly, the Medical 
Department of the Northwestern Cniversity, grad- 
uating in the Class of '81. He began the prac- 
tice of his profession in Chicago, but iwo years la- 
ter located at Port Washington, Wis., where he 
remained some four years, then came It) Waukesha. 

Dr. Jacob was married in Ohio, July 27, 1871, 
to Miss Lucetta Hartshorn, daughter of Dr. O. N. 
Hartshorn, formerly President of Ml. Tnion Col- 
lege, lull now a resident of Waukesha. This un- 
ion has been blessed with four children, two sons 
and two dauglilers, namely: Frances L., Charles 
H., Richard H. and Mary Dorothea. 

Dr. Jacob is a gentleman of culture, and lu 
his profession occupies a positi<m in the front 
rank. He is also a man of much general reading 
and is well informed on the chief issues of the day. 
All things Ihat tend to .add to the advancement of 
his calling find in him an alJe supporter. As a 
member of the Brainard Medical Society, of Wis- 



274 



PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cousin Statp Medical Soeiet}', and of tlie Amer- 
ican Medical Association, lie keeps in touch with 
his fellow- workers, as well as informed in all the 
latest means and methods relating to his profes- 
sion. 

i P — • 



IoILN II. FiiS'l'KK (deceased), was lioiii near 
Taunton, in Somersetshire, England, on the 
_ •22d of April, 1821, and in early life was 
liound out to learn the tiade of linen draper. 
Having completed lii.> apprenticeshii), he came to 
the I'nited States when aliout eighteen years of 
age, but some four years later returned to Eng- 
land. In December, 181 1, he was united in mar- 
ri.age with Miss Elizabeth llarwood, a native of 
Somersel-sliire, who was born on the IGtIi of June, 
1819. The year after they were married, Mr. and 
Mrs. Foster came to this country, taking passage 
at Liverpool on the .sailing-vessel "Mississippi," 
bound for New York, where the3' arrived after a 
voyage of thiity-live da>s' duration. Resuming 
their journey, they went from New York City to 
Albany by river, thence liy rail to lUitTalo, and to 
Milwaukee by way of the lakes. At the latter city 
there was no pier, all |)asseiigeis and merchandise 
being brought to shore by small boats or "light- 
ers," the last named being a kind of raft. The 
country was so low and swann)y that it was very 
ditticull to go about even after landing. To the 
majcrity of new comers the natural conditions 
prevailing at that point were not such as presaged 
the present beautiful city. During his lirst visit 
to .\merica, Mr. Foster had i)urchased one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land in the town of Lisbon 
upon which he now [lurposed locating, and ac- 
cordingly lured a team in Milwaukee to take him- 
self and wife thither. So bad were the roads, that 
they almost des|)aired of rtacliing their destina- 
tion. 

In connection willi his farming interests, Mr. 
Foster carrieil on merchandising. A short time 
before the war he removed the reinnant of his 
stock of goods to Brandon, Wis., wheie he engaged 
successfully- in mercantile ])ursuits until 18G7, at 
that time disposing of his l)usiness to his son,I''red- 
erick U. He then came to this county and bought 



three hundred and twenty-seven acres of land in 
the town <>{ Waukesha, where he ma<le his home. 
However, Mr. Foster was not long permitted to 
enjoy his new home, his death occurring March 19, 
1868, only eight months after settling here. In 
his youth lie had enjoyed good educational ad- 
vantages, thereby fitting himself for an active and 
useful career. A man of exceptionally fine busi- 
ness qualifications he made a success of whatever 
he turned his hand to. Beginning life without 
capital, he through industry and correct methods 
became possessed of much valualile property. Hon- 
orable and u|iriglit in all the relations of life, he 
conimaiided the highest esteem and regard of all 
who knew him. Both he and his wife were con- 
sistent members of the Methodist l^piscopal C'hurch, 
with which they were ideiitilied from early life. 
In 1876 Mrs. Foster removed to the village of 
Waukesha, where she has a pleasant residence be- 
sides still owning the farm. 

.Mr. and Mrs. Foster became the parents of six 
children, one of whom died in infancy, the re- 
maining live growing to maturity. F^rederick K., 
the eldest, is operating a bank at Brandon, Wis. 
lie has one son, J. W., who was reared by his 
grandmother, JMrs. I'oster, in Waukesha, but is 
now in the bank with his father. Harriet II., the 
next in order, became the wife of Col. L. Fergu- 
son, a prominent merchant of Brandon. lulward, 
who wedded May FL, daughter of Edward and 
I{;iizabetli (Ilethenngtuii) Porter, is a wool dealer 
of Waukesha. Liza .1., who married J. . I. Hadfield, 
died in Waukesha, October 6, 1884. Thomas N., 
the youngest, is a member of one of the leading 
kid glove firms of the city of New Y'ork, that of 
Foster, Paul cfe Co. 

Mrs. Foster, though seventy-five years of age, is 
well preserved. She has passed through all the 
trials and experiences common to pioneer life in 
Wisconsin, and h.as therefore witnessed the mar- 
velous growth from a cf)mparative wilderness to 
one of the most beautiful fanning countries to be 
found. When she came to this county, Indians 
were very plentiful; in one ilny she h.as seen as 
many as .seventy pass her home. However, the 
Indians, like much else that w.as common in those 
days, have given place to the advanced ideas, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHTCAL RECORD. 



275 



thoughts and methods of civilization. To those 
who have made possible the many luxuries and 
advantages to be enjo3'ed to-day all honor is due, 
and to the pioneer fathers and mothers should be 
paid the liighost Inhiilc of praise. 



JOHN liRKllM, Jr., of the mercantile firm of 
I5relini Bros., is one of the prominent young 
business men of Waukesha. He is a native 
of the town of N'ernon, this county, born 
September 15, 1857. His father, wiio also bears the 
name of .John Hrehm, was born in 1831 in Siegels- 
bacli, Baden, (icrmany, where in earl^' life he 
learned the trade of stone-cutter. When a young 
man he came to the United States, and for some 
time worked on a farm in the Emi)ire State. There 
he was united in niarri.age to Miss Catherine llaf- 
fclder, who was born in 1828. In 1856 they came 
to Waukesha County and located in the town of 
Vernon, but some two years later removed to Wau- 
kesha Township. Notwithstanding that his home 
was on the farm, Mr. Brehm pursued his trade for 
many 3'ears, in fact he retired only about four 
years ago. For many.of the best buildings in and 
around Waukesha he has helped to cut the stone. 
With hi.s wife he now resides in Waukesha. Both 
are consistent members of the Catholic Church, 
and in his iiolitical views Mr. Brehm is a Demo- 
crat. Their family consisted of three children, 
two sons and a daughter, the latter being deceased. 
The subject of this biography grew to manhood 
on the farm, where he acquired habits of industry 
and thrift. After attending the district schools 
he entered Carroll College, wheie he was a student 
for four years. At the age of nineteen he accepted 
the position of assistant bookkeeper in the ollice 
of M. A' L. Stein, of Milwaukee, the firm being 
subsequently changed to C'liarles Stein & Co. Mr. 
Brehm remained in the same office for five years, 
and during the last two years was head book- 
keeper. When the business was removed to Chi- 
cago he resigned his position, and in 1880, in part- 
nership with William Ilepp. purchased the stock of 
goods belonging to Isaac Collar, though at that 
time it was in the hands of an .issiguee. This co- 



partnership lasted until 1885, when it was dis- 
solved and the goods divided. Thereupon Mr. 
Brehm opened business at his present place on 
the corner of Main Street and Broadway. At the 
same time his brother Philip joined liim, the firm 
being known as Brehm Bros. They carry a full 
and well assorted stock of general merchan- 
dise at that location, besides having a clothing 
and men's furnishing establishment, which they 
opened in .lanuary, 181)4, on Broadway. They do 
an extensive business, giving employment to some 
seven assistants. Mr. Brehm of this sketch has 
been remarkably successful in his financial under- 
takings, as his accumulations are almost wholly the 
fruits of his own labor. Besides owning the store 
building in which he began business and a valuable 
lot near by, he has a good residence and other 
city property. lie is also a stockholder in the 
Waukesha National Bank. 

Mr. Brehm was married in this county June 
1.3, 1882, to Miss Maggie Rickert, a native of the 
Empire State, and a daughter of .loseph and Mary 
Rickert, who are early settlers of Waukesha Coun- 
ty. On the 10th of December, 18i»;5, Mrs. Brehm 
was called to her home beyond the dark river of 
death. She was a true licl|)mate to her husband 
and a consistent member of the Catholic Church. 
At her death but one child survived, .lolni .1., four 
having preceded her; three died in infancy, and 
one, Katie, at the age of two years. In the loss of 
his family and relatives Mr. Brehm has been re- 
markalily unfortunate; within two weeks, in 1894, 
his only surviving child, his sister and two of life 
brother's children were snatched l)v the hand of 
death, Ihc cliildnn being victims of that dread 
disease diphtheria. The sister left one child, and 
the brother has three. 

Our subject is a member of the Catholic Church, 
and is now serving his second year as President of 
Waukesha Ihaiicli No. 40, Catholic Knights of 
Wisconsin. For four years he has been Treasurer 
of the Catholic Order of Foresters No. 120. Po- 
litically Mr. Brehm is a stanch Democrat, and by 
his party has been elected to a number of oflicial 
positions; he is serving his second term as a nicinber 
of the Village Board and h.as held the Chairmanship 
of his town a term, being elected over Frank Mc- 



276 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Whorter, and the only Democrat that came out 
vicloiioiis in tlie town at that election. 

Mr. Hreliu) iia.s made a record of wliicli he has 
no leasoii to he .isliaiiicd. One principle which he 
has always followed accounts in no small degree 
for his success. On starting for himself he deter- 
mined to spend less than he earned; tiiough his 
salary at first in Milwaukee was only |il5 per montli 
and his Ijoard ¥14 he succeeded in laying up *1 each 
month. When his companions would goiiitosonie 
public resort for refreshments he would wait without 
for their return. Asa result the most of these gentle- 
men are no better off financially than they were at 
that time, whereas Mr. Hrehni is recognized as one 
of the prominent business men of Waukesha. Such 
is the reward that fortune gives to industry, 
econoinv and judicious management. 



^^- 



IOllN I'LYNN is a native of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, born in the town of Mu^kego on the 
_ l.Uli of .liily, 1815, being the fourth in a 
faniiiy of nine children. His parents, Mieh- 
aei and .loiianiia(lvclliiicr) Fl^un, were natives of 
County Kerry, Ireland, the former's birth occur- 
ring in 1811. The father came to this country 
from Liverpool, and landed in New York after 
ninety days. In Brooklyn he was married to Miss 
Johanna Kelliher, who had recently come from the 
Old Country. Soon after their marriage the young 
couple turned their faces westward, coming as far 
as Chicago. After a time thej' came from that 
city to Milwaukee, their object being to select a 
suitable place in which to make their home. On 
this trip they visited Muskego Township, but re- 
turned without making a settlement. In 1810, 
in com])any with Daniel Sweeney, they came by 
team, driving their cows ahead of them, to this 
county and located in the town of Muskego, where 
they began housekeeping in a log cabin erected by 
Messrs. Flynn and Sweeney. Here Michael Flynn 
passed the Last years of his life, his death occur- 
ring on the 22d of May, 1867. Few men were 
more familiar with this portion of Wisconsin, 
while the now populous cities of Chicago and 
jNIilwaukee were, at the lime of his coming, but 



little more than hamlets. His family was well 
acquainted with the Juneau family of the lat- 
ter city, as also with many other pioneer settlers. 
His wife survivesaiid now makes her home with her 
daughter. Mrs. Jordon, of Lake City, Minn., being 
at this writing in her seventy-third year. 

Of their children, seven are living. Robert is a 
farmer near Lake City, Minn.; Mary beeariie the 
\vife of Philip PurccU. a real estate dealer of Minne- 
apolis, Minn.; John is the next; Thomas is an arch- 
itect, of Seattle, Wash., where he has resided for 
four years; LUen wedded John Henry .Jordon, of 
Lake City, Minn.; Hannah is a graduate of the 
school at Waseca, Minn., and has taught very suc- 
cessfully for a number of years; Margaret married 
William Carney, a conductor on the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee <t St. Paul Railroad. The deceased are Pjliz- 
abeth and William; the former became the wife of 
Richard Purcell, of Lake City, Alinn., where she 
died at the age of fifty-two years; the latter, who 
was a railroad man, passed away in the same city 
at the age of fort3-two 3'ears. 

John Flynn, the subject of this biography, grew 
up on his father's farm, where he lenrned many 
useful and practical lessons. His education was 
obtained in the old log schoolhouse on section 26, 
his first teacher being Mr. Tuehy, who had charge 
in 1851. On the breaking out of the late Civil 
War, though but a stripling of seventeen, Mr. 
Flynn offered his services, enlisting August 4, 
18(12, at Muskegon, Mich., in Company C, Twenty- 
sixth Michigan Infantry. lie served under Capt. 
James A. Lothian, and with his regiment partici- 
pateil in the battle of the Wilderness and man^' 
f)tlier engagements and skirmishes. At the battle of 
Farmville, Va., he was shot through the instep of 
his right foot and taken to the hospital at City 
Point, Va., thence transferred to Annapolis, Md., 
and from there to Baltimore, where he was hon- 
orably discharged. Returning home, he resumed 
work on the old homestead, though his wound 
troubled him greatly at that time and still causes 
him much annoyance. 

On the 21th of Januarj', 1876, Mr. Flynn wed- 
ded Miss Mary Ann O'Donnell, who was born in 
Muskego Township February 26, 1852, being the 
second in a famil\' of ten children born unto Aus- 




SARAH A. EDWARDS. 




ISAAC EDWARDS. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



281 



tin and Ann (O'Brien) O'Donnell. Mr. and Mrs. 
Flynn hecinie the parents of nine children, namely: 
Mary Kllen/riionias, Agnes K., .John J.. Genevieve, 
Annastasiu, Magdalena, Florence L. and Austin. 
The Last named died when four months old. All llie 
members of tiiis family belong to St. Martin's 
Catholic Church at Franklin, Milwaukee County. 
In politics Mr. Flynn supports the measures of 
the Democratic party. Officially he lias served as 
Town Trc.isurer, and in 1872 was elected Super- 
visor, (illing that position for one term. lie has 
a well cultivated farm of eighty .icres, upon which 
he erected in 1892 a commodious residence. He 
has good bains and outbuildings, ever3'thing about 
the premises betokening the thrift of the owner. 



-^ 






ISAAC EDWARDS has been a resident and 
respected citizen of Waukesha County for 
forty years, and in forwarding the interests of 
his community has ever been foreraost. He was 
born near llie historic city of (Quebec, Canada, in 
■October, 1834, and was the third in a family of 
nine children, three sons and six daughters, of 
whom five are living. The parents of the children 
were Henry and Ellen (Emerson) Edwards, for 
further mention of whom see sketch of John Ed- 
wards. Until sixteen years of age the gentleman 
whose name heads this account remained with his 
parents in Canada, where the greater part of ids 
education was acfpiired; then leaving tiie parental 
roof he began the battle of life which he has waged 
heroically since. Going to the Green Mountain Stale 
he hired out at ijil4 per inoiilh, and after remain- 
ing there three years his father induced him to re- 
turn home. Together they emigrated to Wiscon- 
sin in 1854, landing in Milwaukee, which was 
then a place of no great importance. The first lo- 
cation of the Edwards family was on section 29 of 
Lisbon Township. 

Mr. Edwards of this sketch made his home 

under the parental roof until his marriage, October 

2.5, 18G2, to .Miss Sarah Ann Wilkins, a native of 

Dorchester, England. Nine children were born of 

5 



this union, two sons and seven daughters, of whom 
six are living, namel}-: M. Melinda, who was very 
proficient in music, became the wife of Robert 
Taylor, a prosperous farmer of Delafield Township; 
G. Cora, who graduated from Carroll College in 
the Cla.ss of '86, and for a number of years w.as a 
successful teacher in tlie public school, wedded 
Elmer Weaver, son of Hon. Thomas Weaver; M. 
Julia wedded Alden J. Grover, a farmer and stock- 
man of Hawkcye, Iowa; Ida II., who was a student 
of Carroll College and a successful teacher for sev- 
eral years, married George J. .Stratton, a merchant 
of Janesville, AVis.; Irene, who is at home, was ed- 
ucated in Carroll Col lege, and has developed quite a 
talent for elocution. That she jjossesses more than 
ordinary ability in that direction is shown by the 
fact that she has taken five or six prizes for which 
she has competed, among them being a gold and a 
silver medal. Nellie E., the youngest, has given 
especial attention to instrumental music. Mr. Ed- 
wards has four grandchildren, Delbert Ray and 
(Jrace .S. Stratton, (Wadys 15. Weaver and an infant 
of Mrs. Taylor's. 

On the 23d of M.ay, 189.'), Mr. Edwards was 
de|)rived by death of liis beloved companion, who 
for over thirty years had shared the happiness as 
well as the trials of life with him. Mrs. Edwards- 
was born October 4, 1841, and until twenty years 
of age remained in her native land. She was 
one of eleven children. In .luiie, 18()l,lhe Wil- 
kins family set sail from Liverpool, but so rough 
and unfavorable was the weather that nine weeks 
were consumed in making the voyage to New 
York. The first year after marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Edwards lived in the town of Lisbon; they then 
removed to their present home in the town of Pe- 
waukee. They were without means, but as both 
were industrious and frugal the road to success 
was made much shorter and easier. In order to 
purchase their farm it was nece.ssary to go in debt 
13,500, which in course of time was paid off; a 
beautiful liome and large barns were erected and 
other improvements made. The home and all its 
surroundings evince enterprise, taste and culture. 
The unimproved farm with its log cabin has been 
transformed by Mr. Edwards into one of the val- 
uable farms of Pewaukee Township. In addition 



2&2 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



to fanning be is interested in the dairy business. 
Politically Mr. Edwards is a true blue Repub- 
lican, and with his party has been identified since 
he first voted for .luhn C. Fremont, giving every 
Presidential candidate since his unqualified sup- 
port. His interest in political affairs h.as not been 
prompted liy selfish motives, .as he has never been 
an aspirant for places of public trust or emolument. 
He and his family are active workers in the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and the children belong 
to the Epworth League, of which Miss Irene is 
Second \'ice-Presidcnt. The Edwards estate com- 
prises one hundred and thirty-six acres of land on 
section 2, I'ewaukee Township, which has been the 
home of its present possessor for nearly a third of 
a century. 



-s:®. 



i>-^^<i 



JOSEPH FULLER. For over a half-century 
has this sterling old pioneer been one of the 
honored citizens of Waukesha County. Mr. 
Fuller, who was so well known throughout 
the county, and especially in the town of Pewau- 
kee, was born in Shaftsbury, Bennington County, 
Vt., on the 23d of .July, 1825, being the fourth 
in a family comprising four sons and six daugh- 
ters. The jiarents, Ilosea and Deborah (Greene) 
Fuller, were natives of Vermont. The former, who 
was born on the 17th of .July, 1788, died in this 
county August 26, 1880, while the latter, whose 
birth occurred on the IDtli of January, 1795, 
passed away January 11, 1881. Hosea Fuller was 
reared to agricultural pursuits, his father, who also 
bore the name of Ilosea, having been a farmer by 
occupation. The latter served as a soldier in the 
Revolutionaiw War under General Washington. 
Often he would take the children upon his knee 
and tell them of the vicissitudes and hardships 
passed through in Colonial days. When the War 
of 1812 came on he again gave his services, per- 
forming the part of a nurse. His death occurred 
in 1830, at the advanced age of eighty-two years, 
which would make 1748 the j-ear of his birth. The 
father of our subject furnished cattle for the army 
during the war last named. In 1828 he emigrated 
with his family to Ohio, settling in Delaware Coun- 



ty. There he resided until 1830, when he removed 
to Kalamazoo County, Mich., which continued to 
be the home of himself and family until their emi- 
gration to Wisconsin. In 1836 he came here on a 
prospecting tour and located a claim of a quarter- 
section of land, then returned to Michigan, and 
the following year removed to Waukesha County, 
which continued to be the home of himself and 
wife until their deaths. 

In politics the father of our subject wasa JefTer- 
sonian Democrat; though a man of strong convic- 
tions he never cared for any official position. He 
and his wife were firm friends of the public school 
system; they were devout peo|)le, and as members 
of the Baptist Cliurch lived in accordance with 
the professions they made. Of their children there 
are seven now living, 1894, as far as known, and 
are as follows: Fllon is an old and prominent citi- 
zen of Waukesha County; Juliana is the widow of 
Joel E. Bidwell and resides in the village of Wau- 
kesha; Hosea is a resident of Steven's Point, Wis.; 
Randall Fuller is a large landholder of Fullerton, 
Neb., for whom the place was named; he has been 
a great traveler during his life, having been in all 
the states and territories in the United States. He 
has speculated in land and now has a claim on 
large property at Oklahoma. To give a more com- 
plete account of his doings we quote from the 
Columbus Journal of Fullerton, Neb., of 1893: 

"Randall F'uller, the founder of Fullerton, Neb., 
was in the city Saturday on business. He is 
back from a trip to Minnesota, Alaska, etc. He 
says he has been on the go since he was two years 
old, seeking new countries. Across the plains in 
1849, '52, '54, '59, '60 and '61; he was on his way 
to the Black Hills when Hugh Corapton told him 
about Nance County, Neb., and after a little in- 
vestigation he pitched his tent where Fullerton is, 
thinking it would sometime be a good place for 
a home. He is a remarkable man in several re- 
spects, and very vigorous for his .age, seventy 
years, "Early to bed and early to rise" one of Poor 
Richard's favorite maxims, being the rule of his 
conduct in that regard. He never smoked a pipe 
or a cigar; never swore an oath; never took but 
one chew tif tobacco; never drank but one gla.ss 
of beer; and never played cards, although he has 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



283 



been all over the new countries and with all kinds 
of pt'oplo. Ill fact, the Fuller family can well 
boast of the same temperance principles tliroui^li- 
out." 

The next in the family of Hosea Fuller is Mary, 
wife of D. .ludson, a farmer of Galena, 8. Dak.; 
Eliza A. liecame the wife of Albert Hudson, a 
wagon-maker of Waukesiia; tJlive, the youngest of 
the survivors, is the widow of .lulian Chapell, and 
resides in Sebewaing, Mich. 

,Jose|)h Fuller was a lad of twelve years when 
he first came to Wisconsin. The trip was made 
from Kalamazoo, Mich., in a covered wagon and 
is well remembeied by him. They carried arti- 
cles of household use in the wagon, and besides 
wagon and team drove fourteen head of cattle to 
the territory. They came via Chicago, and as they 
were passing through that city, in the summer 
time, the wagon mired down in the principal street, 
and aid in the form of ox-teams had to l)e ob- 
tained before they could go on. Mr. Fuller re- 
marked that in coming out of Chicago to Kenosha 
and Racine they cro.ssed some of the many sloughs, 
and at times waded through water up to their 
arn;pits. Much of the land was but a bog and 
marsh, of which these old settlers would not have 
accepted as a free gift. The family came direct to 
Waukesha County, which was yet a part of Mil- 
waukee County, and to Prairieville, now known 
as Waukesha. At that time there were five houses 
in the village, all of which were log cabins, two 
belonging to M. I). Cutlei-, anollier to Mr. Walton; 
that of Richard and Isaac Smart, and one other. 
The first church service was held in the lK)me of 
Mr. Walton, who also conducted a store on a small 
scale in his house, which was patronized by the 
early settlers. Mr. Fuller was aciiuainted with the 
Cutlers, .Smarts, .ludson and McMullen ere they 
came from White Pigeon, Mich. So the settle- 
ment at Waukesha was made by these early 
comers from Jlichigan. The F'ullers and Mr. 
Judson had laid claim to a whole section, and 
when the land came into market it w.as bought by 
them at the Government price of $1.2.} per acre. 
Upon this property the F^uller family erected a log 
cabin 16x30 feet in dimensions; the chimney was 
built of stone, sticks and mud, while the floor was 



made of sawn lumber. Milwaukee was their prin- 
cipal market and trading place, and the trips 
thither consumed four days and were made by ox- 
teams. On these journeys they carried an axe along 
to cut away the brush and thickets in order Uj make 
a road. Milwaukee at that time was a hamlet of 
small dimensions, and not much larger pretensions. 
The one dry-goods house was owned by the old 
Indian trader, Solomon Juneau, while the hard- 
ware store was owned and operated by Henry Mil- 
ler it >i'osra. There were no bridges, no railroads, 
nor were there factories of any kind in the city at 
that time. The only way to cross the Milwaukee 
River w.as by ferryboat, which was pulled across 
the stream by hand. The present beautiful city 
of Milwaukee, with its population of two hundred 
and fift\' thousand, had in 18.37 but one street, 
while the location of its large dc])ots and business 
blocks was a tamarack swamp. At this time there 
was not in Waukesha County a schoolhouse or 
church, so it may readily be seen that Mr. F'uUer 
was one among the oldest of the pioneers as re- 
gards years of residence in the countj\ The dif- 
ferent religious sects attended meeting in the old 
.schoolhouse after its erection, which now stands 
just under the hill, adjoining the present residence 
of Mr. Estberg. This building was constructed of 
tamarack logs and was used as a pl.ace of worship 
for some time. Neither county nor town was or- 
ganized when Mr. Fuller became a resident here, 
and from this wild and primitive stale he wit- 
nessed the country develop into one of the fineat 
.agricultural sections in the state. Churches, schools 
and all those institutions which go to make up a 
stale's pros[)erity have come into existence during 
the fifty-eight years that have p.assed since his 
coming. 

In lisrid, when the goUl fever was spreading over 
the country, Mr. Fuller caught the I'pidemic and, 
in company with Dr. Van IJlake, .\iiios Van Hlake 
and .loscph Putney, went from Waukesha across 
the plains with teams and light wagons. They 
started in April and arrived at Placerville, Cal., in 
August, at which ()lace our subject found his 
brother, Randall Fuller, whom he joined in buying 
cattle and horses. After an absence of two years 
Joseph Fuller returned to the States by way of 



284 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the Isthmus, liaving had a verj' profitable and suc- 
cessful trip. Again, in 1854, he turned his face 
toward the Pacific Slope, being accompanied by 
the following-named gentlemen: Randall Fuller, 
Joel Bidwell, Thomas Hcxt, .lohn Porter, Kph- 
raim Ik-aumont and Silas Howard. They crossed 
the plains with ox-teams, taking horses and cattle 
besides. They started in M.arch, 1851, and arrived 
on the 20tli of August at Hang Town, where they 
remained about two and a-half years, being en- 
gaged in the stock business. They lost a good 
deal of stock on account of the alkali water that 
abounded in the desert country. In 1856 Mr. 
Fuller returned via the Nicaraguan route; the 
railroad was [lartially built, but the service on that 
was an3"thing but first class; he related that the 
passengers had to get out and aid in pushing the 
ears up the grades. 

On the 19th of March, 1859, was celebrated the 
marriage of Joseph Fuller and Miss Rebecca 
Pitcher, a native of Baldwinsville, Onondaga 
County, N. Y. Mrs. Fuller was born February 12, 
1830, and was a daughter of Abijah and Eunice 
(Berry) Pitcher. There were eight children in the 
family, three sons and five daughters, four of 
whom are living. Her father was a native of 
Oneida County, N. Y., and her paternal grandfa- 
ther served in the War of the Revolution. She 
can trace her ancestry back to Molly Pitcher, of 
historic fame, who walked a mile and back when 
slie was one hundred years old, and who died 
at the advanced age of one hundred and four 
years. Abijah Pitclier w.is an agriculturist by oo 
cupation. Both he and his wife died in the p]m- 
pire State. Mrs. Fuller received her education in 
the common schools of her native place. 

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller was blessed 
with four sons and two daughters, all of whom are 
living and named as follows: Evalyn M. is tlie 
wife of Dwight Love, a teacher by profession 
though now farming in South Dakota; Frank R. 
is tlic junior member of the real-estate firm of 
Constantino & Fuller, of Waukesha. He chose a 
wife in the person of Miss Laura Love. Joseph H. 
is also a resident of South Dakota, where he is en- 
gaged in farming. Warren H. resides in Milwau- 
kee, where he is employed as a salesman and col- 



lector. His wife was formerly Miss Hattie Peabody. 
Olive E., the second daughter, was a student for 
eight years, pursuing her studies at intervals, 
taking a course at Carroll College and at White 
Water Normal School, fitting herself for the pro- 
fession of teaching. Milton E., the youngest of 
the family', has charge of the homestead. Mr. and 
Mrs. Fuller gave their children good educations, 
which IS one of the best gifts that parents can be- 
stow upon their children. All of the chililren 
have been students at Carroll College. 

In politics Mr. Fuller was always a Democrat in 
tiie truest sense of the word, his first Presidential 
ballot having been cast for James K. Polk. Though 
taking an interest in political affairs he was not an 
aggressive man, but accorded to others the right 
he claimed for himself, to think and act upon his 
own judgment. By his fellow-townsmen he was 
chosen to serve as Supervisor. Mrs. Fuller and 
family are members of the Baptist Church of Wau- 
kesha, in the Sabballi-school of which Miss Olive 
is one of the leading teachers, she having a class 
of twenty-four girls. In four j-ears' work she has 
been absent from her place but four Sabbaths, a 
record most worthy of commendation. Mr. Fuller, 
who w.as also an active member of the Baptist 
Church, died suddenly May 12, 1894, and was laid 
to rest in Prairie Home Cemetery. 

The Fuller estate comprises one hundred and 
twenty acres of highly cultivated land situated 
within one mile of the village of Waukesha. Their 
beautiful residence is constructed of brick and is 
one of the substantial homes of the couul\', whose 
hospitality has been extended to a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances. 



"^ 



-^-f^[ 



WILLIAM JEFFERY', deceased, was one 
of the honored pioneers of Waukesha 
County, who w.as prominently identi- 
fied with the history of this community for many 
years; he was born in Kent County, England, Janu- 
ary 31, 1820, and died on the farm in IJsbon 
Township, August 30, 1893, respected by all who 
knew him. His father was in limited circumstan- 
ces, and in consequence his early advantages were 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



285 



not of tlie best. Having arrived at mature years 
he was married in his native land to ^[iss Mary 
Wildish, a native of Kent County, born March 23, 
1823. Their wedding was celebrated May 12, 
1843, and to them were born three sons and seven 
daughters, six of whom are yet living. 

Fannie, the eldest, is the wife of J. A. Griswold, 
of Pewaukee Township; (Jeorge, who was born 
October 20, 1816, and educated in the common 
schools, now superintends tlie home farm. He 
cast his first Presidential vote for (ieneral (Irant, 
is a stanch Republican, and a highly- respected cit- 
izen. Jennie M. is the wife of Rev. S. JoUiffe, a 
Methodist minister of Kipon, Wis., and they have 
four children, William M., Arthur, George and 
Ethel. Mary, Laura and Clara are at home. 

It was in the spring of 1852 when the parents, 
with tiieir children, bade adieu to Old England 
and embarked for America in a sailing-vessel, 
which after a voyage of three weeks dropped an- 
chor in the harbor of Jsew York. The^' then came 
by way of the railroad and Great Lakes to Mil- 
waukee, and across the country to Lisbon Town- 
ship. Mr. .leffery first purchased eighty acres of 
land, and in a log cabin they began life in true 
pioneer style. They did their farming witii ox- 
teams, and the children and parents dressed in 
homespun garments. In those early days they 
were in quite limited circumstances, but the father 
was industrious and enterprising, and in course of 
time his labors were rewarded with a comfortable 
competence. He became the owner of a valuable 
farm of one hundred and forty-four acres, and in 
1875 erected upon it a handsome brick residence, 
which stands as a monument to his thrift and busi- 
ness abilit}'. 

Mr. Jeffery lived a (|uiet, un.assiiining life, but 
was honored by all who knew him for his sterling 
worth. lie exercised his right of franchise in sup- 
port of the Republican party, and in early life he 
and his wife were members of the Ei)iscopal Church, 
but after coming to Wisconsin joined the Method- 
ist Church. The \i\dy was called to the home be- 
yond February 27, 18'J0, and Mr. .leflfery passed 
away August 30, 1893. A beautiful monument 
marks their last resting place in Union Cemetery. 
They left to their children an untarnished name, 



and their memory will ever be held sacred by their 
descendants. George, Laura, Mar\' and Clara still 
reside on the old homestead, and the family is one 
of prominence in the community, its representa- 
tives holding an envialile position in social circles. 



iT^ UGUST DIEMAN, one of the leading ma- 
/ — \ son contractors of Waukesha, was born in 
Gehofen, Saxony, Germany, May IG, 1847. 
He and his brother Charles, who is a carpenter 
contractor of Milwaukee, are the only members of 
the family that came to the United States. Mr. 
Dieman received a good education in the Old Coun- 
try, and when seventeen years of age began an 
apprenticeship to the mason's trade, scrvihg three 
years. For the first year he received |1 per week, 
for the second $2, and for the third Ii2.50 per 
week, after which he worked for w.iges until his 
emigration to this country. 

In 1867 he sailed from IJrenierhaven for New 
York, arriving in the latter port after a voyage of 
thirt3'-five days. Coming direct to this county, 
he began his trade, continuing to work at it un- 
til 1874, when he commenced contracting and has 
since been thus engaged. Among the most im- 
portant buildings upon which he has taken con- 
tracts for the m.asoii work, are the Union school- 
house. National Hotel, Exchange National Hank, 
Frame Block, Hadfield school building, the water 
tower, the Industrial School, the Methodist and 
Presbyterian Churches at Waukesha, the Catholic 
Church iu New Berlin, the residence of J. A. 
Waitc, the electric light plant, besides many other 
substantial buildings. 

Mr. Dieman w.as married in Waukesha, Januarj' 
22, 1874, to Miss Josephine Gran ops, a native of 
Posen, Germany, born April 4, 1849. In 1866 she 
and a sister, who now lives in the town of Pewau- 
kee, came to the I'niled States. Mr.and Mrs. Die- 
man have a family of seven children, as follows: 
Charles. Bertha, Oswald, Albert, Herman, Ida and 
William. 

Though Mr. Dieman takes no active part in 
political affairs he has been called upon a number 
of times to serve as a member of the Village Board. 



286 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



His vote and influence are always cast in favor of 
the men and measures of tiie Republican party. 
For twenty-six years Mr. Dieman li.is been a resi- 
dent of this county, and during tli.at time has not 
only gained a reputation for conscientious work 
and honorable dealing, but has also accumuhited, 
by industry and good management, a competence 
tliat will enable him to retire from business when 
old age shall come. 



i^m^i^m^^^m-^^^&^i^^^ 



\ X 4^ILMAM KINGSTON, a pioneer of 
\/\/' Waukesha County, resides on section 
17 in the town of Muskego. He was 
born May 20, 1813. in County Cork, Ireland, and 
was the fifth in a family comprising three sons and 
four daughters. His parents, William and Susan 
(Bateraan) Kingston, were natives of the same 
county, and there ])asscd their entire lives. Mr. 
Kingston was reared on his fathei's farm, which 
wa.s situated ahout six miles from Bantry, while 
his education was a('(iuiie<l in the schools of his 
native place. 

In 1840, at the age of twenty-seven years, ac- 
companied by his brother, he left the home of his 
birth for America, sailing from Queenstown on the 
three-masted vessel "Crimean," and after an ocean 
voy.age of forty-two day.s landed at < Jueliec. From 
there the^' journeyed to Rochester, N. Y., where 
they remained about three months, then removed 
to Livingston County, in which our subject was 
employed in canal digging for a year. At the 
expiration of that lime he went to lUirville, 
Allegany County, where for two years he worked 
on the (ienesec Valley Canal. Returning to Liv- 
ingston County he was engaged for some three 
years on the same water-way. Removing to Car- 
roll Counlv, Ohio, he was employed on the con- 
struction of the Sandusky Valley Railroad for a 
year. Going thence to Industry, Beaver County, 
Pa., he worked on the extension of the Cleveland 
<fe Pittsburg Railroad. Deciding to try his fortune 
further west, he came, three years later, to Wiscon- 
sin and located at North (irecnlield, Milwaukee 
County. lie at once resumed railroad work, con- 



structing about eighteen miles, from Milwaukee to 
Fox River, which many of the early settlers will 
remember as the Milwaukee and Beloit Railioad. 
However, this i)roved an unfortunate investment 
and lost him in the neighborhood of thirty thou- 
sand dollars. Thinking to regain his lost fortune 
Mr. Kingston took a contract for work on a rail- 
road that was building toward .lefferson and White 
Water, Wis. This was also a failure, the road 
never being completed. Thoroughly discouraged 
in this line of business, he turned his attention to 
farming and rented one hundred and forty-eight 
acres of his [n-esent farm. At the end of three 
years he purchased the place, paying thirty-three 
dollars |)er acre. But few improvements had been 
made on the farm; a log house with dimensionsof 
16x20 feet, having two rooms, a fire-place, an 
attic, three windows and two doors had been 
erected, and a few acres were under cultivation, 
though there were plenty of stones and stumps on 
them. Setting himself earnestly at work to de- 
velop and improve his land, Mr. Kingston to-day 
owns one of the finest farms in the township. To 
the original purchase he has added from time to 
time until he now owns three hundred acres, sit- 
uated on sections 7, 8, 9 and 10 in the town of 
Muskego. 

In 1844 Mr. Kingston wedded Miss Barbara 
Clark, daughter of George and Betsey (Chambers) 
Clark. Mrs. Kingston was born in County Cork, 
Ireland, in 182(1, and was the second in a family 
of three boys and five girls. Mr. and Mrs. Kings- 
ton had thirteen children, ten of whom are living, 
as follows: Samuel, born December 27, 1846, is a 
fanner of Muskego Township; William, born June 
14, 1848, is a railroad man of St. Paul, Minn.; 
Elizabeth, born September 18, 1849, became the 
wife of A. II. Clallin, a prosperous farmer of Mus- 
kego Township; (icorge, born October 22, 18,')4, 
is engaged in farming near Peshtigo, Marinette 
County, Wis.; Kate, born May 3, 1856, wedded 
William H. Connell,a farmer of Washington Coun- 
ty, the same state; .Sarah, born September 13, 1858, 
is the wife of Cornelius Danielson, a farmer of 
Walworth County, Wis.; Jennie, born August 1, 
1H()0. became the wife of John A. Council, a farmer 
of this county; Thomas, born September 13, 1863; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 



287 



Goodhand, born January 25, 1866, and Annie, 
born Januarj' 7, 1869, are j'et at home. 

Mr. Kingston votes the Democratic ticket, and 
by that party lias been elected to fill a number of 
positions; he was Chairman of the Town Board two 
years. Treasurer two j-ears and Assessor for a like 
period. lie and his family are members of the 
Episcoi)al Church. On the 20th of March, 1888, tliey 
were called upon to mourn the loss of wife and 
mother, who was laid to rest in Suuny Side Ceme- 
tery. Mr. Kingston lias ever led an industrious 
life and is esteemed by all who know him for his 
lionesty and integrity. Now in his eighty-first 
year, he still abides to enjoy the well earned fruits 
of other j'ears. 



_wjei 



->*-<^ 



-J- 



JOHN DALE is one of the good farmers that 
J^ngland has furnished Waukesha County. 
He was boin in Yorkshire, April 25, 1816, 
and in that shire his father, John Dale, spent 
his entire life. The mother of our subject, Han- 
nah Dale, was also a native of Yorkshire. In a 
(pilot way their lives were spent, being pious peo- 
ple and consistent members of the Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Dale, whose name appears at the l)e- 
ginuing of this biography, was reared to farm life, 
which in England means much hard work and 
meager opportunities for obtaining an education. 
What he li.as acquired has largely been obtained 
through reading and observation. He early learned 
hal)its of industry and frugality which proved of 
great benefit to him in after life. At the age of 
fourteen years he hired out for wages, working 
from April to November for a sovereign. The 
following year he received two pounds for the en- 
tire year's work. The j'oung men of this country 
would think %10 very small comi)ensation for a 
month's work. Having heard of the sijlendid oi)- 
portunities this country afforded for acquiring 
wealth. Mr. Dale decided to try his fortune in the 
New World, and on the 3d of April, 1H15, bade his 
old home and native land farewell. From Liver- 
pool to New York the voyage was made on the 
good ship "Liberty," which cros.sed the ocean in 
four weeks. On arriving in Oneida County, N. 



Y., he had scarcely enough money to buy a meal; 
however, he soon secured employment at $100 a 
year. 

At Koine, in that county, October 3, 1846, was 
celebrated his marriage with Miss Mary Cook, a 
sister of Emanuel Cook, of the town of Pewaukee. 
A family consisting of one son and two daughters 
was born of this union, though only on» survives, 
Esther, wife of Sylvester T. Redford. Her mar- 
riage occurred October 24, 1874, whereby she has 
become the mother of four children: Carrie M., 
Allen D., Alvin J. and Sylvester C. Mr. Redford 
was Ixjrn in this county April 16, 1853, while the 
date of his wife's birth was October 23, 1859. Both 
arc members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and the husband is a stanch Republican in politics, 
having first voted for President Hayes. In the 
advancement of the public schools, he is deeply 
interested, and to forward the same he has served 
as District Clerk and Treasurer. 

The year 1850 witnessed the arrival of Mr. and 
Mrs. Dale in Wisconsin. Having reached Milwau- 
kee by way of the Great Lakes, he hired a wagon 
to bring him to the town of Lisbon. Their first 
home was a little log cabin on Bark River, for 
which he paid rent. For two j'ears he worked at 
a salary of ^140 a year. Having saved his earn- 
ings, Mr. Dale purchased fifty-three acres of land 
on section 2, of the town of Pewaukee, on which 
no house had been erected, and only four acres 
had been broken. Subsequently he added twenty- 
seven acres, making a snug farm of eighty acres on 
which he still resides. Though not a pioneer, Mr. 
Dale was here early enough lo witness the great 
"Indian scare" which caused the inhabitants to 
Hee ill every direction for safety like a (lock of 
frightened sheep. When the people regained their 
senses, they laughed at their own folly, as there 
was no ground for the alarm. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dale passed through many hard- 
ships in their efforts to make a home for them- 
selves and their children. Many a night would 
they work until twelve o'clock, burning brush and 
preparing the ground for the plow. Groceries and 
other supplies were obtained by gathering up the 
ashes and taking them to the ashery where the ex- 
change was made. Day after day would he bind 



288 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



grain during harvest, while his daughter Esther 
I)erformc(l the same work by liis side. Now in his 
declining years, retired from active business, Mr. 
Dale i.s making iiis iiomc with iiis only cliild, who 
has been an able assi.stiinl and a great comfort to 
him for many years. The httme circle of the Dale 
family was again broken on the '26th of December, 
Ib'JS, when the loved wife and mother was called 
away. Her death saddened many hearts, as she 
was highly esteemed in the community where so 
many years of her life were spent. She was an ac- 
tive worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, to 
which her husband also belongs. In his political 
views Mr. Dale has ever been in harmony with the 
principles of the Republican party. The life of 
this sterling Englishman has been well spent, and 
now at the age of seventy-eight he can look back 
and buy, without boasting, that the world is better 
for his having lived in it. 









JOHN .lEFFERY is a well known farmer, re- 
>iding on section 2, Lisbon Township. The 
sons of Briton have played an important part 
in the development of Waukesha County, 
and with others, the name of our subject is insep- 
arably connected with the history of this com- 
munity. He was born May 22, 1818, in Kent 
County, England, and is a son of William and 
Mary Ann (Wimset) Jeffery. The father was born 
in Kent County in 171)6, and the mother was a 
native of the same locality. In 1842 they bade 
adieu to the land of their birth, and in a sailing- 
vessel crossed the Atlantic, reaching New York 
after a voyage of forty-two days. They settled 
in Oneida County, N. Y., where they remained for 
a little more than a year, and then started for the 
territory of Wisconsin, making the journey by 
way of the Canal and the Great Lakes to Milwau- 
kee, which was then a small town. What is now 
the business center of the city was then mostly 
covered with water. 1 n a log cabin, in true pio- 
neer style, the .leffery family began life in the 
west. The house contained only one room and a 
little garret or loft which was used as the sleeping 
apartment for the children. The snow would sift 



through the shake roof and the chinks of the logs, 
and they would frequently awake in the morning 
to find upon them a white coverlet. Indians were 
frequently seen begging of the settlers, and near 
the Jeflfery home was an Indian camp. The claim 
comprised one hundred and sixty acres of land 
and the first crop was reaped with a cradle and 
threshed with a flail. Parents and children became 
familiar with all the experiences of frontier life. 
The father was a stalwart Republican and was a 
warm friend of the public school system. His 
death occurred in 1886, at the advanced age of 
eighty-four. 

Mr. Jeffery, of this sketch, was reared to man- 
hood in England, and with the family came to 
the United States. During his residence in Oneida 
County, N. Y., he wedded Miss Mary Ann Callow, 
the ceremony being performed in 1842. The lady- 
is a native of Kent County, England, and has 
been to her husband a faithful companion and 
helpmeet on life's journey. Eleven children were 
born to them, four sons and seven daughters, of 
whom seven are yet living. William, who for 
two years was a student in Carroll College, com- 
pleted his education in the State University of 
Madison; Ann is the wife of Myron Oliver, an 
agriculturist of Faribault County, Minn.; Emma 
is at home; Mary is the widow of Albert Crouch; 
Louisa is the wife of Charles Smith; Alice has suc- 
cessfully engaged in teaching in this county for i- 
number of terms, and Albert assists his father in 
carrying on the home farm. Four children are de- 
ceased: George C, who served during the late 
war in Company A, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin 
Infantry; Jane E., who was the wife of F. M. 
Oliver; John and Lizzie. 

Mr. Jeflfery aided in the erection of the first 
schoolhouse in the district and in building the 
Congregational and Methodist Episcopal C'hurches 
on the old plank road. The cause of education 
has always found in him a warm friend, and he 
has been School Director and Clerk of the Board 
for several years. He and his wife are devout 
members of the Methodist (.'hiircli, in which he 
has long been Class Leader, and for twent}- years 
he has been Superintendent of the Sunda3'-scliool. 
He is ever found on the side of right and order, 




JOHN A. RODGERS. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



2itl 



and liis sterling worth and strict integrity have 
gained for him liie confidence and good-will of 
all. 

Mr. Jefferj- may truly be called a self-made man, 
for his possessions have been acquired through his 
own efforts and tlie assistance of his estimable wife. 
His farm comprises one hundred and tiiuty-five 
acres of rich and arable land, and his home is a 
coinfortabic and commodious residence. In 1887 
he erected a large barn, 38x7() feet in dimensions, 
with eighteen-foot posts and a. nine-foot stone 
basement, which is well planned for the accommo- 
dation and shelter of his stock. He h.as transform- 
ed this place from .nn unl)roken tract of land to 
one of ricii fertilily, and in return for tlie care 
and cultivation he bestows upon it, the well lille<i 
fields yield to him a good income. His success in 
life is well deserved. 



_^] 



"^] 



-^+^ 



[^_ 



i:^" 



JOHN A. RODGERS. I'pon the shoulders of 
the younger population rests the mantle of 
responsibility in the government of our 
country. In the life records of the repre- 
sentative people of Waukesha County, we en- 
deavor to record the true history of the growth 
and development of the county. Mr. Rodgers, 
tiie subject of this memoir, is one of tlie3'oung Re- 
publican leaders in the town of Lisbon, where his 
birth occurred November 2',l, 18(;2. He is the 
youngest cliild in a family of two born to James 
and Rlioda (Look) Rodgers, his mother having 
been, at the time of her marriage to his father, 
Mi"s. Botsford. 

John A. was reared to the life and occupation 
of an agriculturist and stock-raiser. What educa- 
tion he received was acquired in the Sussex public 
scliools; however, he has obtained a fund of useful 
knowledge by reading and by contact with tlie 
business world. He remained on his father's farm in 
the town of Lisbon until he had attained to matur- 
ity. On the 2;ith of November, 1888. was cele- 
brated his marriage to Miss May E. Hext, and to 
tliis happy union have been l)orn two l)riglit little 
daughters, Jessie May and Anna Laura. Mrs. 
Rodgers is a daughter of Stephen and Martha 



(Gudger) Hext, pioneers of Waukesha County, 
of which she is a native, tlie date of her birth be- 
ing September l.'i, 1863. She grew to womanhood 
in this her native county, and was here educated. 
Her primary education was acquired in the com- 
mon schools, and was supplemented by a course at 
Carroll College, from which institution slie gradu- 
ated in the Class of '83. After leaving college, 
and before her marriage, Mrs. Rodgers was num- 
bered among the successful teachers of Waukesha 
County, in the schools of which she taughla series 
of sixteen terms. 

Mr. Rodgers is a stanch Republican, and cast 
his first Presidential vote for the Hon. James G. 
Blaine, tlie great statesman and diplomat. He has 
been very active in his political life, and is one 
of the four young Republicans known as the 
"Big Four," in Lisbon Township, the others lieing 
James Templetoii, John R. Small and W. H. I'.d- 
wards. As a rule, when these young men put their 
heads together to organize and formulate plans of 
operation, they are successful. Mr. Rodgers has 
always advocated the principles of his party with 
fidelity and honesty. Many times he has been se- 
lected by his townsmen to represent them in Coun- 
ty and District Conventions. In 18;»2 he w.as 
chosen Chairman of the delegation from Waukesha 
County to the State Congressional Convention, 
which met for the purpose of sending state dele- 
gates to the National Convention at Minneapolis. 
At the early age of twenty-two years he was elected 
to the oflice of Town Treasurer, serving during 
tlie year 188.0. He was appointed Deputy Sheriff 
of Waukesha County under the administrations of 
Sheriffs Snyder and Parsons, and served in that 
capacity from 1886 to 1890. In 1888 Mr. Rod- 
gers was elected Township Clerk, and re-elected in 
1889; and in 1892 was elected Chairman of the 
Board of Supervisors in the town of Lislvon. It 
was while he was filling this position that the idea 
arose among the people of the county of Waukesha 
to erect a courthouse that would fittingly repre- 
sent the growth and progress of the county and 
be in keeping with the times. Having decided 
upon llie plan, a building committee was selected 
which was composed of the following Supervisors 
of the county, who were duly elected by ballot: 



292 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



M. L. Snyder, of tbe town of Waukesha, Cliaiinian ; 
T. E. .lonc'S, of Ottawa; Andrew McCormiek, of 
Ocononiowoc; ('. F. Steele, of Pewaukee, and John 
A. Uodgers. of Lisbon. The beautiful structure, 
which is an ornament to tlie county and a credit 
to the efforts of tlie gentlemen who had the su- 
pervision of its erection, was built at a cost of *6y,- 
136, and is probably the most economically con- 
structed luiilding in the state of Wisconsin. Mr. 
Rodgers has always performed all the ollicial duties 
devolving upon him in n most efficient and satis- 
factory manner. 

Socially he is a member of Morris Camp No. 
1 r2t), M. W. A., of Sussex, Wis. There are about 
twenty-seven active members in this camp. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hodgers are in sympathy with all relig- 
ious and moral teachings. Their estate comprises 
one hundred and forty-six acres of fine land in 
the town of l^isbon, and the improvements on it 
are of the most modern type. Mr. Rodgers and 
wife are esteemed by a large circle of friends and 
a('i|ii;uiitances for their sterling worth. 



^^ 



ISAAC L. WHITE, a veteran soldier of the late 
war, and a pioneer of Waukesha Count}', re- 
siding on section 16, in the town of 15rook- 
field, is a native of Mexico, Oswego County, N. Y.. 
born June 28, 1817. His father, Jason White, 
served in the War of 1812, while his grandfather, 
Thomas AVhite, was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
War. Mr. White believes his ancestors to have 
landed in this country with the Pilgrim Fathers. 
Jason White married Elizabeth Kelsey,andof this 
union eleven children were born, six sons and live 
daughters, of whom our subject was the ninth in 
order of birth, and is now the only surviving mem- 
ber of the family. The children named in order 
of their births are as follows: Riifus, born in Is'ew 
York State, died in Massachusetts; Palmer, born in 
Massachusetts, died in New Haven, Oswego Coun- 
ty, N. Y.; Rhoda, also a native of the Hay State, 
wedded Auroii (lilson, acooper by trade, by whom 
she had four children, George, Charles (who died 
in Chicago), Sarah and William. Arminie, born 
in Massachusetts, became the wife of John lietls, of 



New Haven, N. Y., and of this marriage four chil- 
dren were born, Elijah, Henrietta, Artimesia and 
Frederick. Luther S., born in Massachusetts in 
1800, married Emeline White, of Vermont, by 
whom he had four children: Charlotte M., born 
February 13, 1835, in New Haven, Oswego County, 
N. v.; Theodore L., born April 7, 1844; Oscar S., 
born May 21, 1847; and Marshall L., boru June 
16, 1850. Almon W., anative of Oswego County, 
N. Y., married IJetsey Knapp, of Scruples, in the 
same county; their children were, Jannette, Ellen, 
Alice M., Almon and Albert, twins, and John. 
Arvilla H., born in Mexico, Oswego County, N. Y., 
became the wife of Orange Whitman, of Onondaga 
County; their family comprised four members: 
Josephine, Marshall, Isabelle and Frederick. Eme- 
line is a native of Mexico; our subject is next; Nor- 
man, also born in Mexico, died in New Haven, of 
the same county; Maria, the youngest, was born in 
the latter place; siie wedded Daniel Bennett, and 
became the mother of one child. Mar}' S. L., born 
January 17, 1847. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the begin- 
ning of this article was reared on a farm in his 
native state, and received a common school edu- 
cation. When sixteen years old he began an ap- 
prenticeship at the trade of a carpenter, which he 
followed for three years, then found employment 
on a farm. He had learned the cooper's trade 
when still a school bo}', and divided his time be- 
tween the farm and the shop until his emigration 
to Wisconsin in the summer of 1846. Mr. White's 
marriage to Miss Meliuda Higgins occurred on 
the 2()tli of November, 1844. Mrs. White was a 
daughter of David and Ilulda (Green) Higgins, 
and was born in Madison County, N. Y., Septem- 
ber 3, 1813. She was a grandchild of General 
Green, of Revolutionary fame. 

In 1846 Mr. White, accompanied by his wifeand 
his father-in-law, came by the way of Lewiston, 
Buffalo and the lakes to Milwaukee, the distance 
between the last two |)laces being made on the 
propeller "Princeton," landing at the old Iligby 
pier. Going to Waukesha they rented a house 
from Mr. Cutler, the earliest i)ioneer of that vil- 
lage, and one of the first in the county. Three 
weeks later Mr. White moved near the old Van 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



293 



Vichten mill, in the town of Waukesha, where he 
opened a cooper shop, wliicli lie operated some 
four months. Leaving liis family in this home he 
went to Racine, where he remained some time. In 
the spring of 1847, with his family, he removed to 
Milwaukee and engaged in coopering, that heing 
his home until the fall of IHG.5, when he came to 
Brooklield Townsliip. In 1867 Mr. White pur- 
chased live acres of partially improved land, which 
forms a part of his present home. 

On the 12th of August, 1862, Mr. White en- 
listed in Company B, Twent}--fourth Wisconsin 
Infantry', at Milwaukee, and served under Capt. 
William Kldred. With his regiment he took part 
in the battles of Perryville, Ky., Stone River, Tenn., 
Cliickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and other en- 
gagements, being discharged June lit, ISGo, at 
Nashville, Tenn. Some ten days later the com- 
pany disbanded in Milwaukee. 

The winter immediately following his return 
from the army Mr. AVIiite worked on the Chicago, 
Milwaukee it St. Paul Railroad at Milwaukee, 
also in the winter of 1806. During the winter of 
1867 he was employed at the carpenter's trade, 
and in the succeeding spring, 1868, worked on the 
construction of the Bay View Rolling Mills, con- 
tinuing there two summers. He next helped in the 
erection of the Heed Street Union Depot, .Milwau- 
kee. In the spring of 1869 he was again em- 
ployed to do carpentering for the Hay \'iew Roll- 
ing Mill people, and that fall worked on the old 
Plankington Slaughter House. After completing 
this building Mr. White came home to Brooklield 
and again engaged in agricultural pursuits, this 
having been his home since. 

On the Iltli of September, 18U.'?, Mr. White was 
called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who 
was laid to rest in the Brooklield Cemetery on 
section 15. Mrs. White was a good Christian 
woman, a member of the Bible Christian Church 
at Brooklield, now known as the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 

Mr. White has witnessed the transformation of 
the wilderness into a beautiful agricultural dis- 
trict. He knew Milwaukee and Waukesha when 
they were but hamlets. He has always been a 
thrifty and enterprising man, and one who has 



ever had the esteem and confidence of the commu- 
nity in which he has lived. Ills home is now pre- 
sided over by his niece, Mrs. Charlotte M. Sym- 
mou<ls, who came from her home in the east to 
cheer his declining years. Pew men have been 
more highly esteemed in this county than this pio- 
neer and soldier, who has attained to a ripe old 
age. 

Politically Mr. White votes the Republican 
ticket, though his life has been too busy to devote 
any time to oflieial aspirations, his personal affairs 
always engrossing his attention and energies. His 
career has been an honest one, and he has won for 
himself a reputation of which he inaj- justly be 
proud. 



:0#C^ 



JLLirS F. EHN'KRT, one of the early settlers 
of Mcnomonee Township, now living on sec- 
tion 26, has been an important factor in the 
devek)|)ment and upbuilding of this com- 
munity and has witnessed the wonderful trans- 
formation which has changed Waukesha County 
from an undeveloped region to a tract of rich fer- 
tility, dotted with thriving farms and with pros- 
perous towns and villages. 

Mr. Ehnert was born .lune 1.*?, 1843, and is a son 
of August and Flora (Roland) Ehnert, whose fam- 
ily numbered four children. Jadicus, the eldest, 
is a fanner of fJranville, Wis.; .lulius F. is the next 
younger; Augusta is the wife of Andreas Hessler, 
a farmer of Brookfield Township; and Paulina is 
the wife of .lacob Swister, of Milwaukee. The 
father of this family was born in Saxony, (ierniany, 
in March, 1809, and in 1853, having sailed across 
the briny deep from Bremen to New York, took 
up his residence in Waukesha County', Wis. He first 
rented eighty acres of land, but now owns a good 
farm of forty acres on section 22, Mcnomonee Town- 
ship, and is recognized as one of the worthy and 
highly respected citizens of this community. His 
wife, who was born in .Seitz. Saxony, on the 14tli of 
May, 1812, is now living in Milwaukee. 

Mr. Ehnert, whose name heads this record, is a 
native of (iroszediwitz, Prussia, and during his 
youth attended the (ierman schools. The 3-ear 
1857 witnessed his emigration to America. He 



294 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



sailed fiom Bremen U) New York in eighteen days, 
and then continued his westward journey to Wis- 
consin, where for serural years he aided his father 
in farming. In 1871 he received from his father 
one hundred acres of partially improved land, and 
subsequently purchased forty acres of land on sec- 
tion .'), Brook field Township, which he disposed of 
on receiving the land from his fatlier. To that tract 
he afterwards added one hundred and forty acres 
and now has one of the finest farms in the county. 
It is supplied with running water, the soil is rich 
and tlie buildings on the place are models of con- 
venience. There is also a fine orchard, covering 
an area of about nine acres, which contains two 
hundred apple trees; tliese present a most beau- 
tiful appearance in spring when covered with their 
pink and while blossoms. lie also owns a good 
farm on section 27. In 1885 he erected his pleas- 
ant home, one of the finest residences in the town- 
ship. 

Mr. Ehnert was mairied October 6, 1874, to Miss 
Minnie Frederica, daughter of Conrad and Maria 
(Liegeis) Conrad. She was born October 1.5, 1855, 
and is one of four children, a son and three 
daughters. Those living are: Henry, a farmer of 
(iranville. Wis.; Frederica, wife of (leorge Haiier- 
finil, of Granville, and Mrs. Ehnert. The father 
died May 6, 1882, and was buried in (iranville 
Cemetery, where a monument has been erected. 
His wife was born September 14, 1819, and came 
to America in 1816. Eleven children were born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Ehnert, six sons and five daugh- 
ters, of whom seven are yet living. Frank, born 
February 22, 1875, died when seven montlis old; 
Henry O. was born August 4, 1876; Louisa A., 
born June 6, 1878; Emma F., born May 14, 1880, 
died when three months old; Alary, born Julj' G, 
1881; Arthur, born November 30, 1883; Flora 15., 
born July Id, 1885; Oscar J., born May 20, 1889, 
died when three and a-lialf months old; Walter, 
born November 22, 1890; Tillie, born April 15, 
1894; and one child died in infancy. This is an in- 
teresting family, and one of which the parents 
may well be proud. 

Mr. liihnert is one of the esteemed men of Wau- 
kesha County, having the warm regard of all who 
know him. When a young man he resolved that 



by the time he celebrated his fiftieth birthday he 
would be worth ^50,000, and as the result of his 
enterprise, industry and perseverance this deter- 
mination was accomplished, and he is numbered 
among the substantial citizens of the community. 
He devotes his entire attention to agricultural 
pursuits and is recognized as one of the leading 
agriculturists of the county. Both he and his wife 
belong to the Evangelical Church of Brookfield. 

FRANK E. ALLEN, proprietor of the Sara- 
toga Rolling Mills at Waukesha, is a 
gentleman whose long experience has 
made him master of his business. His birth oc- 
curred April 3, 1853, in Jefferson County, Wis. 
His parents, Francis M. and Mary J. (Mills) Allen, 
emigrated to that county from Ohio and New 
York respectively. They were married in Jefferson 
County, where the father pursued the miller's 
trade, which he had learned in early life in Ohio. 
Their last days were spent in the above named 
county. Their family consisted of three children, 
Frank E., E. G., who owns and operates a mill at 
Prospect, this county, and C. M., who is in a drug 
store at Waukesha. 

Having attended the common schools until fif- 
teen years of age, Mr. Allen of this sketch began 
to learn the miller's trade at Milford, Wis. For 
some twelve years he worked for wages, but in 
1880 purchased a mill at Cold Springs, which he 
conducted for some three years. In 1884 he came 
to Waukesha and bought the Saratoga Mills, the 
construction of which was begun in 1838. The 
unusually heavy frame work was hewed out of 
logs and fioatcd down the Fox River to the founda- 
tion. Owing to the scarcity of labor and the 
difficulty of getting machiner\' transported from 
the east, the mill was over a year in building. 
Great was the rejoicing in Prairieville (for so was 
Waukesha then called) upon its completion. At 
that time it contained the only "smutlcr" in the 
territory, and the only fiour bolt anywhere in the 
vicinity. It was an industry of great importance 
to the village, as it brought many people there to 
trade who had formerly gone to Milwaukee and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



295 



other poinls. The original cost of the mill and 
its necessary belongings is said to have been 
$30,000, a no inconsiderable sum in lliose earl_y 
days. This property' has cliange(l hands a number 
of times since, though no valuable improvements 
were made until its present owner came into pos- 
session. iSIr. Allen m<.)ved the mill a few rods 
down the river, built a large addition, and in 1886 
put in a complete roller system, with all the mod- 
ern improvements. It is now considered one of 
the best nulls In this section, having a daily capac- 
ity' of one hundred barrels and a storage capacity 
of twenty thousand bushels. 

Mr. Allen, in his business relations, is genial 
and accommodating, and by fair dealing has built 
up an extensive custom trade. He was married 
in Jefferson County, Wis., to Miss Emma M. 
Manning, a native of that county. Four children 
were born of this union: Claud M., who died 
when three years of age; Ethel I., Francis R. and 
Hallow. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of 
the Congregational Societ)'. Politically he has 
always been a Democrat. As a member of the 
Village Iioard of Trustees, and .a.s Chairman of the 
Boad of Sui>ervisors of the town of Waukesha for 
two terms, he has served faithfully and well. He 
is a member of the Knights of Pythias l>odge No. 
52, and is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to Wau- 
kesha Chapter No. 37, and also belongs to Wauke- 
sha Lodge, No. 37, A. F. & A. M. 



REV. N. D. BECKER, the popular pastor of 
ISt. Mary's Catholic Church of Pewaukee, 
is a young gentleman whose scholarly at- 
tainments and liberal views have won for him more 
than a local reputation. His birth occurred in Ne- 
osho, Dodge County, Wis., September 30, 1856. 
He is the second in a family of si.\ children born 
to Anton and Angeline (Kettenhoffen) Becker, 
who were born and married in Trier, Rhenish Prus- 
sia, Germany. In 1851 the family, consisting of 
parents and one child, sailed from Rotterdam, Hol- 
land, and after a voyage of six weeks landed in 
New York. Coining direct to Wisconsin, a loca- 
tion was made at Woodland, Dodge County. Mr. 



Becker was a man of good mind and of superior 
educational attainments. Insi.v months he mas- 
tered the English language sutllcienlly to be able 
to teach in the pulilic schools, in which he was 
employed six years. For fourteen years, or until 
the time of his death, he was an instructor in the 
parochial schools at Neosho. Being a gentleman 
of musical taste and skill he was for many yeara 
director of the choir at that place. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Becker were consistent membcis of the Cath- 
olic Church, Mild in tliut faith reared their cliildreii^ 
The wife and inolher [lassed away on the 21st of 
January, 18(i4 ; her husband survived her ten years, 
dying June 6, 1871. Their youngestchild, Jacob, 
died when nine years of age. The living are Peter 
N., a mechanic of Menonionie, Wis.; N. 1). is the 
next in order of biilli; Angeline wedded Nicholas 
Steies, of Wheeler, this state; Catherine resides 
with the subject of this sketch, and Lizzie is the 
wife of Nicholas Lalir, and also resides in Me- 
nomonie. 

N. D. Becker, or Father liecker, as he is more 
generally known, received his primary education 
under his father's instruction. At the age of thir- 
teen he entered St. Francis' Seminary, located near 
Milwaukee, where he remained for nine years pur- 
suing a classical, a pliiloso])liical and a theological 
course, graduating with the Class of '79. During 
the last four years of his college course he filled 
the position of prefect, giving instruction in Latin 
and Greek. From Archbishop J. !M.Henni, he re- 
ceived the Tonsure and the four minor orders, 
March 13, 1878; from Archbishop M. Heiss, siib- 
Deaconsliip, March 29, 1879, and De.iconship the 
following day in St. Francis' Chapel. Not iiaving 
reached the canonical age, he had to wait for an 
eighteen months' dispensation from Rome, and on 
the 3d of August, 1879, was ordained in Convents' 
Chapel, at La Crosse, Wis., by Archbishop Heiss. 
Seven days later Father Becker said his (iist mass 
in his native village, Rev. N. Schaff being pastor 
at that time, and Revs. D. F. and N. A. Thill as- 
sisting. He was thereupon appointed the lirst res- 
ident pastor of Pewaukee, and on the 30th of Au- 
gust conducted his lirst service there. For lifteen 
years Father Becker has labored zealously for the 
up-building of his charge, both spiritually and tem- 



296 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



porally. Wlien lie took elmige, tlie present par- 
soiiap;e was in course of eonstiuction, and a very 
small cliuicli had Ixieii erected, but was destitute 
of fuinishiiijrs. Tlirouiili his efforts the mernber- 
slii|) has grown, the house of worsliip has been 
greatly enlarged and finnislied with all the mod- 
ern conveniences, even to a tine pipe organ. The 
church, KKixU) feet in dimensions, with a steeple 
one hnndrcd and three feet high, and a bell weigh- 
ing two thousand pounds, has a sealing capacity of 
about live hundred and lias thiee line altars. When 
he began his labors the membership embraced thir- 
ty families, but now it includes about eighty-five. 
Father lieckcr also conduc-ts services at !St. Peter 
and St. Paul's Church at Duplaiii ville, where about 
sixty families worship. 

Broad-gauged and liberal minded, courteous and 
free in his intercourse with all, Father Becker has 
done much to break down the wall of prejudice 
between Protestants and Catholics. 




eEPIIAS L. STURTEVANT, a veteran of 
the War of the Rebellion, has been a resi- 
dent of Ocontimowoc since 1865. Me was 
born in the town of Verona, Oneida County, N. V., 
November 26, 182;5. His father was also named 
Cephas, while his mother's maiden name was Law- 
rence. The former was a native of \'erinont, and 
came from an early New England family of Eng- 
lish origin. They were numbered among the early 
settlers of Oneida County, N. V., where they con- 
tinued to reside until death. Their lainily, num- 
bering ten children, comprised tw<^ sons and eight 
daughters, of whom the former and four sisters 
survive. The other son resides at Roscoe, 111.; 
three daughters live at Rockford,of the same state, 
while the fourth is a resident of Le Mars, Iowa. 
Of the sisters, the eldest is now (1894) eighty-eight 
years of age, and the youngest seventy-six. 

Cephas L. Sturtevant grew to manhood in his 
native county. He received a good English edu- 
cation and fitted himself for the profession of 
teaching, which occupation he followed successful- 



ly formanj' years. On the lOtli of June, 1845, he 
was married to Miss Rachel A. York, daughter of 
John and Anna (Allen) York. The former was a 
native of New Haven, Conn., and the latter of the 
state of New York. When Mrs. Sturtevant was 
eight years old, her parents removed from Otsego 
County, where she was born, to Oneida County in 
the same state, where the remainder of their lives 
was passed. Thc^- were the parents of four chil- 
dren, two sons and two daughters, but Mrs. Stur- 
tevant is the only one of the family now living. 
In December, 1852, Mi. and Mrs. Sturtevant re- 
moved from the state of New York to Rockford, 
111. There the husband followed the profession of 
teaching until the notes of Civil War resounded 
throughout the land. 

At that time Mr. Sturtevant was occupying a 
responsible and lucrative position, but he resolved 
to respond to the call of his country-. According- 
ly, early in 1861, he resigned his position as teach- 
er, and was mustered into the United States' ser- 
vice at Racine, Wis., becoming a member of the 
Fourth Wisconsin Light Artillery; he served until 
the close t)f the war, or during nearly the entire 
period of the struggle. He took an active part 
with his command in General McClcUan's Penin- 
sula Campaign, including the seven days' fight in 
front of Kichmond. He was stationed at Fortress 
Monroe, where the famous tight between the Mer- 
rimac and Monitor occurred, and of which event 
he was an eye witness. He also saw the Merrim.ac 
when that Confederate ironclad appeared on the 
previous day, and witnessed the destruction of the 
Congress and the Cumberland. At the time Mr. 
Sturtevant had charge of the principal gun at the 
Fortress and fired many times at the Merrimac 
while she was making havoc of the Union vessels. 
He met Captain Worden, who arrived so oppor- 
tunely the following night, and who landed at the 
fort where ho obtained his information regarding 
the Rebel Mcriimac. The destruction of that ves- 
sel the following day by the Monitor was one of 
the most important events of the war. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sturtevant came to Oconomowoc 
immediately after the close of the war, where they 
have since lived. They have two daughters, De- 
etta C, wife of Loren L. Disbro, and Libbie Luella, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



297 



wife of Harvey G. Tutlle. Tbey lost a daughter, 
Melora, \vlu> married Williatn Spear, her death oe- 
curring in June, 1877. 

Mr. Sturtevant's army experience greatly under- 
mined liis health, permanently impairing it. When 
firing the cannon at the Merrimac from Fortress 
Monroe, tiie concussion was so great that he was 
made entirely deaf and remained so for several 
months, his hearing never being hut partially re- 
stored. Mrs. Sturtevant cared for her little ones 
and endured many privatit)ns, while her husband 
was in the service of his country. 

l\Ir. Sturtevant has been Commander of the 
Grand Army Post at Oconomowoc, in which he has 
proved an cHicient leader. He and his wife pos- 
sess the respect and esteem of their many friends 
and acquaintances. 



So- 



HENRY M. HAKTWELL, a retired busi- 
ness man of Waukesha, was born in Wash- 
ington CJounty, N. Y., June 27, 18.32, 
being a son of Moses S. and Mary (Orcutt) Hart- 
well. In a high school of his native county he 
received a practical education. When eighteen 
years of age he begen clerking in a dry-goods 
store, continuing in that line of business until his 
emigration westward. The year 18.'')6 witnessed 
his arrival in Milwaukee, where he clerked, and 
later kept books for a large packing establishment. 
The following year he went to Minnesota and 
took a claim some forty miles north of Minne- 
apolis. Having planted his first crop, it was eaten 
by grassli()i)i)ers as fast as it came up. Discour- 
aged with his maiden effort as a farmer, he sold 
his claim, and after spending two years in Min- 
neapolis, returned to Milwaukee in 1860, and was 
employed in the office of the Milwaukee & Hori- 
con Railway Company, remaining there until the 
road was transferred to the St. I'aul Company. 
During the war Mr. Hartwell went to Natchez, 
Miss., as an assistant in a bank operated by a corn- 
pan}' that also had a Government contract to con- 
duct plantations in that vicinity. One season it 
was his duty to drive to the plantation each day 
and see to the weighing of cotton and to paying 



the hands for their services. There was constant 
danger of the "Johnnies" making a raid on the 
plantation and capturing negroes, cotton, mules, 
pay-master, money and all. Returning to the 
north, Mr. Hartwell w.is engaged in building rail- 
roads, a fevv intervals excepted, until 1882, doing 
work in that line in the following states: Wiscon- 
sin, Michigan, Minnesota and Dakota. 

The wedding cerem<»ny that united his interests 
with those of Miss Virginia M. Rood was performed 
in Milwaukee, June !*, 1871. The bride was a 
native of Chautauqua County, N. Y., born June 
1, 1843. Her father, Sidney L. Hood, w.as a New 
Knglander by birth, while her mother, Charlotte 
A. (Graveraet) Rood, was born at old Ft. Mack- 
inac, being one of sixteen children, seven sons 
and nine daughters, whose father was for many 
years Indian interpreter at that fort. As early as 
1836 Mr. Rood visited Rlilwaiikee. In what is 
now the heart of that poi)ulous city he used to 
shoot ducks and rice birds. In 1843 he made a 
permanent settlement in Milwaukee, where he be- 
came an honored citizen and a prominent business 
man. He was a bookbinder by trade, but after 
coming west conducted a stationery and book 
store, and was for years President of the old 
Juneau Bank. Mrs. Ilartwell's mother died in 
Milwaukee when the daughter was only six 3"ears 
old. Of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rood 
but two survive, the other being Mrs. S. B. Gault, 
of St. Paul, Minn. Mr. Rood passed from the liv- 
ing July 4, 1874, and had he lived until the 10th 
of December following would have been sixty- 
five years old. In affairs where good judgment 
and foresight were required his advice and counsel 
were often sought. 

Soon after his marriage Mr. Hartwell removed 
to Chicago, where for over four years he worked 
in the interests of the Newspaper Union. For 
nearly ten years he was employed in the business 
department of the Milwaukee Sentinel. From this 
brief account it will be seen that he has been an 
intensely active man. So constantly has he been 
engaged in business affairs that he has never de- 
sired or sought official recognition, though he h.as 
been a stanch Republican since his first vote was 
cast for General Fremont. Both he and Mrs. Hart- 



298 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL Ri;-CORD. 



wpII are members of llie First Presbyterian Church 
of Waukesha. Socially, he belongs to the National 
Union, being a charter member of Milwaukee 
Council. 

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell there 
were seven sons, two of whom died in infancy. 
The living are, Sidney Rood, who was educated in 
Carroll College; Henry (;., Albert K., Lansing 15. 
and Clark M. For his success in life Mr. Hart- 
well has no one to thank bnt himself, as his pos- 
ses>ion.s have been acccumulated through his own 
industry and judicious management. 



-O?^ 



ii-^-i^lij 



MHS. .lANK ANGRAVK is one of the pio- 
neer mothers who came to this country 
over a half-century ago and by their la- 
bors and sacrilices helped to advance the in- 
tellectual, moral, and material interests of society. 
Though in her eightieth year, "Grandma An- 
grave," as she is familiarly called, is remark- 
ably well preserved both as to physical and mental 
powers. She can write her name as ([iiickly and 
with as steady a hand as a girl. Ilcr native place 
is Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire, England, where 
she was born February 8, 1815, being the young- 
est and only survivor of a family of nine children. 
Her father, Rev. .lolni Wheeler, was a minister in 
the Baptist Church at Hugbrooke for over forty 
years. (.)f his children live came to the United 
States, l)ul he and his wife remained in their na- 
tive land. The first to cross the ocean was Serah, 
who marrieil .lames Whitmee, and with him emi- 
grated to New York. Soon after hei- arrival she 
was heard from, but never since. In 1811 .Josiali 
landed in the New World, and came direct to this 
county, locating on a farm in the town of I'e- 
waukee. lie was an ellicient worker in the Sun- 
day-school and ill the liaptist Church, in which he 
was a deacon. His death was much lamented. 
Renjainin came with his sister, Mrs. Aiigrave, to 
the Unite<l States, and after farming a number of 
years in this county, removed to Fond du Lac 
County, where he died. Thomas arrived some ten 
3'ears later than the last two named, and after liv- 



ing some years in Waukesha County, went to New 
York State, where he spent his last days. 

On the 9th of September, 1834, the lady whose 
name heads this record was married in Yelvertoft 
to John B. Waite, a native of P.ughrooke, born 
October 17. 1812. In early life Mr. Waite learned 
the joiner's trade, becoming a master workman. 
June 24, 1843, this worthy couple sailed from 
Liver|)ool, and after a voyage of thirty-one days, 
the vessel dro|)|)ed anchor at New York. Coming 
on to what is now Waukesha (but then a part of 
Milwaukee) County, Mr. Waite purchased one 
hundred and sixty acres of land, just east of 
Prairieville (Waukesha). He was permitted to en- 
joy his new home but a short time, as his death 
occurred on the 8tli of Sei>tember, 1845. He was 
a consistent member of the IJaptist Church, and 
helped to build the first church of that denomina- 
tion in Waukesha. The building still stands, but 
is now known as the Town Hall. 

Mr. and Mrs. Waite had five children: Bcnoni 
B. died when about eleven 3ears of age; Emma, 
who married A. C. Ilawes, of Waukesha, died 
August 13, 1881, leaving two children, George F. 
and Bertha A.; John A. is a well known business 
man of Waukesha, where he conducts one of the 
leading meat markets; Robert A. also resides in 
that village; Jcjlin B., a farmer of Waukesha Town- 
ship, owns and operates a portion of the old home- 
stead. 

After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Waite 
wedded, November 29, 1848, John Angrave, a na- 
tive of Leicestershire, England. Mr. Angrave was 
a butcher by trade, and over fifty years ago started 
the market which is still in operation, being now 
conducted by John A. Waite. Mr. and. Mrs. An- 
grave had one child, Thomas W., who died when 
four years old. The death of Mr. Angrave oc- 
curred September 3, 1856. After her husband's 
decease, Mrs. Angrave continued the market for a 
number of years, being assisted by her son, John 
A., when she turned the business over to him. 
She managed the business very successfully, and by 
the masterly way in which she handled her affairs, 
won the reputation of being one of the best finan- 
ciers in the village. She h.as been a ceaseless 
I worker, though one would not think so from the 




MARTHA MOI.STER. 




MARTIN H. MOLSTER. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArmCAL, RECORD. 



303 



quickness of her movements. Mrs. Angiave 
boarded llie hands that built the (irst court iiousc 
in Waukesha Cdunty, and in many otlier ways 
aided in makin^^ a livinj; for her family. Wiiile 
carrying on the market she had the large stone 
building erected at the corner of Main and Clinton 
Streets, wliere the business is still conducted. 

For many years she has been actively identified 
with the liaplist Church and has ever done her 
part in giving to the poor and in lightening llie 
burdens of the afflicted. For lifty-one years she 
Las been a resident of this county, being well 
known and highly esteemed throughout its borders. 



e-sie-^^^ss^^^k^-s-s-gie-sfs- 



MARTIN II. MOLSTKH. In chronicling 
the events connected with the growth 
and progress of Waukesha County, the 
life sketches of her citizens otcupy a jirominent 
place. The gentleman whose name appears above 
needs no introduction to the people of this county, 
which has been his home almost continuously for 
over fifty ^ears. Mr. Molster was born in Ports- 
mouth, Scioto County, Ohio, .lune 15, 1840, and 
was the sixth in a family of three sons and eight 
daughters, whose parents were John C. and Sarah 
A. (Lewis) Molster. John C. Molster was a native 
of the lowlands of Holland, his liirlh|)laee being 
not far from Amsterdam, and near enough to the 
field upon which the battle of Waterloo was 
fought to hear the tiring of the cannons. The 
date of his birth was September 4, 1802, and that 
of his death February 5, 1888. His twin sister, 
Ann, passed awaj' on the 14th of February, 18!>2, 
both living to a good old age. In Holland his 
father was a contractor on the dykes, and followed 
that occupation until his emigration to the United 
States. The family name was formerly spelled 
Moolesti_e, but on coming to this country the pres- 
ent spelling was adopted. In 1822 John C. Mol- 
ster, in company with his parents, brothers and 
sisters, bade farewell to their native land, and at 
the port of Amsterdam embarked aboard a ves- 
sel bound for Philadelphia, Pa. From that city 
they continued to Savannah, (ia., but not lik- 
ing the location again came to Philadelphia. His 
6 



father, our subject's grandfather, went to western 
Pennsylvania, where he work<'d as a farmer for a 
while, going thence to Cincinn.'iti, Ohio. Near 
that city he engaged in agricultural puisuils, but 
in l><.'iK came to Wisconsin, and in this county 
selected the faun now occupieii by his grandson, 
Martin H. Molster. His death occurred in Jeffer- 
son County, Wis., in April. 18r)4. 

John C. Molster began lile on his own responsi- 
bility at the age of twenty years, lie was employed 
in the rolling mills in Pha'nixville, Pa., Cincin- 
nati and Portsmouth, Ohio, and in Covington, Ky. 
lie received but a limited education in the school- 
room, and his learning was therefore largely the re- 
sult of exiierieiice and observation. In Philadel- 
phia. Pa., in September, 1828, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Sarah A. Lewis. Mrs. Mol- 
ster, who was born in Chester County, that stale, 
January 29, 1808, died on the '.»th of November, 
1872. Of the eleven children born of this mar- 
riage there are six now living, 18'J4, namely: Cor- 
nelius W., a fanner of Fillmore County, Minn.; 
Josephine, wife of S. L. Worth, whose sketch ap- 
pears elsewhere in this volume; Martin II., of this 
biography; Lottie, wife of S. A. Wakenian. of 
Cannonsliiirg, Kent County, Mich.; Carrie, wife of 
F. J. Thompson, of Garden Plain, Sedgwick Coun- 
ty, Kan.; and Julia K., the youngest, who spends her 
time in Wisconsin, Michigan and Kansas. In 1840 
Mr. and Mrs. Molster and their family left Ports- 
mouth, Ohio, to come to what is now known as 
Waukesha County, then forming a partof Milwau- 
kee County. The trip was made by way of the 
Ohio River and the Miami Canal to Toledo, where 
they look a boat to Milwaukee. Coming direct to 
the town of Merlon, then Warren, the}- made a 
settlement some eight years before the territory 
was admitted to statehood, and six years before 
this county was organized. Their lirst home was 
a log cabin, 18x26 feet in size, which was built in 
1841 or 1842, and remained standing until 18'.).'}. 
At the time of their location in this township there 
was not a school or church building within its 
borders, and not more than six log houses. They 
went on horseback to churcli at Prairieville, did 
their marketing at Milwaukee and their milling at 
Oconoraowoc. Their first harvesting was done 



304 



i»OKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



with the old-fashioned cradle, and their threshing 
with tlie Hail. Their roads were cut throiij^h 
thicket and swamp and were almost impassable, 
many times stalling a learn witii but two barrels of 
salt in the wagon, liy industry and careful man- 
agement Mr. Molster became quite well off; at one 
time lie owned four hundred and sixty-five acres 
of land, being at that time the largest land owner in 
the townsiiip. He took part in the erection of the 
first schoolhouse in Merton Township, and was 
ever read}' to aid in any way that lie could. He 
was a Republican in politics, and voted for every 
candidate brought forward by that party. He and 
his wife were members of the Congregational 
Church at llartland, of which lie was a Deacon for 
many years. He helped to build the church and 
throughout life gave liberally toward its support. 
Martin H. Molster was a child only six years 
old when he became a resident of Waukesha Coun- 
ty in 1840, fifty-four years ago. He was brought 
up to llie occu|)alion of farming and stock-raising, 
which he has since followed, with the exception of 
one year spent as a salesman in a store at Hart- 
land. His early education was acquired in the 
district schools, after which he was a student at 
Carroll College for one term. In Cincinnati Sep- 
tember 26, 18G7, occurred- the marriage of Mr. 
Molster and Miss Martha Rea, and of this union 
seven children were born, three sons and four 
daughters, two of whom survive. Their eldest 
daughter, who now resides at home, is the widow 
of Dr. E. M. Fuller, of Sussex, Wis. She was edu- 
cated in tiie Merton graded schools, she and her 
cousin, Tillie Worth (now deceased), being the first 
graduates. After leaving school she taught suc- 
cessfully in the schools of this county, following 
that profession until her marriage. Dr. Fuller 
was a graduate from Rush Medical College of 
Chicago, and was a physician of much promise. 
His death. May 22, 1892, resulted from malignant 
diphtheria contracted from a jiatient; a wife and 
one son, Edwin M., were left to mourn his loss. 
Mr. and Mrs. Molsler's other child is Charles, 
who is a student in the Merton schools. During 
the winter of 1884-8,5 they lost five children 
from that dread disease, diphtheria, all dying 
within four months. The eldest, Josie, was just 



budding into womanhood, having reached her 
sixteenth year. She was possessed of many lov- 
able traits of ciiaracter tiiat made her a favorite in 
her social circle. Her studies were being pursued 
in the Merton schools, and in the Sunday-school 
and Mission Hand she was an active worker, be- 
ing .Secretary of the latter. The others were 
David, aged six and a-half years; Etta, aged ten; 
Lizzie, aged eight; and John Rea, aged eleven 
years. The home once gay with the joy of cliild- 
liood was left with a sadness that time cannot re- 
move; the loss of these little ones reached beyond 
tlie home, the entire community being saddened 
in their deaths. 

Mrs. Molster was born in the city of Cincinnati 
Ma}' 31, 1838, and was a daughter of Thomas and 
Josephine (Molster) Rea. She received a liberal 
education in the public schools and in tlie 
Hughes' High School of her native city. For 
twelve and a-half years she was employed as a 
teacher in the Cincinnati schools, being instructor 
of penmanship for three years. Mrs. Molster's 
fatlier, Thomas Rea, who was of Scotch-Irish de- 
scent, was born on the 4th of March, 1804, and 
died November 30, 1878. He was quite liberall}' 
educated, making a specialty of mathematics. My 
occupation he was an iron worker. In 1824 he 
emigrated to this country, and finally located in 
Cincinnati, where he and his wife passed their last 
da\'s. Tlie latter, who was a native of Middle- 
burg, Holland, was born December 11, 1811, and 
died on the 16tli of October, 1876. Both parents 
were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Their family was composed of four sons and four 
daughters, of whom but three are living at the 
present time, Mrs. Molster being the eldest. The 
others are David, a carriage maker of Cincinnati, 
and Sarah, who resides with her sister, Mrs. Mol- 
ster. 

In 1877 Mr. Molster decided to remove to Kan- 
sas, and going thither, took up a quarter-section of 
Government land in Sumner County, where he 
resided until November, 1879, then returned to 
his Wisconsin home. He owns two hundred acres 
of fine land on Hark River, lying in section 23, 
Merton Township. The farm, which is well sup- 
plied with flowing water, is nicely wooded, and is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



305 



both an excellent grain and stock farm. His com- 
modious brick residence was erected in 1857, and 
is one of the larn;est in the town; it is a niiie and 
a-half from Merton, three miles from llartland and 
three-fourths of a mile from Heaver Lake. Mr. 
Rlolster is a stanch Democrat, having cast liis tirst 
ballot for (Jeorge H. McClellan, the Presidential 
nominee. lie has many times been selected as a 
delegate tu county conventions, and by his party 
has been elected Chairman of the lioard of Super- 
visors for several years; he was Assessor three 
j^ears, Town Clerk and has served as Treasurer of 
his school district four years. In every position to 
which he has been called he has fearlessly dis- 
charged ail duties devolving upon him. He is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity', belonging to 
Bark River Lodge No. 122, of Hartland, and of 
Oconomowoc Chapter No. 42, of Oconomowoc. 
In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Molster are con- 
sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
of Merton, and give liberal support to the various 
benevolences and works of the ciiurch. 



/^T^IIOMAS FAULKNER became a resident of 
I Waukesha County in 184G, and therefore 
needs no introduction to the people of the 
county, and especially not to those of the town of 
New Berlin, which has since been his home for so 
man)' years. He is a native of Livingston Coun- 
ty, N. Y., born Jul\' 12, 1822, being the third in a 
family of five sons and four daughters, whose 
paieiits were Thomas and Mary (King) Faulkner. 
Of his Ijroliiers and sisters there are five living, 
one being a half-sister, and the)- are named as 
follows: Setli K. is living a retired life in the 
state of Washington; Sarah became the wife of 
Dr. Tyrrell, of EvansviUe, Ind., an eminent sur- 
geon in the late war; Elizabeth wedded A. B. 
Lawrence, of Warsaw, N. Y., who held the impor- 
tant position of Quartermaster during the Civil 
War, having charge of one hundred teams; .Tolin 
G. is a resident of Wheatland, N. Y.. and at pres- 
ent occupies part of the old homestead, where he 
is engaged in horticultural |)iirsuits; his half-sis- 
ter, Kmma, is a resident of Mumford, N. Y. Mr. 



P'aiilkner's father, also Thomas Faulkner, was 
born in Ireland on the 28tli of April, 179.3, and 
died on the ."id of April, 1H8.3. He was reared to 
the trade of a cotton spinner, but in the early 
part of his life abandoned that calling. Early in 
life he enlisted at Cilasgow, Scotland, in the First 
Regiment of the Ro3al Scots, being stationed a 
part of the time at the Castle of Edinhurg. With 
his regiment he embarked on the North Sea for 
some seaport on the eastern coast of England, and 
after landing, marched across the southeastern 
part of I^ngland to the English Channel, sailing 
thence to the Isle of Wiglit. While at the latter 
place Mr. Faulkner was engaged in drill duty in 
the king's service. I'rom the Isle of Wight he 
shipped in one of the convoy vessels bound for 
the West Indies. The passage was a very rough 
one. but after experiencing many narrow escapes 
the crew was landed In safety. P'roni the West 
Indies Mr. Faulkner went to Lower Canada, 
where as a soldier in the War of 1812 he partici- 
pated in the battle of Lundy's Lane. After some 
time had elapsed Mr. Faulkner went to Caledonia, 
N. Y., where he began his career in America by 
hiring out as a farm laborer, as he did not possess 
suflicient capital to engage in any business. 

In New York Mr. Faulkner wedded Mary King, 
a native of Monroe County, that stale. She was 
born October 22, 179'.), and was a daughter of Simon 
King. Her mother was a woman of great force of 
character, and when she undertook anything, was 
not easily deterred, as is shown from the follow- 
ing incident: Wishing to go to market, a dis- 
tance of thirty miles, for some necessary supplies, 
she took her child in her arms, and in a crude boat 
paddled across the Genesee River, leading a horse, 
which on reaching the other side she mounted and 
rode the entire distance through woods and unim- 
proved country, made her purchases and returned 
in safety. This is but one instance of that deter- 
mination, energy and perseverance that character- 
ized the pioneer mothers of our land. Mrs. Faulk- 
ner ])assed away on the 22d of April, 1855. Both 
husband and wife were devoted Christians and 
belonged to the Reformed Presbyterian Church, 
in which he was an official. In politics the former 
was a stanch Democrat, but finally became a sup- 



306 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



porter of the Proliibition party. He was a mem- 
ber of the cuininittee chosen by the organization 
of the Sous of Temperance to divide the state of 
New York into two districts. He was also con- 
nected with the Stale Militia, and by virtue of his 
service in drilling the men was commonly known 
as Captain Faulkner. A man of ability and integ- 
rity, he commanded the highest respect wherever 
known. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this biography grew to manhood in 
his native state, where through his own efforts he 
secured a good education. He was engaged in 
the profession of teaching in New York, and after 
his emigration to Wisconsin followed that profes- 
sion for eleven consecutive terms. On the 28th of 
May, 1816, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Nancy E. Moore, who was born in Monroe Coun- 
ty, N. Y., December 15, 1820, being the eldest in 
a family of two sons and three daughters, of 
whom but two survive, the other being Trif, of 
.San Bernardino, Cal. Mrs. Faulkner's parents, 
Samuel and Lydia (Butler) Moore, were natives re- 
spectively of Braltleboro, Vt., and Hanover, N. Y. 
The father was born on the 3d of September, 
1781, and died October 13, 1842, while the moth- 
er's birth occurred on the 25th of June, 1798, and 
her death August 30, 1872. Mr. Moore was a 
shoemaker by trade. After his death his wife went 
to Michigan, and from there came to Waukesha 
County, where she became the wife of Rev. Rufus 
Cheney, a Free AVill liaptist clergyman, whose 
work as a pioneer minister was far-reaching. 

Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner are the parents of a 
daughter, Clara, who is an active worker in the 
Free Will Baptist Church and Sunday-school and 
resides with her parents; Rufus Elden, the only 
son, is engaged in the lumber business in Boone 
County, Ark. For a wife lie chose Miss Hattie 
Searle, a native of Waukesha County. The young 
couple have two children, Lee E. and Lora Belle. 
Mrs. Faulkner's scholastic training began and end- 
ed in the old stone schoolhouse in Ogden, Monroe 
Count}', N. Y. For many years she w.as numbered 
among the army of successful teachers. 

On the 2d of July, 181G, Mr. Faulkner and his 
wife arrived in Milwaukee; coming thence to 



Waukesha County they purchased eighty acres of 
wild land, paying *280 for the same. Here they 
erected a log cabin and began the task of devel- 
oping a farm. Indians often passed their house 
but they were always friendly and sometimes 
shared the hospitalit}' of the home, spending the 
night under its roof. In the spring of 1849 Mr. 
Faulkner sold his farm and moved to Waukesha, 
where he engaged in the manufacture of sash, 
doors and blinds, continuing in that business for 
seven years. At the exi)iration of that period he 
located on his present farm, which is known as the 
"Rufus Cheney Home," where was held, Decem- 
ber 4, 1841, the first Free Will Baptist (^larterly 
meeting in the territory of Wisconsin, known as 
the "Honey Creek Quarterly Meeting." 

In politics Mr. Faulkner is a strong Prohibi- 
tionist, believing thoroughly in the principles 
advocated by that party. However, he first exer- 
cised his right of franchise in favor of James K. 
Polk. He was elected Count}' Surveyor in 1856, 
but refused to accept the office. Both himself and 
wife are ardent friends of the public school system, 
they having been numbered among the educators 
of the earlier days. With their family they are 
members of the Free Will Baptist Church of the 
town of New Berlin, Mr. Faulkner having been 
Clerk of the Official Board for almost thirty-five 
j'ears. Since their residence in Waukesha Coun- 
ty many changes have taken place, which have 
brought it to its present standing of wealth, cul- 
ture and refinement. In this advance they have 
aided materially. 



JUSTUSKLINGER, one of the early settlers 
of Menomouee Township, who now follows 
farming on section 23, is a native of Bystel- 
line, Hanover, Germany, born June 15, 
1815. His parents were Henry and Maria (Meyer) 
Klinger. They had nine children, four sons and 
five daughters, but only three are now living. 
Frederica, Christina and Justus. The last named 
is the fifth in order of birth. He was reared on 
his father's farm and attended the common schools 
until fifteen years of age, when his father died. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



307 



At the age of eighteen he began work as a farm 
hand, and was thus employed until he resolved to 
seek a iionie and fortune in the New AVorld. lie 
took passage on the ship "Alida," a three-mast 
sailing-vessel, of Swedish build, which sailed from 
Hamburg, and after a voj'age of thirty-five days 
drop[)ed anchor in the harbor of New York. 
They encountered some severe storms, losing two 
masts in one gale. 

Upon his arrival in the New World Mr. Klinger 
secured work in a lead factory in Saugerties, Ulster 
County, where he remained for about three months, 
when he was taken sick. When he recovered he 
secured work as a teamster in a stone quarry and 
was thus employed for a year and a-half. On the 
expiration of this period he determined to move 
to the west, and in April, 1843, reached Milwau- 
kee, Wis., where he remained about two weeks. 
In company with a Mr. Zimmer he came to Me- 
nomonee Township, and purchased forty acres of 
timber land on section 23. Here they made their 
home in an old log cabin already built. Mr. Klin- 
ger added to this forty acres of timber land, but 
Mr. Zimmer secured half of this. His son now 
owns the estate, a valuable farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres. 

In October, 1848, Mr. Klinger was united in 
marriage with Miss Maria Scheffner, daughter of 
David Scheffner, a native of Saxony, Germany, 
who with his family came to America in 1847. 
Two children, August and Anna, were born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Klinger. The mother died August 8, 
1854, and was buried in Wauinatoosa Cemetery. 
In the following November, Mr. Klinger wedded 
Miss Dorothea Clausen, a native of Mecklenburg, 
Germany. The children of both marriages are 
as follows: August is a contractor of Oconomowoc, 
Wis.; Anna is the wife of Dillman Pfeil, a farmer 
of Menomonee Townsliip; Frank married Louise 
Rosenow, daughter of Henry and Ernestina (Noth- 
nagel) Rosenow, and a native of Dodge County, 
Wis., born February 14, 18fi2. They have two 
children, Henry, born September 18, 1884, and 
Carl, June 26, 1887; Frank now owns and operates 
the old homestead, is first assistant and for twelve 
years wiis Clerk of the .School Board; Charles fol- 
lows farming on section 20, Menomonee Township; | 



Louise is the wife of William Zimmer, a son of her 
father's old friend and partner, now residing in 
Fergus Falls, Minn.; Mary is the wife of Henry 
Hassel, an agriculturist of Granville, Milwaukee 
County; Clara is the wife of Robert Cabbage, of 
Milwaukee. 

Mr. Klinger is an honored pioneer who has wit- 
nessed almost the entire growth and development 
of Waukesha County. He remembers when In- 
dians were still in the neighborhood and deer 
abounded, and when the greater part of the land 
was still wild and uniminoved. In the work of 
development and progress he has borne his part 
and well deserves mention among the valued citi- 
zens of the communitj'. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat and has several times served as Assessor, and 
as Assistant Superintendent for two terms. 



HORACE L. HAYLETT, owner of one of 
the fine farms of Waukesha County, lo- 
cated on section 8, Menomonee Town- 
ship, was here born in a log cabin home, October 
6, 1848, his parents being Theophilus and Harriet 
Eunice (Potter) Haylett. The father determined 
that his children should have good educational 
advantages. Horace L. after attending the com- 
mon schools, studied for two terms in the Union 
school in Waukesha, took a term in Stewart's 
Academy of Waukesha, and spent one year in the 
Lawrence University at Appleton. His father was 
born in Saul, Norfolk County, England, October 
28, 1811, and died on his farm in Menomonee 
Township, November 23, 1882. 

When he was five years old, his parents, Robert 
and Bridget (Hart) Haylett, removed to Swinton, 
Norfolk County, England, and afterward spent a 
few years in Weston, that county. On reaching 
man's estate, he married Susan Hardy, of Norfolk 
County, and they had one child, Elizabeth Ann, 
born April 10, 1838. The mother died in Pen- 
field, Monroe County, N. Y., where Mr. H.aylett 
resided for about three years, engaged in landscape 
gardening during a part of the time. Shortly af- 
ter the death of his wife, he determined to seek a 
home in the territory of Wisconsin, and in Octo- 



308 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



bcr, 1839, oatnc to Milwaukee. Soon afteiwar(l lie 
secured work in the timber bell of Waukesha 
County, and wliile cutting trees, lie found that 
liis ax was sadly in need of an edge. He went 
to the home of Joel Potter to have it ground, 
and while there was introduced to the daughter of 
the household, Harriett Eunice, who on the otli of 
June, 1813, became his wife. She was born in 
Parisville, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., Januaiy 3, 
1818, and is a daughter of .loel and Abigail (Fos- 
ter) Potter, the ff)riiior born in Fitzwilliam, Ches- 
hire County, N. Y., and the latter in Ethelbow, 
Mass. Mrs. Potter was of English descent. When a 
joung man, Mr. Potter removed to Rochester, N. 
Y., and a few years later in a covered wagon came 
to Wisconsin, arriving in Waukesha in January, 
1838. In June he was joined by several members 
of his family, accompanied by Moses Ordway, who 
first came to Waukesha in IS.TG as a missionary of 
the Presbyterian C'huicli. Mrs. Ilaylett arrived in 
Wisconsin in 1838, reaching Milwaukee on the .5th 
of Jul}'. She is the only survivor of the family of 
two sons and two daughters: her |)arenls, brothers 
and sister were laid to rest in Prairie Home Ceme- 
tery. 

Theophilus Ilayletl and his wife arrived in Me- 
nomonee Township February 2!l, 1844, and pur- 
chased a farm on sections 8 and il, on which was a 
log cabin. The husband had previously visited in 
this locality and had repaired the old log house so 
as to make it more comfortable. He bought a 
claim of Francis Hancroft, three hundred and twen- 
ty acres of land, and when the land came in mar- 
ket, he purchased two hundred acres, and soon 
erected a more modern log house besides building 
a good frame barn. During the winter of 1843 he 
was employed liy John Y. Smith, State Librarian, 
and with him went to Madison, where he sup|)lied 
work for the capital building. He lived an honor- 
able, upright life, well worthy of emulation. He 
was a good neighbor, an honest man, and esteemed 
by all who knew him. 

To Mr. and Mrs. llaylett were Itorn five sons 
and two d;iughters. T. Hart, the eldest, born Sep- 
tember 1, 1844, enlisted in Company A, Thirty- 
eighth Wisconsin Infantry, in Milwaukee in IMfi'i, 
and after serving three 3'ears was honorably dis- 



charged at Brownville, Tex.; he died in Menomo- 
nee Township, March 11, 1874. Caroline, born 
November 18, 1846, is the wife of (J. D. Harmon, 
a resident of IJoulder County, Colo. Robert, born 
October 6, 18.")(), died when only ten months old. 
Horace L. is the next younger. H. P., born Octo- 
ber 4, 18,'')2, is the popular and able pastor of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Appleton, Wis., 
and is a graduate of Lawrence University; also of 
the School of Theology at Boston, Mass. E. G, 
born June 24, 1855, died October 30, 1892; he was 
graduated from the White Water Normal in the 
Class of '82, and became a successful teacher; he 
served as Principal in Menasha, and six years in 
the Sheboygan schools, and was well known and 
esteemed at Port Washington, Wis., where he 
also taught. A man of genial and pleasant dis- 
position, he was an entertaining conversationalist, 
and his death was mourned by a large circle of 
friends, who esteemed him highly as an educator 
and as a gentleman. His remains were interred 
in Menomonee Township. Susan Elizabeth, born 
April 9, 1858, was graduated from Lawrence L'ni- 
versity, and is now teaching school in Menomonie, 
Dunn County, Wis. 

We now take up the personal history of Horace 
L. Haylett, who in the usual manner of farmer lads, 
was reared to manhood. He has managed the es- 
tate which he nows owns since 1874. It is a good 
farm comprising one hundred and ninety-five 
acres and came into his possession in 1884. The 
dwelling was erected in 1862, and is surrounded 
by good barns and outbuildings which are models 
of convenience. With Mr. Haylett resides his 
mother, who has now reached the advanced age of 
seventy-six years. 

On the 22d of August, 1889, our subject mar- 
ried Miss Helen B., daughter of Samuel and Mary 
A. (McCartney) Cleland, by whom he has one 
child, Ruth Cleland, born July 22, 1894. Mrs. 
Haylett was born in Fortville, Rock County, Wis., 
July 14, 1864, and is the sixth in the family of 
eight daughters. Her sisters are Elizabeth, who 
for several years has been a teacher of Rock Coun- 
t3'; Mrs. Jane Oliver, of Elk County, Kan.; Anna, 
who was a teacher for some seven years in the city 
schools of Minneapolis, wedded De F. Mood^', of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



309 



that place. Harriet, who was also a successful 
teacher in the Minneapolis schools, is tiie wife of 
Warren Collins, of Ft. Worth, Tex. Emma, twin 
sister of Harriet, is the widow of Harvey Fisher, 
who was a farmer by occupation. She resides in 
Evansville, Wis. Maria S. married William Rich- 
ards, a farmer of Rock County, this state. Eliza 
resides with her parents at Evansville. The par- 
ents of this family located in Rock County in 
1856, settling in Center Township, where the fa- 
ther purchased one hundred and sixty acres of 
land. He is regarded as one of the most progres- 
sive agriculturists of that community. His par- 
ents, Samuel and Jane (Martin) Cleland, were 
born in County Dover, Ireland. The former 
crossed the Atlantic in 181(1, locating in Orange 
County, N. Y., and after two years returned to 
Ireland, where in 1813, he wedded Miss Martin. 
The following year, with his bride, he again be- 
came a resident of Orange Count}-. In 1858 he 
came to Rock Count}', Wis., and in company with 
a friend bought a farm on section 28, Janesville 
Township, ou which be spent his remaining days, 
his death occurring in 1873, at the age of eighty- 
four. His wife died in Janesville, in 1879, at the 
age of eight^'-seven. Both were highly respected 
people. 

The father of Mrs. Haylett was reared to man- 
hood in Orange County, where his birth occurred 
October 23, 1828. There he was married in 1865, 
to the daughter of James and Mary (Shaw) Mc- 
Cartney, who were also natives of Orange County, 
but were of Irish descent. They became residents 
of Center Township, Rock County, in 1856. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Haylett was born on the 9th of No- 
vember, 1892, a daughter, Florence Elizabeth, who 
died September 22, 1893, and w.as laid to rest in 
Menomonee Township. This worthy couple are 
numbered among the representative scions of the 
the pioneers of Waukesha County, having wit- 
nessed almost the entire growth and development 
of this locality. Mr. Haylett has ever borne his 
part in promoting the general welfare, and is a 
public-spiriicd and progressive citizen, alive to 
the best interests of the community. In politics 
he is a stanch Prohibitionist, and his jjarcnts are 
member of the Methodist Church of Menomonee, 



as are also himself and wife. Those who know 
him esteem him highly for his sterling worth and 
many excellencies of character, and lie well de- 
serves mention in the record of Waukesha County. 



<rpr UGUST HENSCHEL, a well known gen- 
/ — \ eral merchant of Colgate, Wis., and an 
enterprising business man, dates his resi- 
dence in Wisconsin from 1856. He was born in 
the city of Berlin, the capital of the German Em- 
pire, August 22, 1823, and is the only child of 
August and Louisa (Raasch) Henschel. The fa- 
ther was a native of the same locality and ac- 
quired an excellent education. He was an exten- 
sive landowner and lived upon his rentals. His 
wife was born near Berlin Januarj' 31, 1801, and 
they si)ent their entire lives in Germanj'. 

Our sul)ject was reared to manhood in the F"a- 
therland, and was educated under the instruction 
of a private tutor. During his youth he learned 
the trade of a potior, and followed that for a num- 
ber of years, both before and after his emigration 
to America. On the 15th of April, 1855, he mar- 
ried Miss Wilhelmina Palm, and in 185G started 
with his bride for America. On the "Mississippi" 
they crossed the briny deep, and after a long and 
tedious voyage reached New York. By way of 
the Hudson River, the railroad and the lakes they 
continued their westward journey on to Milwaukee. 
They went lirst to Washington County, but after 
three months removed to Winnebago County, 
where Mr. Henschel worked at the potter's trade 
for two and a-half years. He then came to Col- 
gate and embarked in merchandising, which he 
has since followed. When he reached Milwaukee 
his cash capital consisted of only ^20, but he was 
industrious and energetic, has made the most of 
his opportunities, and is now in comfortable cir- 
cumstances. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Henschel were born Ave sons 
four of whom are yet living. Edwin August, who 
was educated both in (Jerman an<l English, w.is a 
painter by trade, and with his wife and one child 
resides in Waukesha. Herman is an agriculturist 
of Washington County, and is also scrvingas Dep- 



310 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



uty Postmaster of Colgate; William aids liis father 
in the store; and Oscar completes the family. The 
mother was called to her final rest Se])teniber 30, 
1890, and her remains were interred in the Ger- 
man Kvangelical Cemetery of Menomonee Falls. 
She was a most estimable lady, and her loss was 
widely and deeply mourned. She belonged to the 
Evangelical Church, and all who knew her re- 
spected her. 

Mr. Henschel has carried on merchandising in 
Colgate sinfe 1885, and lias a good stock of dry 
goods and staple groceries. In all things he is 
systematic and methodical, keeping a record of 
everything connected with his business. His first 
vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, and he has 
since exercised his right of franchise in support of 
the men and measures of the Republican party. 
He has served as Justice of the Peace, and for 
some time has been the efficient and popular post- 
master of Colgate, lie has a strong letter of en- 
dorsement and thanks frc)m Postmaster General 
Wananiaker, which he prizes highly. He is one 
of the representative and honored German citizens 
of Lisbon Township. 



-|++++i 



='+'{"f*'^^++++' 






MAX KHKDKRICK LHPPER. one of the 
enterprising citizens and leading business 
men of Menomonee Falls, is a native of 
Otlerndorf, Hanover, Germany, born April 10, 
1849. His parents, G. N. H. and Augusta C. 
(Meyer) Lepper, were natives of the same province 
and there spent their entire lives. The father was 
a "'gentleman," living from the income of his es- 
tate. He was twice married and became the father 
of five children, of whom three came to the United 
States, but August C. returned to his native coun- 
try, while the other brother, C. W., is a farmei- of 
McCook, Neb. 

M. F. Lepper, as he is commonly known, re- 
ceived a good education in Germany, where he 
attended what would correspond to our high school; 
after this he spent a year in an agricultural col- 
lege, as his father wished him to become a land- 
scape gardener. On reaching the age of seventeen 
years he decided to seek his fortune in the New 



World, and accordingly in 1866 he embarked 
alioard a steamer at Bremerhaven, and after a 
successful voyage stepped ashore at Hoboken, N. 
J. Coming direct to Milwaukee, he worked in 
that city a short time and was then employed 
on a farm in Columbia County for about two 
years. The year 1869 witnes.sed the arrival of Mr. 
Lepper in Menomonee Falls. lie at once began 
to learn the miller's trade with J. B. Nehs, in 
whose employ he remained for nearly two years. 
At the expiration of that time he went to New- 
burg, Iowa, and there pursued his trade for a, 
year. In 1872 he returned to Menomonee Falls, 
and on the 30th of August was united in wedlock 
with Miss Alice J. Spinner, a native of Allentown, 
Lehigh County, Pa., born September 16, 18.')0. 
Mrs. Lepper's parents were Allen and Leanna 
(Leiser) Spinner, both of whom were natives of 
the Keystone State, as were also their ancestors 
for generations back. Their family comprised 
three sons and three daughters, all of whom are 
living, though both father .ind mother are de- 
ceased. 

Soon after celebrating their marriage Mr. and 
Mrs. Lepper located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where 
the husband was employed in a mill, but in 1873 
they removed to Minneapolis, IMinn. There Mr. 
Lepper was miller in one of the famous mills of 
Gov. C. C. Washburn, of Wisconsin, known as 
"Washburn A," which was at that time the larg- 
est mill in the world, had in operation forty 
run of stones. Returning to Milwaukee he worked 
in the large mill of ,1. B. Kern, but subsequently 
conducted a rented mill on his own account 
at Neosho, Wis. He again went back to the city 
where he did work in different mills. In 1881 
Mr. Le[)pcr came back to Menomonee Falls and 
rented from his old employer, Mr. Nehs, a half-in- 
terest in what is now known as the Menomonee 
Falls Roller Mills. This is one of the best mills 
in this section. Until 1884 it continued to be a 
burr mill, but at that time a full roller system was 
put in and its capacity increased to one hundred 
and fifty barrels per day. After conducting the 
business thus for about a year and a-half, Mr. Nehs 
disposed of the mill to Mr. Lepi)er and Peter 
Schlafer; the last named gentleman sold his interest 




REV. AZEL I). COLE, D. D. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



313 



in the business to Charles L. Mills and I. B. 
Rowell. Tlie latter was succeeded by Kd Kauzer, 
the style of the firm becoiniM": M. F. Lepper it Co. 

In 188() Mr. Lepper erected a fine brick resi- 
dence, where he enjoys the comforts of home, sur- 
rounded by his wife and four happy children, 
Maggie, (George II., Arthur A. and Harry 11. 

In political principles Mr. Lepper is a Republi- 
can. Though lie has served as a tiiember of the 
Village Board, lie has never been a seeker for posi- 
tions of trust and honor. Socially he in an hon- 
ored member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Cop- 
per has done not a little toward the upbuilding of 
the business interests of Menomonee Falls. 



(^ 



(^ 



-^") 



mn 



^ 



REV. AZEL D. COLE, D. IX The life which 
this article sketches began at Sterling, 
Conn., December 1, 1818. Sterling lies in 
a beautiful part of that beautiful state, a state full 
of rolling, swelling and climbing hills, from the 
slopes of which one looks into deep valleys. Krom 
nearly every valley rises a murmur, sometimes a 
rushing roar of sound. This is the voice of a 
tumbling, racing 3'outhful stream, that will ere 
long go out into the society of rivers and glide 
along in well bred decorum. The thrifty New 
Englanders rarely allow waste and nearly every 
one of these streams is made to earn its pass.age b^' 
turning the wheels of mills and factories. Look- 
ing from a height acrcss a wide stretch of valle}- 
and tree tops, on a slope turned toward the south 
and the sun, stood the house of Azel Cole, a magis- 
trate of the district, a man greatly' respected among 
his neighbors. He deserved their affection and re- 
gard, for he was singularly honest in all his tran- 
sactions, of ever-ready hospitality and genuine 
kindness in his manners toward his fellows. His 
wife, Sarah (Dow) Cole, was a woman of strong 
character, vigorous intellect, amazing industry and 
deep, earnest piety, that found expression in her 
methodical life and at the fre(|uent gatherings of 
the Methodist brethren. 

Azel Dow Cole was the fourth son of his father, 
and the only son of his mother, who had assumed 



Ibe charge of three older half-brothers at the time 
of her marriage. 

In the early days of this century there was a 
formality of manner and speech in all intercourse, 
even that of the family, that would seem extreme 
to us who belong to a time of extremes in another 
direction. There was much self-repression, little 
exaggeration in si)eecli, and no frittering away of 
emotions by outward demonslnition. The result 
appears to have been less complication of sentiment 
than we find attributed to our contemporaries by 
those who portray them, and great singleness of 
aim and purpose. 

The atmosphere that surrounded Dr. Cole from 
his birth to his manhood was one of enveloping 
love and tenderness, not often expressed, but none 
the less felt and responded to by him. Father, 
mother and brothers seemed to have united in a 
protective tenderness toward him as a child, and 
in a proud and gratified admiration of him as a 
man. Their love was fully returned b}' him. His 
sweet and loving nature was all his life a very re- 
sponsive one. As a child he w.as in some senses 
lonely; his father wasa busy man, and he had come 
late into his mother's life, she being nearly forty 
years old when he was born. His brothers had 
passed beyond the w<n-ld in which young children 
live. In that beautiful world he lived by himself. 
He read his little books, books that would be cu- 
riosities to the children of to-day, .accustomed to 
the sumptuous editions that Santa Claus and other 
bestowers provide. Many of his books were printed 
on coarse paper now yellowed and brown, "embel- 
lished," as stated by the publishers, with wood-cuts 
that portray the heroes and heroines with various 
deformities and disproportions in their pei-sons, 
and protected by paper covers?. Of these are, 
'■Wliiltington and His Cat," "Little King Pepin," 
"The New England Piimer," "Mrs. Harbaiild's 
Hymns," and others, all kept by Dr. Cole, from 
the time of his first reading of them until his 
death, and the source of great amusement to his 
children, who considered it a great treat to be al- 
lowed to read them. A very special treasure was 
the "Jane Aitken Edition," of Croxall's .Rsop. 
Sitting, reading by turns in the quaintly phrased 
books, and by turns looking away over valley and 



314 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



tree tops, peopling the scene at will, many liapp3' 
lioiirs were i)asscd. His mother wove, spun and 
directed her house, risiiif^ early and permitting 
neither herself nor any of her household (which 
was for several years tliirteen in number) to eat 
the bread of idleness. Frequently her nights and 
days were given to her sick and afflicted neighbors, 
and her husband and herself were the dispensers 
of the generous hospitality that was frequently ex- 
ercised. Her journal, kept from 1806 to 1846, re- 
cords a life that .seems to have been modeled after 
the standard found in the book of Proverbs. Her 
Sundays were days set apart for worship and re- 
ligious thought. Meeting over, the religious paper 
of the day, 'Zion's Herald," and such books as 
"Doddridge on the Rise and Progress of Religion in 
the Soul," "Dick's I'hilosophy of the P'uture State," 
and the works of Hannah More, lilled the hours. 
It is interesting to gather from her journal that 
her sense of propriety was at times offended by the 
bad taste of some of the brethren. Several times 
her journal records that upon certain occasions, 
certain "Klders tried to preach." Upon one oc- 
casion at a camp meeting she says that she "came 
very near being tryed" because of what seemed to 
her "confusion, all ill-considered shouting," but 
what others called "the Power," and "fire from 
God." Rut there v ere other times, such as when 
"Brother M. preached a very smart and alarming 
sermon," when "there were two lively and excel- 
lent, exhorting sermons from Ih'OtherT.," in which 
she "found great comfort and refreshment." 

The son of such a mother naturally walked at 
her side in childhood, and followed her ])recepts in 
manhood. Mrs. Cole entered her little son at 
Plain field Academy when he was ten years old, 
and vKsop, Whittington, etc., were left behind, giv- 
ing place to Ciusar and Virgil. At Plaintield he 
studied under the direction of Dr. -loliii R. Witter, 
a tutor of high renown. Dr. Cole always believed 
that his thorough knowledge of Greek, Latin and 
mathematics, in all of which he greatly excelled, 
was acquired from Dr. Witter, and also that he 
owed much to the mental and moral training of 
this able and thorough teacher, with whom he re- 
mained seven years. Dr. Cole then entered the 
Sophomore Class at Brown University, under the 



presidency of the famous Dr. Francis Wayland. 
The "Commencements" commenced instead of 
ending the scholastic year. The young Sophomore 
joined his class for the Commencement Procession. 
One of that august band (the Sophomores) with a 
wave of his hand said to the new comer, "The 
Freshmen walk there." "I know they do," re- 
plied Dr. Cole, "but I walk here." 

There were thirty-three young men in the class, 
among them the late .Iiidge IJradley, Uisliop Bur- 
gess of tiuincy,and the late Rev. Dr. Tustin. One 
of his classmates records that at his (Dr. Cole's) 
first recitation in mathematics he went immedi- 
ately to the front rank, a position he ever after- 
ward easily kept, no one thinking of disputing it 
with him. Dr. Cole graduated in 1838. Itisonly 
one more instance of how (iod over-rules plans 
and directs paths, to note that Mrs. Cole had been 
offered a scholarship at Ilobart College for her son, 
but had declined it on account of the "Episcopal" 
character of that institution. .She had therefore 
chosen Rrown University and the i)aynient of all 
its fees, but while at Brown, Dr. Cole had learned 
much outside of its curriculum. He and Bishop 
Burgess had become very intimate friends. To- 
gether they attended Gr.ace Church, Providence, 
Dr. Alexander Vinton's charge. Dr. Cole was 
charmed by the preacher and captivated by the 
noble liturgy of the Prayer Book. He was baptized 
and confirmed, and became a communicant, and 
upon Sundays faithfully and enthusiastically 
taught a bible class for young men in St. Stephen's 
Church. 

After graduation came the chf>ice of a path in 
life, of a field for work. Nature had plentifully 
endowed him with gifts that would win distinc- 
tion. His keen logical mind would have delighted 
in a career at the Bar, his unusually ability for fin- 
ance would, it has often been said, have fitted him 
to become a power in Ihc inone}' market, while his 
taste for literature and study, his complete educa- 
tion and ripe scholarship would have brought him 
name and fame in the world of letters. But turn- 
ing from these walks with whatever attractions 
they may have possessed for him, he gave himself 
wholly and unreservedly to the active service of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



315 



the Master, whom he already loved and whom he 
adored with ever increasing love and satisfaction 

as the yenrs of liis life passed on. 



E++++.J.++-) 



JOHN C;AS1'AU, .1 well known aiul honored 
pioneer of Waukesha, was born Noveinl)er 
12, 1810, near tiie city of Mace, Lorraine, 
Germany, though at the lime of his birth it 
belonged to France. He was reared a farmer boy 
and thereby learned liie lessons of industry and 
economy that prt^ved of great benefit to him in 
after years. His education, however, was not neg- 
lected; liesides liaving a thorough knowledge of 
tlie German and French languages he is somewhat 
acquainted with Latin and .Spanish. When nine- 
teen 3'ears of age Mr. Gaspar turned his attention 
to the cabinet-maker's trade, which he completed 
in two years, and then worked .as a journeyman. 
For two years he pursued his calling in Paris, 
France, being there at the time the attempt w.as 
made to assassinate Louis Philip. He also saw in 
Paris the funeral procession that followed the be- 
loved LaFiiyette to his last resting jjlace. So vast 
was the train of mourners that it required from 
nine o'clock in the morning until four in the af- 
ternoon for it to pass one point. Another inter- 
esting sight which he beheld was the flight into 
France of three thousand Poles who had been ex- 
iled by the Czar of Russia upon the suppression of 
the rebellion in Poland. 

For some time Mr. (iaspar had longed to come 
to the United States, but as his parents were not 
able to furnish him the means to pay his passage 
across the ocean, he had to wait till he could earn 
enough. Accordingly in 1835 he sailed from 
Paris to New York City, where for about four 
years he worked at his trade. Wlien he arrived 
he was without money or employment. A gentle- 
man owning a cabinet shop offered him work, but 
he had to furnish his own tools. In hisextremity 
Mr. Gaspar went to his landlord to try and lH)rrow 
the necessary amount, ^liy, having to give as secu- 
rity only an honest face. That gentleman, on the 
recommendation of his good wife, let our sul)- 
ject have the money. They never liad reason to 



regret their kindness, for as soon as the money 
was earned it was promptly repaid. He witnessed 
the great fire that consumed so much of that city 
December 28, 1835. While in the great eastern 
metropolis Mr. Gaspar was married, July, 17, 183(i, 
to Margaret Gaulluat, who was born February !), 
1813, near Belfar, France, and in 1831 came to 
the United States. Mr. Gaspar is of (ierman and 
French blood, while his wife w.as of French. 

In 1841 this pioneer couple arrived in Milwau- 
kee and after a month spent there decided to mmc 
farther west, as that place was dirty and swampy. 
(Jn foot Mr. G.ispar set out for Madison, and upon 
arriving at Piairieville, as Waukesha was then 
called, he tarried three d.ays. Liking the place 
very much he determined to make this his future 
home, and accordingly moved his family out. Hut 
so scarce were the houses or jjlaces of entertain- 
ment that lie was compelled to put up with what- 
ever accommodations lie could get until an Irish 
lady moved out of an old log cabin, which he and 
his wife were only loo glad to accept as a |)lace of 
shelter till better quarters could be secured. .Soon 
afterward Mr. Gaspar purchased a lot on Main 
Street and erected a cabinet shop, where for forty- 
four years he carried on business. In those early 
days he did Ins buying in Milwaukee. As money 
was a scarce article with him and as it cost fifty cents 
to ride there on a wagon, he had to walk, and 
carry his purchases home on his back. On one of 
these trips to the city he found a jug containing 
two quarts of whisky. Hiding the jug he went on 
to market, and as he came back picked it up anil 
continued his journey home. Meeting two In- 
dians he sold the whisky to them for eight cents 
and brought the jug home, notwithstanding he 
already had a heavy load. We who enjoy every 
means of transportation, and luxuries of every 
sort, can hardly realize how great were the hard- 
ships of the pioneer fathers and mothers, whose 
labors have made our lives so free from severe 
trials. 

In 1843 the first Catholic services held in Wau- 
kesha were conducted at the home of Mr. (iaspar 
by Father Kondick, of .Milwaukee. The Reverend 
Father wrote our suliject that he would be out on 
Sunday and would stop with liim. Having no 



316 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



fresh meat on liands, and there being no market 
from which it could be procured, Mr. Gaspar arose 
early Sunday morning and with a gun on his 
shoulder went in search of game. His efforts were 
not in vain, for in a short time he returned with 
a squirrel and some pigeons. In due time they 
were prepared for tlie table and Father Kondick 
enjoyed the repast greatly. When told how the 
meat was procured he looked surprised, butagreed 
that circumstances almost warranted getting it 
in that way. 

Mr. Gaspar has always had good credit and en- 
joyed the confidence of his fellow-citizens. In 
1846 he wished to erect a business house on one of 
Ills lots on Main Street at a cost of S2,000,but had 
only ^'200 in cash. The merchants agreed to iionor 
his orders and thus was he enabled to erect his 
building without borrowing, except 1300 to pay 
for finishing lumber. In 1854 he put up another 
store at a like cost, both of which he still owns, 
besides a residence at No. 317 Main Street, one of 
the finest locations in the village. 

On the 17lh of July, 1886, Mr. and Mrs. Gaspar 
celebrated their golden wedding, but that joyous 
event was soon to be followed by one most sad; 
for the good wife, who had shared for little over 
a half-century the ups and downs of life with her 
husband, was called to her final rest in November 
1886. 

Unto tliis worthy coui)le were born six children, 
as follows: .John L. is a leading hardware merchant 
of Waukesha; Margaret is the widow of C.J. Maw- 
ley; Mary L. wedded Byron Sears, who is now de- 
ceased; William lives in I.aCrosse, Wis.; Charles is 
a prosperous furniture dealer at Waukesha; Fred 
is associated in business with Charles. 

Mr. Gaspar is one of the oldest {)<ld Fellows in 
this section, having belonged to that order since 
18,54. Though in his ninety-fourth year, he is re- 
markably well preserved, having a memory as re- 
liable as most people possess in the prime of life. 
Me distinctly' remembers, when about four years 
old, of having seen a duel in which one of the 
combatants was killed. To all the upbuilding of 
Waukesha County he has been an eye-witness. 
.Since he came here the country then occupied by 
forest and swamp have been turned into the rich- 



est of farming lands; cities and villages have 
sprung up; the savage wolf's howl and the In- 
dian's whoop have forever departed, and the white 
man with all his civilizing agencies has come to 



stay. 






-r EONARD MEINTZ, a prominent farmer 
I Cy and dairyman of section 32, Genesee Town- 
ship, was born October 29, 1833, in Lux- 
emburg, Germany. Mis father, Matthias Ileintz, 
who was a native of the same place, was educated 
in the common schools of his country. He owned 
and operated very successfully a farm of about 
eighty acres and became quite well-to-do. His 
wife, who was formerly Maggie W^-land, was also 
a native of Luxemburg. To them were born six 
children, three sons and three daughters. Eliza- 
beth is deceased; Annie was mariied in (Jcrnian}'; 
Maggie Iwcame the wife, of a Mr. Hanson, of Da- 
kota; Leonard is the next; Henr}' resides in Ger- 
many, and John is a farmer of Minnesota. 

Mr. Ileintz grew to manhood on his father's 
farm, and at the age of twenty-three years came 
to this country to seek his fortune, sailing from 
Antwerp in 1856 for New York. The voyage 
consumed sixt^-six days, and during that time 
some very severe storms were experienced, the 
passengers ofttimes despairing of ever reaching 
land. From the city of New York Mr. Heintz 
continued his westward joui-ne}' to Albany on the 
Hudson River, thence on the Erie Canal to Buffalo, 
and from that point down the Lakes toMilwaukee. 
From the latter cit^' he came on the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee ife St. Paul Railroad to the town of Gene- 
see, where for a short time he was employed as a 
farm hand. Buying two yoke of oxen, he hired 
out to break wild land, continuing in that line for 
three years, then bought sixty-nine acres of land 
on section 29, Genesee Township, for which he 
paid ^1,200. Upon this he resided for five years 
and engaged in farming, then added forty acres of 
partially improved land adjoining, at a cost of 
$1,160. Later he bought a forty acre farm on sec- 
tion 28, paying the sum of 11,200 for it, and two 
years later dispo.sed of it for the same amount. His 
next investment was in forty acres of his present 



PORTRAH' AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



317 



homestead at a cost of |1,G10. Three years Later 
lie purchased one hundred and forty-seven acres 
adjoining, for which he paid ^1,000. Here lie has 
continued to engage in agricultural pursuits, rais- 
ing wheat, oats and barley. The total number of 
bushels uf grain threshed the lirst year was in the 
neighborhood of five thousand, but during the 
last seven years Mr. Ileintz has made a specialty 
of dairying and sheep raising, in which he has met 
with a marked degree of success. In 1889 he 
again invested in real estate, buying eiglit.y acres 
in the town of Mukwouago for ^1,.5()0. This he 
rented at liie rate of $250 per annum. Wiien Mr. 
Ileintz landed in this country he had liut $4 in 
money, and by honest industry and economy has 
made what he has. The only assistance he has had 
outside of that rendered !)>' his thrifty wife was 
some if'JOO willed to him from his father's estate 
at the time of the latter's death. In his remarka- 
ble success may l]e seen the result of correct busi- 
ness methods. 

On the 2d of December, 1862, Mr. Ileintz was 
united in marriage with Clara Crush, a native of 
IJavaria. German}-, and a daughter of John and 
Rosa (Byerstuffel) Crush. They were the parents 
of three sons and four daughters, namel}': George 
and Sophia are deceased; Rosa married Nicholas 
Cape, a farmer of Ottawa, Wis.; Mrs. Heintz is the 
fourth; Sophia, the second bearing that name, be- 
came the wife of George Epland, an agriculturist 
of Black River Falls, Wis.; George, the second son 
of that name, is a farmer of the town of Genesee; 
and John, who completes the family, resides near 
Black River Falls. Mr. and Mis. Heintz have five 
boys and two girls, who are named as follows: 
Rose, who is keeping house for her brother John; 
John, who is a prosperous farmer of the town of 
Genesee; Margarette, who is a dressmaker; Henry, 
a telegraph operator, who resides in Texas; Jo- 
seph, who is now man.aging liis father's farm; 
George, who is a teamster in the village of Wau- 
kesha; and Leonard, Jr., who is a student of North 
Prairie. 

In political sentiment our subject is a Democrat. 
His first vote was cast for .Stephen A. Douglas for 
President, and since that time he li.is always sup- 
ported that party in national questions, but in 



local affairs votes for the man rather than adher- 
ing to strict parly lines. Mr. Heintz was Treas- 
urer of the School Board for three j'ears, and dis- 
charged the duties that devolved upon him with 
credit to himself and the cause he represented. 

Both husband and wife are in sympathy with 
all religious teachings. He has aided in the de- 
velo|)iiK'nl of this country and has the pleasure of 
knowing that Waukesha is one of the richest and 
most prosperous counties of Wisconsin. 



>^^ EORGK J. HARTKK is a representative of 
V T one of the early settled families of Wauke- 
sha County. His father, Michael G. Har- 
ter, was born in Baden, (iermany, and when about 
nine years of age was left fatherless. At the age 
of seventeen he bade adieu to native land and set 
sail for New York, where in due time he arrived 
without money and ¥30 in debt. He soon secured 
employment on a farm at ^2 per month, but later 
obtained work in a wholesale store in New York 
City. To add to his income he would watch 
aboard boats at night, receiving as high .as |2 per 
night. In his native land he had received a good 
education in the German language, and after com- 
ing to this country attended night school to famil- 
iarize himself with the English language. In that 
city was celebrated his union with Miss Elizabeth 
Rupp, who was born in Alsace, near the Rhine, 
and preceded him to the United States two years. 
In 1846 Mr. and Mrs. Ilarter again turned their 
faces toward the setting sun, and after a tedious 
journey, arrived at Prairieville, as Waukesha was 
then called, and made a |)ermanent settlement a 
short distance south of the village, where the hus- 
band purchased one hundred and fifty acres of 
land, on which he made a payment with the money 
he had accumulated by his industry in the east. As 
it was dillicult to drive over the muddy roads to 
Milwaukee, Mr. Ilarter often walked thither. 
Having gone to that city on one occasion to get 
money with which to make a payment on his land, 
he returned at night, carrying the gold on his 
person. While proceeding on his homeward jour- 
ney some huge object came into the trail before 



318 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Iiiiii; staiiiiiiij; for a few moments to watch its 
movemciils, to liis great relief lie saw the monster 
disappear. To him it appeared as large as an ele- 
I)liant, hut rellection convinced him that it was 
nothing more dangerous than an inoffensive cow, 
or possibly a deer. Mr. llarter was hles.sed in his 
linancial undertakings; from time to time he in- 
creased the boundaries of liis farm until lie had 
four hundred acres besides property in the village 
of Waukesha. 

Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, and for a 
number of terms served as a member of the Town 
lioard of Supervisors, and al.so on the County- 
Board. 1 ri religious faith both he and hi.s wife were 
Presbyterians. The aged mother of Mr. llarter 
also came to this country and s|)cnt her last days 
at his home. Ills death occurred .January 9, 1862, 
while his wife lived till the Klh of October, 1889. 
Their family consisted of nine children. Mary 
(decea.sed) became the wife of .Jacob Jleyers; Eliza- 
beth married Oeorge Bowers, a farmer of Pewau- 
kee Township; Margaret wedded Michael Ilolman, 
a retired farmer of Waukesha; (Gilbert M. resides 
in the same vill.ige; Louise M. is the wife of Will- 
iam Brown, of Saylesville, this county; Caroline 
wedded Henry (iroad, a mercliant of Waukesha; 
.Sarah wedded Edwin Mahar, a carpenter of the 
same place; Ceorge J. and .lohn are farmers of 
the town of Waukesha. 

The subject of this sketch is a native of Wauke- 
sha Township, where his birth occurred September 
4, 1851. As his opportunities for attending school 
were meager, his education has chieH}' been ac- 
rpiired wilhoul the aid of a tutor. His entire life 
has been devoted to agriculture and stock-raising. 
His beautiful estate lies within three and a-lialf 
miles of Waukesha and comprises two hundred 
and twenty-one acres of valuable land, on which 
stands a commodious residence of modern archi- 
tecture and large barns, which indicate the thrift 
and enter|irise of the owner. Through the farm 
Hows the Fox River, furnishing abundant water 
for stock. Mr. Harter makes a specialty of Hara- 
bletonian horses and Oxford-Down sheep. 

Tiie lady who bears the name of Mrs. George J. 
Harter was, in her girlhood. Bertha Slioem.aker. 
a native of the town of Brouktield, where her 



birth occurred March 2, 1874. Their marriage 
W.1S celebrated April 23, 1893, and of this union 
there is one son, George Michael-. The parents of 
Mrs. Harter are August and Heikc (Green wald) 
.Shoemaker, who were natives of Germanj-. In 
national affairs Mr. Harter supports the principles 
of the Democratic part^', but in local elections votes 
for candidates regardless of party. Samuel J. Til- 
den received liis first vote in 1876. Kor official hon- 
ors he has never had a desire, lueferring to devote 
his attention strictl}' to his C)wn affairs. In relig- 
ious faith he and his wife are Presbyterians. Mr. 
Harter is recognized as one of the prosperous farm- 
ers of his township and also as one of its leading 
stockmen. 



3^^E 



P^'REDERICK FOHEY, for many years a 
' resident of Waukesha County, now living 
on section IT.Muskego Township, is a na- 
tive of Brellwitz, a village distant about twenty 
miles from Berlin, Prussia, Germany, where his 
birth occurred December 20, 1828. He is a son of 
Daniel and Louise (Barker) Fohey, and is the 
youngest, and the only survivor, in a family com- 
[irising three sons and three daughters. His fa- 
ther, who was a farmer by profession, died when 
the sou was a child of seven years, and at the age 
of eleven he lost his mother. Deprived thus early 
of the love and guardianship of bis [larents, they 
being poor, it became necessary for him to begin 
the struggle of life on his own resi)onsibilit}-. Af- 
ter the death of his mother, he secured employ- 
ment as a farm hand, being thus engaged for some 
fourteen years. Of a saving disposition, at the 
end of that time he had accumulated enough to 
justif}' the establishment of a home of his own, 
and accordingly, on the 2d of November, 1853, 
was united in marriage in the Lutheran Church 
of his village home, with Miss Yetta Mantel, a 
daughter of Peter and Minnie Mantei. Mrs. Fo- 
hey was born on the lOtli of October, 1825, at Plii- 
lena, some twenty-five miles from Berlin. 

In 1854 Mr. Fohey and his wife sailed from 
Bremen for New York, fifty da3s being consumed 
in crossing the ocean. To the |)asscngers the voy- 
age was made memorable by the many severe 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



319 



storms experienced. Upon one occasion ii top 
mast was lost, and at anotiicr time one of tlie three 
masts was torn away, almost wiiolly destroying the 
kitchen, compelling the storm-tossed passengers to 
live on short rations for three days. When the 
storm lulled, it was found that the damage done 
so impaired the vessel that grave doubts were en- 
tertained by the oHicers as to her ability to reach 
land in safety, but happily the ship carpenter so 
righted the damage that they reached the harbor 
of New York without loss of life. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fohey boarded a steamer on the 
Hudson River for Albany, where they purchased 
tickets for Buffalo, and thence came by the Great 
Lakes to Milwaukee, arriving on the 5lh of Novem- 
ber. Here they spent one week, when, for lack of 
means, they found it necessar\' to seek employment. 
In Greenfield both secured work, the husband 
with .Jacob Conrad, a farmer, and the wife in the 
home of Peter Michel, in which service the winter 
was spent. The following sjiring Mr. Fohey rented a 
log house in (ireenfield, in which they began house- 
keeping. In November, 18.56, he purcha.<ed five 
acres of timbered land on section 36 in the town 
of New Berlin, on which he erected a cabin whose 
dimensions were 16x20 feet. He afterward added 
ten acres to his original purchase, and here re- 
sided for ten years, then disposed of it and bought 
forty acres on section 1 1, Muskego Township, now 
owned b/ .Tohn Eckstein. Some twelve years later 
this was sold and liis |)resent farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres purchased. This was formerly the 
property of George Bnlx-ock, deceased, and is one 
of the best cultivated and finely improved farms 
in the town, and having an abundant supply of 
water, makes it desirable. 

To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fohey two daugh- 
ters were born, Mary and Louise. The former is 
the wife of Otto Ladewig, of Chicago, while the 
latter, who resides with lier father, wedded Fred 
Rucbhauscn on the 23d of November, 1885, by 
whom she had one child. Belle E. M., born Decem- 
ber 4, 1886. Their mother passed from this life 
on the 8tli of May, 1862. and was laid to rest in 
the Catholic Cemetery, on section 21t. On the 2d 
of November following Mr. Fohey wedded Miss 
Fredericka Boetker, daughter of John Boetker, and 



a native of Niederhagen, Pomerania, Germany, 
where she was born October 1 1, 1826. B3' this mar- 
riage five children were born. Henry, who was born 
July 3, 1863, resides in Milwaukee; Anna A. E. is 
the wife of Rufus Peck, a farmer of Muskego 
Township; William F. E., born A|)ril 11, 1867, is a 
farmer of the same town. He w.as married to Miss 
Emma Stallmann on the 23d of December, 1891. 
In politics he is a Republican. Emma A. F., the 
next in order, became the wife of John Bevil, a 
farmer of the town of Muskego; Helena A. P. is 
at home. Mr. Fohey was called upon to mourn 
the loss of his wife June 30, 18'J0,she being in her 
sixty-fourth year at the time of her death. She 
was an earnest and devoted worker in the Luth- 
eran Church at Tess Corners, and was one whose 
loss was deeply felt beyond the home. 

Mr. Fohey is an aggressive supporter of the 
principles advocated by the Republican party, and 
takes a lively interest in the successes of that party. 
His first Presidential vote was cast for Gen. John 
C. Fremont. Possessing a genial disposition, he 
has passed through the various hardships of pio- 
neer life without losing the ability to appreciate 
the bright side of life. Beginning when a child, 
he has by industry' and economj' accumulated val- 
ual)le property, and is to-day one of the honored 
citizens of \Vankesha Count}'. 



^>^^<S 



eALEB C. HARRIS, M. D., has been ajjrac- 
ticing ])hysician and surgeon in thiscofin- 
ty for twenty -seven years, and is there- 
fore well known to its citizens. Erie County, Pa., 
is the place of his birth, and September 22, 1835, 
is the date. His grandfather, Jeremiah Harris, a 
hero of the Revolutionary War, lived to he ninety- 
seven years old. His jjarents, Silas and Roxana 
(Cole) Harris, emigrated to Walworth County, 
Wis., in 1819, where the mother died the follow- 
ing summer. The father died in Juneau County, 
this state. 

Dr. Harris is the third member in a family of five 
children, four sons and one daughter. He was 
but fourteen years old when he came to Wiscon- 
sin, and on the death of his mother went to live 



320 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



witli an aunt. While growing to manliood be re- 
ceive(J a good Englisli education. In IH56 lie 
joined an cx|K'dilion against tiic Indians at Spirit 
Laivc, Iowa, and wiiilc Uins engaged contracted 
typhoid fever. From the effects of the disease and 
tlie nnslviilfn! nicdieai treatment his left leg was 
so disaliled tliat he was sent Ui St. I.ouis for treat- 
ment, and wliile tliere Uivk a course of medical 
lectures. Ketiirning to Wisconsin lie studied medi- 
cine Willi Dr. Calvin l'.al<er, of Randolph, Wis., 
with wliom he ))euan tlie practice of his chosen 
profession. For .1 time he was located at Geneva, 
111., and for a year was at La (irange, Wis On 
the breaking out of the war Dr. Harris offered his 
services to the Government as a private soldier, 
hut w.as rejected on account of his im|jaired limb. 
In ISOa he again tried to enlist at Palmyra, Wis., 
but was refused admission to the ranks for the 
same reason. In 18fi7 he came to Ottawa Town- 
ship, and alxiut two years later located on the farm 
where he now lives. 

lu that town he was mnrried, February 11,1869, 
to Miss Josephine E. Chubl), a native of Windsor 
County, Vt., born November 23, 1833. Her par- 
ents, Newman and Cynthia M. (Farr) Chubb, came 
to Wisconsin in 1838, and are therefore numbered 
among its earliest settlers. To Dr. Harris and 
his wife were born four children. Bertram S., who 
was educated in the N'alparaiso Normal School, 
and at Milton College, is superintending his fa- 
ther's farm; Silas N., who was also educated at 
Valparaiso, is at home; Helen 11. died at the ago 
of four years; and Winiiifred .L, who was edu- 
cated at the Madison High School, is a successful 
teacher of Ottawa Township. The estate consists 
of two hundred acres of well improved land, on 
whicli is situated a substantial residence and two 
tine barns. The Doctor gives considerable atten- 
tion to the dairy business, having a fine herd of 
thoroughbred llolstein cows, the only one in the 
township. 

In his political views Dr. Harris is a Republican. 
For two terms he has served as Chairman of his 
town, though he has never been an official aspirant, 
preferring to devote his time and thought to his 
profession, which he has now pursued successfully 
for over thirty-two years. In 1878 he attended 



the Chicago Eclectic Medical College, from which 
he received a diploma. At the same time he pur- 
sued a sjjccial course of study on the eye and ear 
in the Chicago School of Opthalniology, and Otol- 
ogy from which he also has a diploma. He is a 
member of the State Eclectic Medical Society, and 
among his professional brethren is recognized as a 
practitioner of skill and ability. 



(^ 



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H 



ENRY II. EARLE, an enterprising and 
prosperous farmer of the town of Eagle, 
owning Oak Hill Dairy Farm, was born 
near Farmersville, (now Athens) Ontario, Canada, 
March 30, 1859, to the union of Samuel and Phoebe 
Earle. Samuel Earle was born and reared in Ver- 
mont, though his ancestors came from England. 
When a young man he emigrated to Canada, and 
there married his wife, who was a native of that 
country, but her parents came from France. She 
died in 1866, leaving nine children, of whom live 
are living as follows: John is a farmer of Can- 
ada; Soi)lireiius is a farmer of Mooretown, Can- 
ada; Nelson is a carpenter and brick-maker of 
Farmersville, same country; Henry II. of this biog- 
raphy comes next; and Annie is the wife of Lean- 
der Wambold, who operates the Eagleville Mills. 
In 1868 Mr. Earle came to Flagle Township and 
lived a year, then returned to Canada and married 
again, by which union he had two sons. There 
his death occurred in 1877. 

In 1868 Henry H. Earle came to this county, 
and after spending a short time with his aunt, Mrs. 
Pha'be Ilinkley, went that same fall to his cousins 
at Honey Creek, Walworth County, where he 
stayed two years. Returning to Waukesha Coun- 
ty he lived with his aunt and cousins until six- 
teen years old, at which time he began working on 
a farm by the month. His opportunities for at- 
tending school have been very limited, but since 
his marriage he has educated himself by reading 
and study. In the town of Eagle, Februaiy 24, 
1880, was celebrated his union with Miss Mary E., 
daughter of Rev. John and Mary (Bingham) Ilage. 
Mrs. Earle's birth occurred in that township April 




MARTHA WIXCHELL. 




HURT S. WINCHELL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGEAi'lIlCAL RECORD. 



325 



2, 1854. Their family numbers four children, 
Minnie A., Howard K., Elmer II. an<l Kuliy M. 

Mr. and Mrs. Earle began their domestic life 
upon the farm they now own, thoujfh at that time 
tlii'v rented it. In 1881 they purchased the farm, 
consistin>^ of one liundrert and thirty-seven acres, 
of which some seventy-five had been cultivated. 
Since then it has been increased by the addition of 
twenty acres, besides being improved in many 
ways. It is a natural stock farm, possessing much 
in location, etc., that makes it desirable for that 
business. Mr. Earle is interested in the dairy busi- 
ness, being the first one in his own town to ship 
milk to Milwaukee. 

Hoth husband and wife are members of'the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, in which he has been a 
Trustee and .Steward for a number of years, and 
now holds an Exiiorter's license. He was Super- 
intendent of the Sunday-school at Eagle for some 
six years. President of the Ep worth League for 
two years, and is now its Secretaiy. He takes an 
active part in jjromoting its growth, and attends 
the various conventions calculated to aid in carry- 
ing on the different branches of the church work. 
A strong Prohibitionist, he gives- his support to 
that parly. In school work Mr. Earle takes an ac- 
tive interest, and has been elected to the ollice of 
Clerk b^' his fellow-townsmen, serving iu that ca- 
pacity for some three years. He is a gentleman 
who does all in bis power to advance the moral, 
educational, temperance and religious interests of 
the community in which he resides, and where he 
expects to rear his family. 



(^ 



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BURT S. WINCHELL, who is numbered 
among the pioneer settlers of Waukesha 
County, became a resident of this county 
and state in .lune, 1842. He was born in Rutland, 
Vt., on the 27th of August, 1837, and is a son of 
Henry and Phd-be (Smith) Winchell, who were 
the parents of ten children. Hurt .S. is the ninth 
in order of birth, and so far as he knows there are 
four others of the family living at the present time, 
whose names and residences are as follows: Melissa 
7 



is the wife of Asa Willard, a manufacturer of Fair 
Haven, \'t.; Lorain is a resident of the village of 
Waukesha; Herman lives in San Jose, Cal.; and 
N'arin is a resident of Alameda County, Cal. The 
father, a native of Connecticut, was born in 17^1 
and died in 1877. He was a tanner and currier, 
and also a shoemaker by trade during his resi- 
dence in the e.ist, but after coming to Wisconsin 
followed farming. He served in the War of 1812, 
enlisting in the company of which his brother-in- 
law, Dennis Smith, was First Lieutenant. The com- 
pany was ordered to Plattsburg, on Lake Cham- 
plain, just on the eve of Commodore McDonough's 
victory. His wife, Phd'be (Smith) Winchell, was 
a native of Rutland, Vt., and a daughter of Elijah 
Smith, who was one of five brothers who first set- 
tled in Rutland. Mrs. Winchell was born in 1796, 
and died in 18(17. 

In. 1812 Henry Winchell concluded to remove 
to the far west, and accompanied by his family 
came by way of the Erie Canal and the Lakes to 
Milwaukee, thence to Racine County. He went 
to Caldwell's Prairie with the expectation of loca- 
ting, but instead purchased land in Vernon Town- 
ship, Waukesha County. The tract of two hun- 
dred acres was, for the most part, wild and unim- 
proved, there being but thirteen acres cleared and 
broken. They began their life here in a log cabin, 
at that early day any other st\le of house being 
very rare. Indians and deer were ver^' common, 
the latter often being killed within a short dis- 
tance of their home. Mr. Winchell sold this prop- 
erty about 1854 and removed to Caldwell, Wis., 
where his wife died at the age of seventy-one 
years. After a lime he came to reside with the 
subject of this article, who was then a resident of 
Genesee, and there died at the advanced age of 
eighty-six years. In politics he supported the 
principles advocated by the Republican party. He 
and his wife were devout members of the Congre- 
gational Church, having been converted in 1821, 
in Rutland, Vt., during one of the greatest re- 
vivals that place had ever experienced. The}' 
were very strict in observing the Sabbath day; 
they and all of their household keeping it in ac- 
cordance with the old New England customs. Fa- 
ther and Mother Winchell reached a good old 



326 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



age, living throughout all their j-ears exemplary 
lives. 

Mr. Winchell, whose name appears at the bead 
of this biography, was but a ciiild of five years 
when lie came witli liis parents to tliis county, 
which has since been his home with the exception 
of some eight years spent in tlie east. When a 
lad of eight years he suffered an accident wiiich 
maimed him for life, but blessed with a good mind 
and a strong will, he has made hiscareera success- 
ful one. His primary education was acquired in 
the common schools and supplemented b^'a course 
in Allen's Grove School in Walworth County. At 
the early age of seventeen, Mr. Winchell began 
teaching school, which occupation he followed 
successfull3' for six j-ears, being employed in the 
schools of Walworth and Waukesha Counties. In 
1861 he retired from school work and commenced 
teaching singing school, continuing in that pro- 
fession for twenty-eight years, his territory ex- 
tending over Racine, Walworth and Waukesha 
Counties. During the last eight years of tliat 
service he had as high as seven schools per week. 
Possibly there is no man in the section, where he 
has labored so many years, better or more widely 
known than Hurt S. Winchell. With the develop- 
ment of this beautiful county he has grown to 
manhood, and while not able phj'sically to pursue 
some lines of work, has been identified with and 
aided in its progress. 

Mr. Winchell wedded Miss Martha Silvernale, 
December 30, 1868, and b}' this union had four 
children. Henry, born November 13, 1870, has 
been reared to agricultural pursuits; Nina B., the 
only daughter, died in 1881, at the age of six 
years; Fred, born June 4, 1885, is in school; and 
Orrie, born July 5, 1890, is the joy and light of 
the household. Mrs. Winchell is a native of this 
county, August 27, 1851, marking the date of her 
birth. She is one of two cliildrcn born to Henry 
and Jennett (Irving) Silvernale, the other one, 
Daniel, being a resident of Mukwonago. The 
Silvernales trace their ancestry back to the early 
Dutch settlers of the Jlohawk Valley, while the 
Irvings reach across the sea to Scotland. Mr. and 
Mrs. Winchell have shared the joys and sorrows 
of wedded life for more than a quarter of a cen- 



tury, and have experienced that peace and content- 
ment that is the result of right living. 

In politics Mr. Winchell has always espoused the 
cause of the Republican pai'ty. In county and 
municipal matters he votes for the man, regardless 
of party. He has served as Justice of the Peace 
for SIX years, and as Treasurer of his school dis- 
trict for three 3'ears in the town of Genesee, while 
in the town of AV^aukesha he has filled the latter 
oUice for two years, and is the present incumbent. 
He is a firm friend of the public schools, and be- 
lieves in the general education of the people. So- 
cially Mr. Winchell was a member of the Indepen- 
dent Order of Odd Fellows, liaving been initiated 
at Mukwonago in 185.i, but at this time is not ac- 
tively identified with the order. 

Mr. Winchell owns a fine farm of one hundred 
and fifteen acres, Ij'ing two miles from the post- 
office at Waukesha, upon which he has a beau- 
tiful country home. This property was obtained 
in exchange for a farm in the town of Mukwon- 
ago. He is very much interested in the dairy busi- 
ness, which he carries 011 in connection with his 
farming. Mr. Winchell began life without any 
capital, but by. untiring industry and careful man- 
agement has accumulated a good property'. His suc- 
cessful career has been the result of close attention 
to all the details of business and the outgrowth of 
well directed effort. 



PHILIP GESSERT, who owns and operates 
a good farm of eighty acres on section 4, 
Meiiomonee Township, is a native of (ier- 
maiiy. lie was born in Nierstein, Hesse-Darm- 
stadt, November 22, 1813, and is a son of Henry 
and liarbara (Becker) Gessert. He is the only 
survivor of their family of four sons and two 
daughters. The father was born in Hesse-Darm- 
stadt and lived to celebrate his eighty-seventh 
birthday, while the mother of our subject died at 
the age of sixty-five. She was his second wife. 
Philip Gessert was reared on his father's farm 
and received a good education, to which he has 
largely added by experience and observation. He 
remained with his parents until 1846, when he- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



327 



sailed from Meintz to Havre, France, where he 
remained forty days and then took passage on a 
three inast sailing-vessel bound for New York. 
In that harbor, after a voyage of forty-two days, 
anchor was dropped. From the eastern metropo- 
lis, acco!ni)!inicd l)y his hiotlicr and sister, Mr. 
Gessert went liy steamer to Albany, and by the 
Erie Canal to Huffalo, where he boarded a vessel 
bound for Milwaukee. On first reaching Wiscon- 
sin, he located in (iermaiitown, whore lie purchased 
forty acres of timber Ian d and erected thereon a 
fine log cabin and log barn. Nine years later he 
discovered that the property for which he paid 
#300 was .sold to him b}' a party who did not own 
it. He received only $175 as compensation for 
his many years of service and left the farm. He 
had previously bought forty acres of timber land 
in Menonionce Township, and now began the de- 
velopment of this tract, erecting a log cabin in 
the midst of the forest. 

On the 2d of April, 1851, Mr. Gessert wedded 
Eva (4enricli, daughter of Valentine and Sybilla 
(Heldt) Genrich. She was liorn in Hesse-Darm- 
stadt, March 28, I8.'56, and is the youngest and 
only survivor of the family of two sons and two 
daughters. Her father died when she was eight 
years of age, after living with her sister for three 
years, she was adopted by William Ripple, with 
whom she came to America. They sailed from 
Havre to New York m forty-two days, and then 
by way of Albany, tlie Erie Canal and the Great 
Lakes came to Wisconsin, arriving atGermantown 
in October, 1851. To Mr. and Mrs. (-essert were 
born eleven children, four sons and .seven daugh- 
ters, of whom seven are yet living, .lulia, born 
October 28, 1853, is the wife of Lawrence Debus, 
a prosperous citizen of Menomonee P'alls. Cieorge, 
born July 19, 1855, is a carpenter of Menomonee 
Falls. RLiry, born November 25, 18(!(), is the 
wife of Charles Debolt, a well-to-do contractor of 
Chicago. Philip, born February 3. 1864, is a car- 
penter of Menomonee Falls. William, liorn Nov- 
ember 27, 1&()8, is employed in a lumber yard at 
that place. John IL, born November 26, 1871, 
follows carjientering. Anna C, born February 
16, 1875, is at home. Those deceased are, Minnie, 
who died in infancy; Catherine, wife of Frederick 



Reitenbacli. of Richfield; Elizabeth, who died at 
the age of six 3'ears; and another that died in in- 
fancy. 

At different times, l\Ir. Ge.ssert has purchased 
twenty, forty and twenty acres of land, and now 
has a valuable tract of eiglit}' acres under a high 
state of cultivation, and inijiroved with all the ac- 
cessories of a model farm. He also owns five 
acres of land in (iermanlown. In politics he is a 
Democrat, and he and his wife belong to .St. Paul's 
Cliurch at Menomonee Falls. They are highly re- 
spected people, who hold an enviable i)f)silion in 
social circles. 



JUD.SON II.M.L, {'ounty Clerk of Waukesha 
County, ii a native of Wisconsin, and is de- 
scended from a pioneer family', his parents 
having settled in Waukesha County in 1842. His 
birth occurred in tiie town of Merton, October 22, 
1855. Hi-; parents, John M.and Elizabeth (Fuller) 
Hall, were born in Cayuga County, N. Y., and 
came to Wisconsin in 1842. They made their 
home in Morton Township, Waukesha County, 
where the father still resides, the mother having 
died January 23, 1893. (.See sketch of John M. 
Hall el.«ewliere in this work.) 

Judson Hall was reared on his father's farm, 
and ac(juired his primary education in the district 
schools of his native town. Later he took a course 
of instructidii at the White Water Normal School. 
At the age of eighteen years he began teaching 
school, which occupation he followed until a short 
time before his election to the position he now 
holds. He taught nineteen terms in Waukesha 
County, and one in the state of Kansas. His ca- 
reer as a teacher was a marked success, and he is 
one of the well known educators in this county. 

In politics Mr. Hall is a Democrat, and socially 
is a member of Waukesha Lodge No. 37, A. F. & 
A. M.; also of Waukesha Court No. 452, I. C). O. 
F., and of Bark River Camp No. 1367, M. W. of A. 
He was Town Clerk of Merlon in 1888 and 1890, 
and in the fall of 1890 w.as elected County Clerk. 
On the 1st of October of the following year he re- 
moved to the city of Waukesha, having entered 



328 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



upon llie duties of his oHice the previous January, 
ami has proved a very competent and fiiilh- 
ful olllccr. 

Mr. Hall has been twice niarne<l. First in Dela- 
fieid, of tliis county, on tiie 24th of July, 1878, to 
Miss Kittie M. Mount, a daughter of Charles 
Mount. Mrs. Hall was a native of AVaukeslia 
County. She died of diphtiieria March 12, 1881, 
as also their only child, a son, Claudius, iiis death 
occurring on the same day as that of his mother. 
On the 28tli of August, 1887. Mr. Hall was mar- 
ried in Merlon to Miss Morilla L. Smith. Mrs. 
Hall was born in Milwaukee, Wis., and is a daugh- 
ter of Andrew and Charlotte Smith. Both are de- 
ceased. 



'^m^}h j§) 



(®^ 






M 



HENRY ANDREW La ROY, passenger con- 
ductor on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
I'aul Railway, was born in Richmond, 
Mcllenry County, 111., Marc!) 18, 1856, being a son 
of Henry T. and ll.annah K. (James) La Koy. The 
father was born in France, and when about five 
years of age came with his parents to the LTnited 
States, locating at Oswego, N. Y., where the son 
learned the trade of shoemaker. About 1849 he 
came to Milwaukee, and later removed to East 
Troy, Wis. In 1862 he enlisted iu Company' K, 
Third Wisconsin Cavalry, and for three years and 
four months fought to preserve the life of his 
ado[)ted country. Having returned from the war 
and made several moves, lie finally located in 1869 
at Milwaukee, were his death occurred in April, 
1890. His widow still makes her liome in thiscily. 
Their family comprised three sons and four daugh- 
ters, and all the boys entered the railroad service. 
Josei)li C, tiie eldest, is a retired engineer of Mil- 
waukee; George W. is electrician on a train on 
the St. Paul Road. The mother of this family was 
born in London, England, and in childhood came 
with her parents to this country, locating at Green- 
field, Wis. Her father was among the pioneers of 



this state. He helped to cut the road from Green- 
field to Milwaukee. 

II. A. La Roy, the gentleman whose name heads 
this biography, is the third chilil in order of birth 
in the family. When his father went to the war, 
he was sent to the home of an uncle, a farmer of 
Illinois, where he remained during the absence of 
the former. When in his fourteenth year he be- 
gan as newsboy on the St. Paul Railway, and con- 
tinued off and on for four years, running on the 
night express between Milwaukee and Prairie du 
Chien. On the 19th of July, 1874, lie entered the 
service of the same road as brakeman on the night 
express, which position he held for about three 
j'ears. The invention of airbrakes caused a great 
many men to be thrown out of employment, and 
among them was Mr. La Ro}'. This apparent mis- 
fortune proved to be a blessing to him, as it gave 
him a job that paved the way to his present po- 
sition. In 1877 he was given the position of 
brakeman, and November 6, 1880, became regular 
freight conductor, though on various occasions he 
had run trains prior to that time. For almost 
twelve years he continued to run freight trains. 
He was made extra passenger conductor July 26, 
1892, and on the retirement of Conductor Calvin 
Barnard, Mr. La Roy was given his train June 16, 
1893. 

The marriage of Mr. La Roy with Miss Ida A. 
Pierce was celebrated iu Madison, Wis., Marcii 16, 
1881, the bride being a nativ^ of that city. One 
child has been born of this union, Herbert Arthur. 
Mrs. La Roy and Herbert belong to the Congre- 
gational Church. Her parents, Andrew J. and 
Permelia M. (Williamson) Pierce, were natives re- 
spectively of New York and Ohio. In an early 
day Mr. Pierce came with his father to Madison, 
which was then a mere village. The former still 
resides in iladison, but his wife died in that city 
in 1870. Mr. Pierce was twice married, and be- 
came the father of fourteen children, seven of 
whom are living. He was a carpenter and builder 
by trade, and has the distinction of having erected 
some of the first houses built in the state capital. 
On ground donated for that purpose by his moth- 
er-in-law, Mr. Pierce built a schoolhouse about 
three miles from the city, which is still used for 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



329 



school purposes, and in vvhicli he and his wife cele- 
brated their marriage. 

Mr. La Hoy is a member of the Knights of 
Pythias, of the Order of Railroad Conductors, and 
in his political atliliatioiis is a Republican. A self- 
made man in every respect, liis record is one of 
which he has no reason to be ashamed. 



MRS. ZILPIIA SWALLOW, widow of the 
late Henry .Swallow, who was one of the 
substantial citizens of the town of Mer- 
ton, is most deserving of mention in tiie list of 
pioneer and representative people who have aided 
in making AVaukesha County one of the most ex- 
cellent in the state. Mrs. Swallow's birthplace is 
three miles distant from Hudderstield, Yorkshire, 
England, and has been in the po.ssession of her an- 
cestors on her father's side for several centuries. 
She is one of a family of six cliildren whose par- 
ents are Matthew and Frances (Radcliffe) Heau- 
mont. A more complete account of the fainil3' 
maj' be found in the biograpli3' of Epliraim Beau- 
mont, given elsewhere in this work. Mrs. .Swallow, 
who w.as l)orn on the 27tli of February, 1810, was 
a maiden of eleven summers when she became a 
resident of Waukesha Count}', which has since 
been her home. Before her emigration to this 
country she studied under a private tutor and also 
attended the national schools, and after coming 
here, i)ursued a couise in the Union schools of 
Waukesha. .Soon after leaving the school-room 
she returned to it, not as a pupil, but as an able 
and successful instructor. For a number of years 
she taught in the schools of Portage County, 
whither she removed with her parents in 1855. 
By personal effort she has added largely to her 
literary' education, and is a lad^- that is well posted 
on the current topics of the da}', 

Mrs. Swallow has been twice married; her first 
husband, Clifton G. Merrill, to whom slie was 
united October 21, 1859, was a native of Canada. 
One daughter graced this union, Frances FJiza- 
beth, who is the wife of Albert Rudberg, a veter- 
inarj' surgeon of Chicago. Mrs. Rudberg acquired 
an excellent education in Cleveland, Ohio, being 



a graduate of the Normal School at that place, and 
for thirteen years was teacher in the city schools 
there. Mr. Merrill w.as one of the brave boys who 
offered his services to his country in her hour of 
peril. lie enlisted in Company E, P^ighteenth Wis- 
consin Infantry, and with his regiment went 
to the front, and was killed in the terrible battle of 
Shiloh. It was when her husband went into the 
armj- that Mrs. Swallow entered the profession of 
teaching in order to provide for herself and child. 
Thus it w.as in those sad times that the brave 
women of our land took up the burden placed upon 
them, without a murmur discharging the duties 
and wailing for the return of loved ones, many of 
whom never came. 

On the 23d of October, 1862, Mrs. Merrill be- 
came the wife of Henry Swallow, who was born in 
Yorkshire, England, November 10, 1827. In early 
life he had but little opportunity to secure an ed- 
ucation; in fact, what few advantages were enjoyed 
were the result of his own efforts. He grew to 
manhood in his native land, where he learned the 
trade of spinner. Henry Swallow was in corres- 
pondence with the Vicar of Bolton-upon-Dearne 
in regard to the ancestors who settled at Bolton, 
and from his repl}' the following extract w.as made: 
"The lirst entry in the parish register is the bap- 
tism of William Swallow in 1698 and the burial 
of .lolin and Elizabeth Swallow in the same year. 
There are over one hundred entries in the parish 
register of the names of the Swallow family. The 
real estate at Bolton-upon-Dearne being entailed 
in the male line, the younger sons of the Syallow 
family were left to shift for themselves, Joseph, 
the father of George and Henry, was the third son 
of Eldward and Lydia Swallow of that estate, con- 
sequently but little of this world's goods fell to 
his lot at the death of his father .and mother, both 
of whom met violent deaths. The mother was 
drowned while fording the Dearne River, and the 
father was thrown from his horse and killed. Jo- 
seph Swallow married a woman as poor .as himself 
and a family of children came to increase the per- 
plexities of two who were singularl}' unfit to cope 
with the stern realities of life." 

Henry early developed a talent for looking out 
for the family interests. At the age of nineteen 



330 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he had put into the Nethcrton Co-operative sufTi- 
cienl funds to bring him to America, wliitlier lie 
sailed in 1846. His objective point was Rochester, 
liacine County, Wis., where emigrants from Nether- 
ton had formed a settlement. The venture seemed 
to warrant his sending for his brother George, 
who joined him in 1 H.'iO. (Jeorgc Swallow lived 
for a time on a f;irm in I'ewaukee Township, then 
purchased land in llie town of Pine Grove, Port- 
age County, Wis., whither he moved and began 
the development of a farm. Having wedded Mrs. 
Ellis, a widow witli Lluee sons, he moved to her 
farm, where he lived until he was drafted, Novem- 
ber 15, 1»61, into the United States service, be- 
coming a member of Company A, Sixth Wisconsin 
Regiment. .\t the battle of Petersburg he w.as 
wounded and captured, and .soon after was thrown 
into Libby Pi'ison, where he was kept for two 
inonlhs. 15eing liberated he started, ragged and 
lialf-starved, for his home in Wisconsin. His wife 
had received the ollicial re|)ort, '■George Swallow 
killed." Imagine her surprise and delight when 
at midnight her husband knocked at her door, and 
in response to "Who's there.''" !c|)lied in his well 
known voice. After the death of this wife he 
wedded Mrs. Martha Lord, who also had children, 
but he has no heir by eillicr man iage. His second 
wife was a nurse in the norllieni army at Shiloh. 
The privations and sulTerings during his army life 
have affected tlic health of this veteran, and re- 
sulted in the partial loss of his eyesight, for which 
he receives a small pension. 

In the fall of IH.II lleniy Swallow returned to 
England, where he spent the winter, but the fol- 
lowing year came back to the ITnited States, stop- 
ping at Schenectady and Skanealeles, N. Y., where 
he worked at his trade. Ccmiing on to Wisconsin 
he joineil his maternal uncle at I'ewaukee. The 
gold fever having broken out and a company 
having been (jrgani/.ed by Randall Fuller and Joel 
Uidwcll, Mr. Swallow joined the expedition as 
cook. One thing he learned during his tiip across 
the plains was to be systematic in his work; if a 
knife or spoon was mislaid and left behind it was 
gone forever. Never in after lif(^ was the habit 
thus formed abandoned. His mining operations 
in California were carried on in the Sierra Nevada 



Mountains. Tie owned shares in Excelsior Tun- 
nel, Excelsior Hill, which after 3ears of labor be- 
came valuable. An avalanche took down the house 
in which he lived and killed a friend who was 
visiting him. Soon after he disposed of his share 
for $12,000, left the Golden Horn, crossed the 
Isthmus and landed safely in New York. Having 
arrived at Pine Grove, Portage County, Wis., in 
October, 1862, he married on the 23d of the same 
month Mrs. Zilplia Merrill, iipc Beaumont. The 
bridal tour extendc<l to England and they arrived 
at Liverpool on December 1. Beginning a search 
for relatives they found a maternal uncle of Mrs. 
Swallow, David RadclitTc, who with his family gave 
them a hearty welcome to their native land. The 
winter of 1862-6.'? was spent with the "old folks" 
at Martin Nest, Netherton. The Waketield Corn 
Market was visited m company with Uncle John 
Radcliffe, who was Treasurer of a Co-operative 
Company, where to their surprise thej' saw women 
with sample bags buying and selling on seemingly 
equal terms with men. The prisons, asylums of 
Waketield, the churches, mills, glass works, poor- 
houses, gin [)alaces of Leeds, the linen factories 
and bleaclieries of Harnsley, the family homestead, 
churches and church yards where stand the tombs 
of ancestors were all visited. Having spent some 
time in the smaller villages and farming sec- 
tion of Y'orkshire they went, in May, 1863, to 
London, visited Westminster Abbey, and also the 
House of Parliament. Gold bought the jirivilege of 
seeing Disraeli and < Jladstone,and a few sovereigns 
put into the hands of a keeper of the House of 
Commons gave them admission where might be 
seen the great men of Lngland. Courts, the l!ank 
of England, Merchants' Exchange, Tower of Lon- 
don and state prisons were examined at leisure. 
Mr. and Mrs. Swallow stood near the black stone 
where Anne Boleyn lost her head. They also 
went to Hani|)ton Court, the home of the famous 
Cardinal Woolsey, the P.ritish Museum, attended 
the meetings of Charles Spiirgeon, and witnessed 
the grand reception given to the newly married 
Prince of Wales at (iuild Hall. They beheld the 
(Jueen's birthday fete at S\ denham, and visited the 
original Crystal Palace of 18;") 1. On the 18tli of 
July, 1863, they bade adieu to Old England to re- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



331 



turn to their home in Wisconsin, being accom- 
panied aboard the "Servia" by Uncle David and 
Aunt May, wlio now in I.Slll will welcome Martin 
,1., till' son of Mr. and Mrs. Swallow, to their hos- 
pitable home as Sir David and Lnily Itadcliffe of 
Tliurtfslon Hall, llio former Ijcini;; ex-Mayor of 
Liverpool. 

In the fall of IHO.'i Mr. Swidlow again went to 
California to look after his mininj^ interests. He 
left his business in the hands of a friend who sold 
the claims and pocketed the money, and thus ended 
his career as a speculator in mines. As long as 
hop-growing was piolitable ho gave ids attention 
to that industry; like Anteus of old lu^ fell for 
strength to Mother Earth, who never seems to de- 
sert her children. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Swallow were liorn four chil- 
dren, two sons and two daughters. Martin .Iose|)li, 
who superintends the Swallow estate, was educated 
in the public schools and at Carroll College, after 
which he spent one season in a wholesale dry-goods 
house in Cleveland, Ohio. In national affairs he 
votes with the Republican party, but in local poli- 
tics gives his sui)port to the man who in his judg- 
ment is best calcidaled to fill the pt)silion satis- 
factorily. Though a young man, he has been con- 
nected with the f)(lieial management of schools in 
his town as Director and is now serving as Clerk 
of the Ho.ard. On the 12lh of September, 1894, he 
started on an extended lour to visit Niagara Falls, 
the National Capital, England, I reland, Scotland, 
Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy. 
In religious faith he is a Presbyterian. The eldest 
daughter, (iracc, acquired her education in the 
district schools and at MerrilI<Wis. Robin Henry 
attended the schools at Harthind and Oconomowoc 
preparatory- to entering the State rnivei-sity, when 
his health, which had always been delicate, became 
so much impaired that he was compelled to leave 
school. His death, from heart disease, occurred 
the year after that of his father. Dorothea, the 
youngest in the family, received her diploma from 
the township schools in 1H'J4, she being the lirst 
and onl\' pupil to graduate from District No. 8. 

In IKOl Mr. and ^[|■s. Swallow located on the 
present homesteail of one hundred and thirty-three 
acres on section 34, in the town of Merlon. It is 



well situated and finely watered, which makes it 
very desirable property. They bought it from 
George McKerlie. The patent for the east forty 
was signed September 10, 1844, by President Ty- 
ler, while that for the west eighty was signed by 
Zachary Taylor, March 1, 1H.")0. Mrs. Swalkiw 
holds the original patents of both. In political 
sentiments Mr. Swallow was an uncompromising 
Republican, and while in no sense a politician or 
ofllce-seeker, took a lively interest in the successes 
of his party. In religious belief li(> was identified 
with the Episcopal Church, having been brought 
up in that faith. On the i»lh of January, 1890, his 
death occurred. In his removal the community 
lost one of its most honorable and uiirighl citizens, 
while his home was bereft of a loving husband and 
father. In every business transaction of whatever 
nature his course w.as ever charaelenzed hy strict 
integrity, his word being as good .as his bond. 

Mrs. Swallow and her son, Martin J., carry on 
the farm, which is kept in good shape, in all parts 
indicating the careful and painstaking care of its 
owners. She and her family are numbered among 
the leading and inlhienlial citizens of their town, 
and as such have a wide circle of friends and ac- 
quaintances. 



-^i. 



l-^+^l 



-S) 



i-|^"X ANIEL L. CAMP, proprietor and editor 
I) of the Mukwonago Chief, is a native of 
the town of Mukwonago, where his birth 
occurred February 28, 18-10. The education he 
received in the schools of his native vill.age wa.s 
supplemented by a course in a commercial col- 
lege. At the age of twenty years he l)ecame a 
partner of his father in the mercantile business, 
continuing until the death of the latter in 1868. 
The same year he went to Ft. Howard, and w.as 
there engaged in merchandising for two j-ears. 
Having been appointed city editor of the Ft. How- 
ard Monitor, he filled that position until 1873, 
when he repaired to Whitehall, Trempealeau Coun- 
ty-, Wis., and again engaged in mercantile pursuits, 
in ctuincction with which he published the White- 
hall Afessenger. Twelve years later he disposed of 
his business and paper and went to Arcadia and 



332 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



embarked in mcrcliandising for a .year, then moved 
to Osspo mu\ established tiie Osseo Blcule, wliich lie 
conducted for two years. Returning to Mukwon- 
ago, he founded the paper of which he is the 
present proprietor, January 1, 188i). It is a spicy 
weekly paper, which by the enterprise and push 
of its publisher has gained a circulation of about 
six hundred. 

Mr. Camp was married in 18G1 to Rebecca Pratt, 
a native of Canada, and a daughter of Isaac and 
p:iizahetli Pratt. Four children blessed this union, 
viz.: Bert, James E., Claude D. and Karl. In 1881 
Mr. Camp was called upon to mourn the death of 
his wife. Two years later he wedded Miss Lucy 
King, of Ft. Howard, and of this marriage has 
been born one child, Louis. Mr Camp is a com- 
])etent journalist, who by experience has become 
familiar with every detail of his business. 

i'^~^ AVID C. JAMES, one of the leading mer- 

I I chants of Waukesha, is a native of San- 
dusky, N. Y., born March 23, 1858. His 
father, Samuel D. James, who is now the oldest dry- 
goods merchant of Waukesha, was born in Cardi- 
ganshire, South Wales, November 23, 1822. In 
early life he learned the trade of cloth dresser, 
which he followed as long as he remained in his 
native land. In 184G he embarked aboard a sail- 
ing-vessel at Liverpool, and thirty-six days elapsed 
ere the ship reached New York. He at once went 
to Utica and assisted in a woolen mill. By work- 
ing almost day and night he completely wore him- 
self out and sickness followed. In order to recu- 
perate his health, as well as his exchequer, he start- 
ed out with two trunks slrajjped across his back to 
peddle goods, traveling over a good part of the 
state. In 1849 he removed to Sandusky, Cattarau- 
gus County. Two years later he and a partner 
embarked in general merchandising, in which he 
continued until 186-1. When tliej- began business 
Mr. James had some ^lOi) or ^800, and his partner 
about 81,200. By the exercise of good business 
capacity and careful management they achieved a 
deserved success. At that village Mr. James was 
married in 1853 to Miss Elizabeth Williams, a na- 



tive of Pembrokeshire, Wales. Of this union were 
born three children. Anna J. is the wife of A. C. 
Nickell, a prominent jeweler of Waukesha; David 
C. is the next younger, and Arthur W., who is also 
a resident of Waukesha, completes the family. 

In 1861 Mr. James disposed of his interests in 
the east and moved to Wisconsin, arriving in Wau- 
kesha on the 30th of September. The following 
year, in partnership with R. ISI. Jameson, he engaged 
in general merchandising; the lines of goods car- 
ried, however, were subsequently reduced to dry 
goods, clothing and carpets. The partnership con- 
tinued unintiMruplodly for six years, when Mr. 
Jameson retired. Soon afterward Mr. James' sons, 
David C. and Arthur W., became interested with 
him in the business and so continued until 188G, 
when the store was turned over to the sons. Though 
piacticall}- retired, Mr. James still spends much of 
his time in the store, lending his counsel and as- 
sistance. He has the honor of being the oldest 
dry-goods merchant now residing in AVaukesha. 
In 1868 he and his partner erected the large store 
at No. 429 Main Street, where the business is still 
carried on. Other enterprises have claimed a por- 
tion of the time of this gentleman; he was one of 
the founders of the National Exchange Bank of 
Waukesha, and has been a member of the Board of 
Directors since its incorporation. 

Mr. James is a charter member of the Republi- 
can i)art3', having voted for every Presidential 
candidate from Fremont to Harrison. In religious 
faith he is identified with the Welsh Methodist 
Church, while his wife belongs to the Baptist de- 
nomination. Mr. James is recognized as one of 
the most successful merchants of Waukesha. Hav- 
ing commenced there with a very small ca]iital, he 
has by industry and judicious investment become 
one of the substantial men of the place. Twenty- 
nine years have elapsed since he began business in 
the Saratoga of the west, and during these years 
wonderful changes have taken place in the county, 
in the village, and in business methods as well. 

David C. James became sole proprietor of the 
above long established business house in 1891, and 
as might be expected fifim one who has been reared 
to that occupation, his efforts have been crowned 
with merited success. Since six years of age his 




CHARLES [E. ARMIN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



335 



home has boon in Waukesha, in whose public schools 
he received liis primarj^ education, wliich was sup- 
plemented by a course extending to the senior 
year in Carroll College. When «>venteen years of 
age he became salesman in his fatlier's store, and 
ever since his best thought and energy have been 
given to that calling. For a number of years be- 
fore becoming proprietor of the business he had the 
general supervision and did all the buying. Mr. 
James was married in Waukesha, in February, 1882, 
to Miss Ida, daughter of Winchel 1). Bacon. Of 
this union has been born a daughter, (iuendolen. 
Mrs. James is a member of the Baptist Church. 
I'olilically Mr. James is a Republican, though he 
is in no sense a pf)litieian. 



♦^^S 



\m 



eHARLES ELDRIDGE ARMIN, District 
Attorney for Waukesha County, was born 
in Potsdam, St. Lawrence (Jounty, N. Y., 
December 27, 18.53, and is a son of Lott W. and 
Abbie J. (Eldridge) Arniin. His father was born 
in Watlas, Yorkshire, England, and came to Amer- 
ica with his parents in childhood. The family set- 
tled at Potsdam. JyOtt W. Arm in was married at 
Canton, St. Lawrence County-, N. Y., to Miss Abbie 
Eldridge, a native of Burlington, Vt. Mrs. Armin 
is descended from an old New England family. 
■Tlie husband is a veteran of the late war. having 
served as Sergeant of Company B, Ninety-second 
New York Infantry-. He and his family still re- 
side in the old home at Potsdam. 

Charles E. was reared in his native town and re- 
ceived his education in the public schools and at 
the State Normal. He began the study of law at 
Potsdam under Judge Knowles, and in 1878 came 
to Wisconsin. On coming to tliis state, Mr. Armin 
located at Waukesha, wiierc he pursued his law 
studies in the ollice of .ludge P. H. Carney, and 
was admitted to practice by examinatitm in open 
court in February, 188.'$. The following May he 
began practice in Waukesha, continuing alone in 
business until he formed the existing partnership 
with Vernon Tichcnor, in March, 18!(2, under 
the firm name of Armin A' Tichenor. In August, 
1885, Mr. Arniin was admitted to jjractice in the 



Supreme Court of the state. On the 13th of Feb- 
ruary, 1881, Mr. Armin was united in marriage at 
Waukesha, with Miss Flora Buttertield. Mrs. Armin 
was born in Madison, Wis., and is a daughter of 
Charles and Anna Butterfield. Mr. and Mis. Ar- 
min have one child, a daughter, Cora Abbie. 

Socially our subject is a member of Forest City 
Lodge No. 52, K. P., of which he is District Dep- 
uty. He is a member of Waukesha Camp, .Sons of 
Veterans, and was the first elected IJeulenant- 
Colonel of the order in Wisconsin. Previous to his 
election the ollice was an appointive one. Politi- 
cally he IS a Democrat and he was elected District 
Attorney in the fall of 1892. Mr. Armin has a 
suburban home of ten acres, situated one mile east 
of the village of Waukesha, which is one of the 
oldest residence places in the county. Whilecom- 
paiatively a young man, he h.as succeeded in 
building up a good and increasing practice. 



-=^-^H-^l 



JOHN BATES, deceased, was a man univer- 
sallj' esteemed and was regarded as one of 
the leading and inlluential citizens of Wau- 
kesha County. A native of Buckingham- 
shire, England, he was born February 18, 181 1, 
and was a son of Thomas Withers and Elizabeth 
Bates, who were also natives of Buckinghamshire. 
The father was reared .as a farmer, but after com- 
ing to the United States spent fourteen years of 
his life as a ship sawj'er and brick-maker. He 
then resumed agricultural pursuits. , 

Our subject was nineteen years of age when he 
concluded to try his fortune in the United States. 
He sailed from London, and aftera voyage of nine 
weeks landed in New York, where he began work- 
ing as a farm hand. He there remained for two 
years and afterward learned the trade of brick- 
making, which he followed for six years in the 
Empire State. In 1839 he returned to England, 
and during that visit to his old home met and 
married Miss Elizabeth Edmonds, who was l)orn 
in Yarnton, Oxfordshire, January 12, 1817. Their 
marriage was celebrated in November, 1839. and 
by their union were born six sons and eiglit 
daughters, of whom seven still survive, namely: 



336 



PORTRAIT AJS'D BIUGRAPIIICAL RECORD. 



Helen, the wife of John Pettard, lives on a farm 
near Geneva, Neb. Robert K., who raarried Sarah 
Brown, of Lisbon Townsiiip, by whom he has one 
dftugiiter, makes his liome at Spring Green, Sauk 
County, Wis. Bessie A. was born in Waukesha 
County June 13, 18.03, and was married January 
1, 1880, to C. K. Uishop, by whom she has four 
sons and a daughter, four yet living: George E., 
attending school; John E., Alfred E. and Nellie. 
Mrs. Bishop was educated in the public schools 
and in a sele(;t school in Milwaukee, and for two 
terms engaged in teaching in Michigan. In liis 
younger j'ears Jlr. Bishop learned the trade of a 
tanner but now carries on agricultural pursuits. 
Since casting his first Presidential vote for Gen- 
eral Grant he has sui)ported the Republican part}', 
and his brother, R. P. liishop, represents his dis- 
trict in Michigan in tlie State Legislature and is 
now candidate for Congress. Martha, the next 
member of the Bates family, is the wife of Stephen 
Rankin, one of the representative farmers of Lis- 
bon Township. Ilu was there born February 14, 
1849, and Mrs. Rankin was born March 3,1856, 
in a log cabin on sectif»ii 10, Lisbon Township. 
Their marriage was celebrated December 24, 1877, 
and was blessed with six children, all yet living, 
namely: James !'>., who has made rapid advance- 
ment in his studies and now aids his father in car- 
rying on tlie farm; Edith May, Everett J., Earl S. 
and Stanley M., in school; and Ruth Kstella, at 
home. Mr. Rankin was formerly a Republican but 
is now a Prohibitionist and takes a firm stand on 
the side of temperance. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of tiie Presbyterian Church. Their beautiful 
home, comprising eighty acres, is situated a mile 
and a-half from Sussex, and their tasty residence 
was erected in 1803. Louisa, another member of 
the Bates family, is tlie wife of Austin lirink, a 
farmer residing in Erie County, N. Y. Mary J. is 
the wife of W. W. Bartlett, an agriculturist of 
Friend. Neb. George W., one of the model farm- 
ers of Lisbon Township, was born April 19, 1860, 
and was married October 18, 1888, to Fannie 
Blake, who was born in Oak Creek (now South 
Milwaukee) November 15, 1859. George Bates 
resides on an eighty-acre farm jjiircliased from his 
father, and all the improvements seen there stand 



as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. It is 
one of the best farms of this locality, and their 
home, a beautiful country residence, was erected 
in 1892. Ills first Presidential vote was cast for 
Benjamin Harrison, and he is a stanch Republican. 

Mrs. John Bates, the mother of this family, was 
born and reared in England and w.as educated in 
the parish schools of her native land. During her 
girliiood she became a member of the Episcopal 
Church, but after emigrating to America joined 
the Methodist Church. The j-ear 1841 witnessed 
the emigration of Mr. and Mrs. Bates to the New 
World, and eight weeks were consumed in making 
the voyage from Liverpool to New York. For a 
number of years they lived in the latter city and 
Mr. Bates worked at brick-making in the summer, 
while in the winter he engaged in ship-sawing. In 
1849 he came with his family to Wisconsin, locat- 
ing at Milwaukee, and while there the children 
were taken sick with cholera. They then went to 
Manistee, Mich., where John and Susanna died, 
after which they returned to Milwaukee and later 
came to Lisbon Township. They had only twenty- 
five cents when they reached Waukesha. 

The prospects of this worthy couple were not 
very bright but they made the most of their op- 
portunities. Mr. Bates rented land for five years 
and then purchased fort}' acres on section 16 and 
forty acres on section 10. They lived in a log 
cabin and in course of time developed a fine farm. 
In 1857 they erected the home which was their 
place of residence during their remaining da3's. 
Mr. Bates was known as a man of integrit}' and 
honor, whose word was as good .as his bond, and 
the poor and need}' found in him a faithful friend. 
He supported all worthy interests and enterprises, 
being a pulilic-sjiirited and progressive citizen. 
He was an earnest supporter of the public schools, 
and both he and his wife were devout members of 
the Baptist Church. In politics he was a Repub- 
lican from the organization of the party until his 
death. 

Mr. Bates was a self-made man, who through 
well directed efforts acquired a handsome compe- 
tency, including his fine farm of two hundred 
and twenty acres. His wife passed away March 
26, 1887, and he was called to the home beyond 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



337 



July 19, 1893. They were interred in Merlon 
Cemetery, wliere a beautiful monument marks their 
last resting i)lace. They left t(j tlieir cliildren an 
untarnished name, and their memory vvill ever be 
clierished bv tlicir descendants. 



/^LAUDE N. CAMERON, dealer in drugs 
V^y and also Postmaster of Pewaukee, is a na- 
tive of Wisconsin, born in Tomah, Monroe 
County,. January 28,1865. Ilis parents, Rev. John 
H. and Mary (Cunimings) Cameron, are of Scotch 
extraction. Tiie}' came to Wisconsin among tiie 
early sett lei's and here have since made their home. 
The fatlior, who is a college-bred man, has spent 
most of Ilis life as a minister in tlie Congregational 
Church. For seventeen years he had charge of 
the church of that denomination .it Pewaukee, 
being much beloved by the people to whom he 
preached for so many years. He is now located at 
Woodworth, Konoslia County, Wis. In the work 
of the church his wife has ever been a faithful 
helper. Their family consists of two sons; the 
name of the eldest one apjiears at the head of this 
article; and Grafton L., who is also a druggist, is 
employed in a store in Chicago. 

The subject of this biographical sketch had more 
than ordinary opportunics for ac(iuuing an edu- 
cation. After attending the public schools he 
entered Beloit College, where he remained .as a 
student for some time, but being anxious to get 
Started in business he left school, and at the age 
of nineteen entered a drug store in Kond du Lac. 
A year later we find him employed in a drug store 
on the corner of Clark and Adams Streets, Chi- 
cago, where he remained for three years. The 
following year he w.as in a drug store on the west 
side. In 1887 he successfully passed an examina- 
tion before the .State Hoard of Pharmacy, receiv- 
ing license from that honorable body to deal in 
drugs anywhere within the borders of this state. 
Wishing to purcha.se the drug store of H. D. Sikes, 
of Pewaukee, but not having the necessary funds, 
Mr. Cameron a|)plied for assistance to his father, 
who showed remarkable generosity and confidence 
in bis sou by mortgaging his home for ¥2,000 in 



order to set the boy up in business. Subsequent 
events proved that the confidence was not mis- 
placed, as young Cameron by close attention and 
careful management of his business was enabled to 
repay his father and increase his stock until it has 
become one of the largest in Pewaukee. 

On the 29th of May, 1890, Mr. Cameron was 
united in marriage with Etta M., daughter of N. 
S. Clapp, a prominent business man of Richmond, 
Walworth County, Wis. Mrs. Cameron is an ac- 
tive worker in the Congregational Church. Po- 
litically, Mr. Cameron is a Republican. He has 
served as a member of the Village Board, and on 
the 1st of November, 1892, was appointed Post- 
master of Pewaukee to serve the unexpired term 
of II. M. Mills, who resigned the otiice. In man- 
ner Mr. Cameron is courteous and obliging, and 
by fair treatment of his customers has built up a 
good trade. Besides his store he owns a comfort- 
able home in Pewaukee, all of which has been .ac- 
cumulated through his own industry'. 



— (* -' — ^ 



"SI 



^+^ 



[=~ 



eS. DAVIS, deceased, was numbered among 
the honored pioneers of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, and his name is inseparably connected 
with the history of the community. He witnessed 
the wonderful transformation that has taken place 
in this section, was an important factor in its de- 
velopment and progress and was a worthy repre- 
sentative of the .agricullural interests of the coun- 
ty. He was born in the town of Freedom, Catta- 
raugus County, N. Y., April 12, 1820, being a son 
of .Sard is and Polly (Simmons) Davis. His grand, 
father was born in Wales in the last century, and 
when a young man crossed the Atlantic to Massa- 
chusetts, which was the native place of .Sardis 
Davis. The latter removed to Cattaraugus Coun- 
ty, N. Y., where he experienced many of the hard- 
ships of frontier life. He died in .Menoiuonee 
Township, January 2, 18G2, at the age of seventy- 
three, and was buried in Lisbon Township. His 
wife, who was a native of the old Hay Slate, re- 
moved to Michigan, where she died in 1835, her 
remains being interred in Howell, Livingstt)n 
County, that stale. She was a sincere Christian 



338 



POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



woman, and both Mr. and Mrs. Davis were re- 
spected by all who knew them. In their family 
were ten sons and four clauj^hters, but only two 
are now living, Sarah J., wiihtw of .Jonathan Aus- 
tin, who was a farmer of Salem, Mich.; and Ruth, 
wife of William Simmons, an .agriculturist of Mott- 
ville, St. .Jose|)h County, Mich. 

Mr. Davis of this sketch, the twelfth in the above 
family, was reared on a farm, and the common 
schools afforded his educational privileges, but the 
family were in limited circumstances, and as there 
was not money enough to pay the tuition of all, 
the children had to take turns in going to school. 
When twelve years of age Mr. Davis accompanied 
his parents to Michigan, and after one year spent 
in Farinington, Washtenaw County, he removed 
to Ilowell, Livingston County. It was during his 
residence there that he lost his mother. In the 
employ of his uncle, .loshua Simmons, he learned 
the work of logging and felling trees, and with 
him remained live years. At the time of his death, 
in 1887, the uncle owned one of the finest and 
best improved farms in Livingston County. On 
the 8th of October, 1844, Mr. Davis reached Wis- 
consin and three days later came to Menomonee 
Township. 

Previous to this time Mr. Davis returned to his 
native state, and on the 17th of September, 1844, 
married Miss Lucinda L. Baldwin, an old play- 
mate, and a daughter of Charles T. and Clarissa 
(Bingham) Baldwin. She was born in Sandusky, 
Cattar.augus County, N. Y., July 13, 1824, and is 
the sixth in the family of two sons and six daugh- 
ters, but only three are now living. Polly, who 
was born in Stanstead, Canada, is the widow of 
Artemus Smith, formerly- a farmer and shoemaker 
of Crawford County, Pa.; Phd-be is the wife of 
Klias A. Wood, an olficer in the late war, who 
was killed in battle by a i)iece of flying shell, after 
which he was laid to rest in Washington, D. C. 

On the Isl of October, 1844, Mr. Davis and his 
bride started by w.ay of the Lakes to make a home 
in the territory of Wisconsin. A farm of eighty 
acres on section 17, Menomonee Township, was 
purchased, but not a tree had been cut or an im- 
provement made upon the place. A little clear- 
ing was made and a log house 18x24 feet in size 



was built. It had one window and one door, and 
these Mr. Davis carried on his back from Menomo- 
nee. The roof was made from twenty-six inch 
lap shingles, and a stove-pipe put through the 
roof served as a chimney. This was not very safe, 
and on three different occasions the house nar- 
rowly escaped destruction by lire. Subsequently 
an addition was made to the cabin home, 12x24 
feet, in which was a good fireplace and chimnej', 
constituting quite a modern dwelling. About four 
years later Mr. Davis bought forty acres of land 
on section 8 for S350. In the fall of his arrival 
he sowed his first crop of wheat among the tim- 
ber, and in course of time reaped one of the best 
harvests he ever gathered. In 18.'),') he built the 
beautiful stone residence and purchased another 
forty acres, and in 1884 again bought a similar 
tr.act. This last is now owned by his son, Noble A. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born five sons. 
Cyrus E., born September 21, 1846, died October 
15, 1851, and a monument on the home farm 
marks his last resting place. Edgar P., born No- 
vember 27, 1848, established a machine shop in 
Omaha, Neb.,al)0ut twenty ^-eais ago, and is now 
a prominent business man at the head of the Davis 
& Cowgill Iron Works. He is one of the local po- 
litical leaders and has filled various offices of trust. 
Charles II., born August 1), 1850, carried on mill- 
ing in Richfield, Washington County, Wis., but his 
plant was destroyed by fire. Subsequently two 
other large mills in which he was interested met a 
similar fate, one at Bryant, Wis., and the other at 
ISIatcliwood, Mich. Three years ago, in company 
with his brother, he engaged in quarr3'ing stone 
on section 17, Menomonee Township, the firm be- 
ing known as Davis Bros. He also owns a seventy- 
acre farm in Lisbon Township. James E., born 
March 3, 1852, is a progressive business man, the 
junior member of the firm of Davis Bros. Noble 
A., born August 17, 1856, carries on the home 
farm. His name is an Index to his character, and 
all who know him hold him in the highest regard. 

In politics, Mr. Davis was originally an old-line 
Whig, but after the organization of the Republi- 
can party was one of its supporters. He never 
sought office, his time and attention being taken 
up by his agricultural interests. In July, 1894, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



339 



Mr. Davis sufifered a stroke of paralysis which 
leriniiialud fatall.y on the 2(;ih of that month. 
The funeral, which was one of the most largely at- 
tended of any that have ever occurred in the 
township, was held at tlie old homestead, within 
sight of which he was laid to rest. Honorable and 
iH)riglit in all his dealings, he won universal con- 
fidence and esteem among his fellow-men, with 
whom he was associated for so many years. 



PROF. HOWARD L. TERRY is the present 
Principal of the high school of Waukesha, 
to which position he was called at the be- 
ginning of the school year of 1893, as successor of 
Prof. G. H. Reed. The first school taught on the site 
of the village of Waukesiia w.as a private school, in 
the winter of 1836-37. The first public school 
building was constructed of tamar.ack logs the 
following season, and did duly for educational 
purposes for ten years, or till 1817, when it was 
superseded by a stone structure. This was the 
only pul)lic school building in the village until 
1850, and was used foi' school purposes until 
18'JO. In 1850 the village had become so populous 
that additional school room was ic(|uired; the old 
Episcopal Church on Barstow Street was pur- 
chased and converted into a public school build- 
ing. At this time the children of school age 
numbered one hundred and lifty-six. Additional 
school room was soon reciuircd, and in 1855 a sub- 
stantial stone .structure was erected which now 
forms the nucleus of the present liigh school build- 
ing of Waukesha. In 1868 the number of children 
of school age in the building was six hundred and 
thirty-five, of whom live hundred and fifteen 
were enrolled in the public schools. 

A fair degree of i)rogressiii the efliciency of the 
public schools of Waukesha continued to be made, 
but in 1867 there had been but little advance in 
the curriculum during the preceding ten years. 
The first public school teacher in the village was 
John M. Wells, who presided at the tamarack log 
schoolhouse during the winter of 1837-38. Among 
the earlier teachers api)ear the names of C. S. 
Hartwell, Miss M. 11. Van Vechteu, J. O. Potter 



and Miss M. A. Olin. In 1853 the district was re- 
organized, larger appropriations made and greater 
facilities provided to meet the demands of the 
growing village. From this time down to the 
year 1862, the names of the following Princi- 
pals appear on the records: Mr. Conklin, O. R. 
Bacon, A. A. (irinith, Ira Colby, Jr., J. H. Mc- 
Giffln, E. S. Green, A. A. Proctor and D. T. Potter. 
The War of the Rebellion was now in progress 
and good male teachers were hard to find; for the 
years 1863-64, Miss M. J. Dickerman (afterward 
Mrs. I. N. Stewart) was Principal. The name of 
T. N. Wells also appears as Principal during the 
war. 

In 1866, with the advent of Prof. Alexander F. 
North as Principal, a new impulse was given to 
the educational interests of the village which 
have never since declined. He was a most ener- 
getic and successful teacher. During his admin- 
istration the higher mathematics and the natural 
sciences became a i)art of the course of study, and 
the schools reached a much higher standard than 
they had hitherto attained. After three years 
Professor North was succeeded by Prof. W. E. 
Anderson, who four years later was called to the 
principalship of one of the ward schools of Mil- 
waukee, and who afterward became Superintendent 
of the schools of that city. In 1877 Prof. A. A. 
Miller became Principal, continuing as such till 
1883, when he was succeeded by Prof. George H. 
Reed, who was succeeded Ijy the i)resent Principal 
at the beginning of the school 3'ear of 1893-94. 

In 1884 the |)resent elegant high school build- 
ing was erected; ?!15,000 were expended in its 
erection. Its fine architectual features, capacity 
and convenieiu;e, render it one of the finest 
high school Iniildings in the state. The school 
system now includes four district school build- 
ings, situated in diffcient parts C)f the village. 
About twelve hundred pupils are enrolled and 
twenty-five teachers, beside the Principal, are em- 
ployed. In 1889 the old Union school became a 
high school under the state law. Under the |)res- 
ent efficient system the pupils are fully prepared 
for entrance to the university, and in some classes 
to advanced standing. 

Professor Terr}', as already observed, took charge 



340 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL RECORD. 



of the schools of Waukesha at the beginning of 
the school year of 1893, as successor of Prof. G. H. 
Rccfl. lie is the I'liiicipal of llie iiigh ^cliool, and 
practically Superiiili'iulcntof ail tlic schools of the 
city, about oiie-hnlf of his liine i)eing given to 
the instruction of classes and the remainder to 
general superintending. He is a native of Wis- 
consin, born in tiie town of Lowell, Dodge Coun- 
ty, July 30, 1853, ills parents, Daniel C. and 
Eli/.abetli (Kenton) Terry, being pioneers of that 
counlT. The}' were fornicrly from western New 
York. Their children comprise lwosons,of whom 
Milton E. is the younger. 

Our subject received his primary education in 
tlie public schools, wliich was suiiplcmented by a 
course at Wayland Academy-. He l)egan teaching 
at the age of twenty, and has made that profession, 
thus far, his life work. Ills teaching lias been 
coiilined to the state of Wisconsin, except one 
year at Wells, Minn, lie was four years at Lowell, 
and Principal of the high school at Lake Mills for 
eleven 3'ears. Professor Terry takes rank with 
the leading educators of the state; lie is always a 
student, keeping abreast of the more advanced 
methods of instruction. 

Fcliniary 6, 1877, Professor Terry w.as united 
in marriage with Miss Ellen R. Light. Mrs. Teriy 
is a lady of culture and a vocalist of rare abilit}'. 
Their union has been blessed with four daughters, 
Abbie, Grace, Edna and Clara. 

[^^^ 

AMUEL IIADFIELD, Street Commissioner 
'^-^'^ of Waukesha, was born in New Mill, Ches- 
hire, England, February 27, 1834. Ilis 
parents, John and Ann (Unwin) Iladfield, were 
also natives of England. The subject of this sketch 
had very poor advantages for obtnining an edu- 
cation. IJpfore he was nine years of age he was 
l)ut to work in a cotton factory to learn the trade 
of a weaver, and at that occupation continued to 
work until his emigration to America. In .Sun- 
day-school and at night school he acquired the 
rudiments of an education which has been broad- 
ened by reading and contact with the world. In 
1852 he embarked from Liverpool for New York, 



making the journey in thirty-three days. The 
same year he arrived in Waukesha, and for several 
years worked for wages among the farmers in the 
surrounding country. In 1857 he weiU to Min- 
nesota with a surveying party, and for about two 
years was engaged in surveying (Jovernment land. 
Returning to Waukesha, he was married, Septem- 
ber 17, 1860, to Miss Eunice, daughter of Aaron 
S. and Sarah (Mower) Putiie>', natives respectively 
of Steuben and Y'ates Counties, N. Y'. 

When fifteen years of age Mr. Putney com- 
menced to learn the tanner and currier's trade, 
at which he worked for a number of years, rising 
in the liusiness until he became foreman of a large 
establishment. In Rusliville, N. Y., the native 
place of his wife, he wedded Miss Jlower, who 
was of English extraction. In I83() he removed 
to Wisconsin, stopping at .Milwaukee, where he 
assisted in erecting the second frame house con- 
structed in that village. The same year he claimed 
the northeast quarter of section 36, Pcwaiikee 
Townshi|), which he improved and made his home 
for thirty years. He helped to cut out the road 
running to Madison, and also to lay off the ground 
for the foundation of the capitol. In fact, Mr. 
Putney was one of the wide-awake, enterprising 
and public-spirited men of his times. In 1867 he 
removed to Waukesha, and in compau)' with John 
S. IJuchner, opened a general store, but subse- 
quently inirch.ased the interest of his partner and 
continued the business alone until his death, when 
he was succeeded by his sons. 

Mr. Putney filled tlie position of Supervisor and 
other town ottices, though he was not possessed of 
aspirations for official distinction. Politieall}', he 
was a Free-Soiler, and on the rise of the Repub- 
lican party became identilied with that; his alle- 
giance thereto was unfaltering. Of the Congre- 
gational Church both he and his wife were stanch 
supporters, he having been Deacon and Trustee 
for many years. The death of Mr. Putney oc- 
curred in 1876, and that of his wife the year fol- ' 
lowing. Their family comprised ten children, 
though h.alf of them are in the spirit world. The 
living are, Henry O., a prominent merchant of 
Waukesha; Mrs. Iladfield; Mrs. Clara A. Rhodes; 
Aaron S., a partner of Henry; and Mrs. Hattie A. 



PORTRAIT AND BTOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



341 



Wliite, of Chicago. Mi', and Mis. I'ulnoy were 
among the earliest settlers of the county, and 
with them experienced many of the incouveni- 
onces of pioneer life. Their first homo was in a 
log cabin, in whicii a blanket hung for a door 
was all that shut them from the outside, where 
Indians, wolves and deer roamed at pleasure. Mr. 
Putney often went on hoisebaek to Madison in 
order to have bread stuff ground, and on these 
journeys carried parched corn in his pocket, on 
which he subsisted until his return. Amid such 
scenes as these Mrs. Iladlield was born February 
28, 1841, on the old lioiuestead. 

After his marriage Mr. Iladfield worked rented 
farms for a number of 3ears. On the i;3th of 
September, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, Eigh- 
teenth Wisconsin Infantry. His regiment was at 
once sent to Chattanooga, Tenn., and took part in 
a number of the closing engagements of the war. 
Mr. Iladfield had the satisfaction of particiiiating in 
the Grand Review in Wasliington, the greatest 
military pageant this country has ever known. At 
Madison, Wis., he was discharged in .July, 1865. 
During his absence Mrs. lladliekl had made her 
home ill Waukesha, where her husband had pur- 
chased a house and k)t, the first real estate he 
ever owned, near the Episcopal Church. Upon 
his return from the wai, Mr. Iladlield again turned 
his attention to farming. A year later he bought 
forty acres of land, a part of which is within the 
present limits of the village. This was sold for 
$3,000 and he invested in eighty acres a mile east of 
town. In 1877 Mr. Iladfield moved to Waukesha 
and bought the old Putney homestead, which still 
stands, though it has been removed a few feet to 
give place for the construction of the beautiful hotel 
known as the Iladfield llo".se, which was erected 
by tlie subject of this article in 1884, and which 
was operated by him for nine years. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Iladfield consisted 
of five children. Frank P., born .Tune 20, 1861, 
IS a locomotive fireman; he has one little daughter, 
Eunice. Fred M., who was born .Inly 29, 1866, 
and died December :?1, 1891, was an expert book- 
keei)er and stenographer, having been educated In 
a business college in Milwaukee. Harry .Sidney, 
who was iMirn October 18, 1868, and educated in 



Carroll College, is in the hotel business in Milwau- 
kee. Ellie May, who was born October 21, 1870, 
and died ,hily 1.'), 1H90, was the only daughter 
and the joy of I he home. One of the above fam- 
ily died in childhood. Mrs. Iladlield is a member 
of the Congregational Church. 

Ill political faith the subject of this biography 
is a Uei)ublican. He is now serving his third term 
as Street C'ominissioner, having been chosen the 
first liiiH! in l.s'.M, then in IK'.t;!, and agiiln in 
1S'.»I. On the 4th of July, 1894, Mr. Iladlield 
had lived in this county fort^'-lwo years. He is 
well known as a conservative business man, whose 
course in life has ever been characterized by hon- 
esty, fairness and a conscientious regard for the 
rights of others. 



=^>^^<-i 



CQ:^ 



ellAULES 1). WKHI'.KR. One of the popu- 
lar summer resorts of Waukesha County is 
thai of i\Ir. Webber. This delightful 
place is situated on the west bank of rpjier Ne- 
mahbin Lake in the town of Summit. The loca- 
tion was originally owned by Colonel H^'de, who 
conveyed the property to .Ici(jme Nickles, Mr. 
Webber being the third owner. The place lies 
along the shore of the lake above mentioned, and 
formerly contained one hundred and two acres, 
but he has disposed of a part of the land, having 
now about forty acres. The resort, a commodious 
and convenient structure, is situated but a few 
rods from the shore of the beautiful Ipper Nemah- 
bin Lake, in the midst of a grove, whose refresh- 
ing shade, aided by the gentle breezes from the 
lake, is wonderfully restful to the many guests 
who annually gather at this pleasant resoit. 

Mr. Webber is a native of the Empire State 
born ill Madison County in 182(1. His father, 
Austin I'). Webber, was boiii in Oneida County, in 
the same state, in IH()(). The subject of this lecord 
grew to manhood In his native county, and in 
earlier life was engaged in railroading and steam- 
boating. He was married in the state of New 
York to Mary Nickles, daughter of Jerome Nickles. 
In 1858 the two families came to AVisconsin to- 
gether, and this was the home of Mr. Nickles until 



342 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Iiis death, which occurred a number of j'ears ago. 
His wife passed awa^' the same 3'ear. 

Together Mr. Nickles and Mr. Webber improved 
the plnee and carried on farming. It was not un- 
til a comparatively recent date that Mr. Webber 
lias conducted a summer resort. He continued 
railroading after he came west, in connection with 
the Prairie du Chien <fe Milwaukee Railroad, and 
latei- was conneete<i with the .1. .1. Talmadge Steam 
Hoat Company, wliicli operated a line of steamers 
on tlie lakes, between Milwaukee and Buffalo. He 
was also fur a time connected with the American 
Mail Line of Steamers on the St. Lawrence, jjlying 
between Cape Vincent and Hamilton. 

For a number of years .Mr. Webber has taken life 
more (luielly at his home on the lake. He is ac- 
counted one of the enler|>rising men of his town, 
with which he has been identilied for many years. 



-■}'^^^< 



!^i^!^ 

i^*\^' 




RO B K R T S E A 1? () R N, a representative 
farnier residing on section 22, Delafield 
Townshiii, Waukesha County, is one of a 
family comprising three sons and four daughteis 
born to 'I'liomas and Sarah (Savage) Seaborn, both 
of whom were natives of Rochestershire, England. 
Thom.as Seaborn 's father, our subject's grandfather, 
who also bore the name of Thomas Seaborn, was 
born in Rochestershire, on the 16th of November, 
17G'J, and died in 1848 at the age of seveuty-nine 
years. The former's birth occurred November 21, 
1808. He was reared as a farmer, and received 
but a limited education. On reaching manhood 
he was united in marriage with Sarah Savage. In 
18.J0 he and his family- set sail for America from 
the port of Liverpool, England, and after a voyage 
of six weeks landed in the city of New York. 
They continued then journiy up the Hudson 
River to Albany, thence on the Kiie Canal to Buf- 
falo, where they arrived on the 4th of .Inly, 1850. 
To Milwaukee the trip was made on the Great 
Lakes, and from that city they proceeded by stage 
to the town of Delafield, where they settled near 
what IS now the Thomas farm. The first few weeks 



they lived in tents, and as the weather was incle- 
ment, suffered greatly. Mr. Seaboin then built a 
house, which was composed of rails, woven to- 
gether with brush and plastered over with mortar. 
The dimensions of the building were 14x20 feet, 
while the furniture of the same was manufactured 
by him out of crude material, and b}- the most 
primitive appliances. For a time Mr. Seaborn 
worked out as a farm hand, lie also kept a gen- 
eral store, continuing in that business for about 
seven years, at the end of which time he purchased 
twenty acres of unimproved land, which now form 
a part of fuir subject's farm; upon this he built 
a small frame house, and proceeded to clear and 
cultivate it. A year later he bought an adjoining 
forty acres. At the time of his settlement in this 
county Indians were not numerous, but deer and 
wolves abounded. Both husljand and wife have 
now passed away; the former's death occurred on 
the 30th of November, 1885, and that of the latter 
October 29, 1866, aged fifty-two years. 

Robert Seaborn was born on the lllh of April, 
1842. in Rochestershire, England, and was conse- 
quently but eight years old when he came to the 
United States with his parents, lie grew up on 
his father's farm, at a time when a practical 
education was consideied of far more importance 
than book learning, and, too, when educational ad- 
vantages were not of the best. Mr Seaborn pur- 
chased the old homestead and afterward added 
forty acres to it; he has erected a good house and 
outl)uildings, besides nuiking other extensive im- 
provements on the farm. 

On the 24th of December, 1872, was celebrated 
the marriage of Robert Seaborn and Miss Alfreda, 
daughter of Edwin .1. Pynn, a pioneer settler of 
this county. This union has been blessed with five 
children, three sons and two daughters. Clemen- 
tine, the eldest, received her primary education in 
the district .schools, which was supplemented by a 
course of two years in Carroll College. She has 
taught the school at No. 4, Brookfield Township, 
and is now teaching a term at the Lakeside school. 
George R., Edwin T. and Lloyd attend the district 
school, while the youngest, Ira IL, remains in the 
home. 

Mr. Seaborn is a stanch Republican, his first 




SEWAIJ< ANDREWS. 




SARAH J. ANDREWS. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



347 



Presidential ballot having been cast in favor of 
Abraham Lincoln. As Cleik of llio School Board 
lio has served his district for six years. He and his 
wife are members of the Ki)isco|)al Chinch at Dela- 
lield. 

,^=0# P • . 



EWALL ANDREWS, deceased, one of the 
very earliest pioneers in the town of Miil<- 
wonago, this county, and a most successful 
business man, was a native of the Green Mountain 
State, liorn on the .")th of February, 1807, in tlie 
village of Andover. His parents were .John and 
Rebecca (Webber) Andrews, whose birlliplaces 
were also in A'eiinont. Young Sewall received 
sucii educational advantages as were in kce|)ing 
with the times and his place of residence, acquir- 
ing his scholastic training, for the most part, dur- 
ing the first thirteen \ears of his life. His father 
dying while he was still (piite young, it became 
necessary for him to sujjport not only himself but 
to aid in caring for his mother. Like the dutifid 
son that he was, he remained at home and helped 
to carry on the farm untd nineteen years old, at 
which time he began peddling tinware through 
the state of Massachusetts. By carefully husband- 
ing his means he was enabled to cml)aik in the 
hardware business in Simonsville, Windsor Coun- 
ty, Vt., at the end of eight years. Possessed of 
much energy and business enterprise Mr. Andrews 
decided to make a trip to the far west with a view 
of selecting a suitable |)lace in which to make a 
home, and accordingly came to Wisconsin in the 
fall of 1H:5."). (ioing to Albany, N. Y., he there took 
passage on a canal boat for Buffalo, where he again 
embarked, and l)y way of the Lakes proceeded to 
Chicago. In that city he was joined by Maj. Jesse 
Meacham and A. Spoor, who accompanied him to 
the village of Milwaukee, where their number re- 
ceived the addition of Milo .lone. 

Procuring a team the four started out toward 
the southwest, the fibject of the journey being to 
prosi)ect for a suitable location, and during the 
trip tented on the open prairie where now lies the 
city of .lanesville. Returning to his native state, 
he there spent the winter and in the following 
spring again came to Milwaukee, from which place, 
8 



in company with Henry H. Camp, he journeyed 
westward to the Indian village of Mukwonago, 
arriving in May, IHSfi. Maj. .Jesse Meacham had 
preceded tlicm there about a week, and by a pres- 
ent of two barrels of Hour induced the Indians to 
permit them to put up a bark-roofed shanty in 
their village. This and a similar one which they 
erected, but did not occupy, on section 22, were 
the first white man's Ijabitalions in the town of 
Mukwonago. Though the Indians had been re- 
moved to their western reservation many of them 
returned and lived for years in that vicinity. 
.Judge Martin Field and Ira Blood platted the 
village of Mukwanago in the fall of IH.'iO, and in 
the following spring Mr. Andrews erected a store 
and lilled it with a stock of goods from New York 
City, thus becoming the |jioneer merchant. Muk- 
wonago soon sprang into prominence and became 
the trade center for many miles around; in fact it 
gave more promise of becoming a city than Wau- 
kesha or any place in the county. For many years 
Mr. Andrews was the most prominent business 
man in that section. After conducting a store for 
years he retired from that business and gave his 
attention to the cultivation of his farm adjoining 
the village, in winch at the time of his death he 
was the oldest living settler. For .some five years 
he owned the gristmill at that place. His brick 
residence, which was one of the first made of tiiat 
material in Waukesha County, was constructed in 
1812. 

Mr. Andrews was twice married. His first wife, 
INIiss Sarah Resigue, of Hubberton, Vt.. to whom 
lu! was married November 21, 18.'W, died in April, 
I8(!l, leaving two children: Lorin,born September 
;{,I8;}!), and Clement, born April 15. 1817. After 
the death of his first wife Mr. Andrews wedded 
Mrs. Sarah .1. Meacham, nee Mason, daughter of 
.lulius and Mary (Stanton) Mason, i)ioneers of 
Wisconsin. Mrs. Andrews was iKjrn in Pompey, 
Onondaga County, N. Y., where her girlhood days 
were spent. With her parent.s she emigrated to 
Wisconsin, which has now been her home for over 
half a century. In 1844 she became the wife of 
Edgar Meacham, who died in March, 1856, leaving 
two children, Clarence and Lillian. UnloMr.and 
Mrs. Andrews was born a daughter, Leona, who 



348 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



died on the 27th of February, 1871. Mrs. Andrews 
is an active member of tlie Universalist Society 
of .Mukwanago, as was also Mr. Andrews in his 
lifuliiue. Politically he was an old line Whig 
until the rise of the Republican party, with which 
he was ever after identified. On the 19th of March, 
1888, Mr. Andrews passed from among the living. 
He was regarded b}' those who knew him as a man 
of good business capacity and thoroughly honest 
and reliable. 






JOHN .1. OVERHAUG 11, one of the enterpris- 
ing farmers of the town of Merton, became a 
resident of Waukesha County on the 16th of 
October, 18.05, and to such citizens as he 
nnich is due for the healthy growth and develop- 
ment of the township and county. He was born 
on the 21st of September, 1821, at Catskill, Greene 
County, N. Y. The place of his birth is situated 
on the banks of the beautiful Hudson River, and 
in the neighborhood made famous by Washington 
Irving's Rip Van Winkle. In his father's family 
there were four sons, he being the second in order 
of birth, and is now the oldest living. His brothers 
are Peter and Jacob; the former is living a retired 
life in Englewood, III., while the latter is a farmer 
of the town of Merton. The parents, Jacob and 
Maria (Van Orden) Overbaugh, were also natives 
of the Empire State. In the old homestead so 
long in the family, on the banks of the Hudson, 
Jacob Overbaugh was born. He was descended 
from the Mohawk Dutch, and traced his ancestry 
back to the emigrants who came with Henry Hud- 
son, who navigated the river that hears his name. 
From an inscription taken from a tombstone in the 
old family cemetery, probably from that of his 
grandfather, it being the oldest one there, which 
reads "P. O. 15., 1732," it is seen that the family 
was early established in New York. Jacob Over- 
baugh was reared to farm life, which vocation he 
ever after followed. He served as a soldier in the 
War of 1812, and soon after his return from the 
army wedded Miss Mari.-i Van Orden, who also be- 
longed to an old family of New York. They 
were conscientious members of the Dutch Reformed 



Church, living in accordance with the profession 
they made. The parents passed away in their na- 
tive state, the father on the 29th of October, 1833, 
aged forty-four years, eleven months and nineteen 
days, while the mother died April 26, 1850, at the 
age of fifty-five years, two months and one day. 

John Overbaugh grew to manhood on his father's 
farm, where he early learned those lessons of in- 
dustry and thrift characteristic of the people from 
whom he is descended. His education was such as 
the schools of those times afforded. In connection 
with his farm duties he learned the trade of car- 
penter and joiner, following the same for a num- 
ber of years. In 1840, the summer after he was 
eighteen, Mr. Overbaugh hired out, receiving for 
one year's service the sum of ^108, at the rate 
of $9 per month. As stated above, he came to 
Wisconsin in 1855, but after remaining here some 
two years returned to New York. About 1859 he 
came again to Wisconsin, and for some time made 
his home with his brotliei J.acob in the town of 
Merton, where he worked at his trade. 

Mr. Overbaugh was married on the 24th of May, 
1864, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Robert ftl. and 
Harriet (Brush) Thistlethwaitc. Mrs. Overbaugh 's 
birthplace was at Prescott, Ontario, Canada, and 
the date of that avent October 29, 1835. Her ed- 
ucation was acquired in the common schools and 
at a select school in Ilartland, and the union schools 
of Waukesha. She taught in the schools of this 
county for a number of terms, whither she came 
in 1845. Her grandfather, who was by profession 
a physician and surgeon, and who also bore the 
name of Robert M. Thistlethwaite, was a native of 
England. Mr. and Mrs. Overbaugh 's familj' com- 
prises two sons, Robert M. and J. Herbert. The 
eldest, who aids in carrying on the farm, was edu- 
cated in the district schools and in Milwaukee. 
In 1890 he visited the Pacific Slope, going to 
Puget Sound. The youngest is pursuing his studies 
in the Milwaukee High School. 

In politics Mr. Overbaugh, as also Ills son R. M., 
is a Republican, the former casting his first Presi- 
dential vote for James K. Polk. In religious faith 
he and his wife are identified with the Cougrega- 
tional Church at Ilartland, in which he is a Deacon. 
They are tireless workers in the Sunday-school, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD. 



349 



being ever ready to aid in any manner in wliich 
they may. 

Mr. and Mrs. Overbaugli commenced llieir do- 
mestic life on section 31, of Merton Towiisliip, 
and in 1867 bought their present homestead of 
one Inindrod and sixty acres on section 22. Tlieir 
first liorne lias lieeii replaced by a prelly country 
residence, erected in 1880, which they now occupy 
and enjoy. 15esides tiie homestead they own thirty- 
six acres of valiialiic land situated on Heaver Lake 



E^ IJ. THOMAS, one of the oldest- and most 
Cy esteemed settlers of Waukesha County, has 
been a resident of the town of ^'el•non 
since 1837. In developing and bringing this 
county to its present state of perfection he has 
done well his part. He has assisted in making 
roads, building schoolhouses, erecting churches, 
and in other w.iys blazing the way for civilization. 
Indians were more plentiful than the whites, and 
on their hunting expeditions Mr. Thomas has often 
accompanied the wily redmen. It is claimed by 
his neighliois that he killed the last deer in this 
section of the country. 

Mr. Thomas was born in Aiidover, Windsor 
County, \'t.. August 22. 182C, to the marriage of 
John and Merial (Spaulding) Thomas, being the 
fourth in a family consisting of two sons and five 
daughters, of whom live survive, as follows: Eliza- 
beth, the widow of Cyrus Cass, resides in Wau- 
kesha; the gentleman whose name heads this article 
is the next; Augusta married I. S. Haselline, of 
Springfield, Mo.; Mrs. Sarah Park resides in the 
town of Vernon, and Frances married S. 1$. Smith, 
a i)roininent farmer of Vernon Township. The 
deceased were, Merial, who became the wife of C. 
W. Ilaseltine, and Franklin, who died when ten 
years of age. The father of this family was born 
in Hopkinton, N. H., and died in the town of Ver- 
non at the age of sixty-three years. He was reared 
on a farm, and when a young man served an ap- 
prenticcship to the carpenter's trade. While in the 
east he owned a farm and operated a brick yard. 
In the winter of 18;JG, Mr. Thomas, in company 
with Col. Orin Haseltiue, started for the west in a 



wagon constructed on runners, and it w.as not un- 
til April, 1837, that they arrived in Vernon Town- 
ship. During this long journey many hardsliii)s 
were enihired, and many incidents occurred that 
made a lasting impression on the mind of Mr. 
Thomas, who w.as then in the prime of life. Hav- 
ing made a claim he returned to his ^'ermont home, 
and with his wife and children, started in a wagon 
drawn by horses for Troy, N. Y., where they as 
well as their outfit, were pl.iced aboard a canal boat 
bound for Buffalo. At that point they boarded 
the old side wheeler "Sanduskj'" for Detroit, Mich., 
leaving in the morning. The vessel encountered 
a severe storm, and in battling with that consumed 
its supply of coal, and the next morning found 
itself in Buffalo again. The second attempt was 
more successful, as it reached Detroit in safety. 
Again they set out by wagon, and after a long and 
tedious journey through an almost uninhabited 
country, arrived at their new home in the town of 
Vernon. When the Government land came into 
market he purchased eight hundred acres. His ex- 
perience in acquiring land was not always the roost 
pleasant; on one occasion he remarked to a near 
neighbor, in whom he reposed the utmost confi- 
dence, that he intended to buy a certiiin piece of 
land. The neighbor borrowed money of Mr. 
Thomas, went to the land otiice and bought the 
tract, then informed the latter that he owned that 
property. Possessing a generous and forgiving 
disposition, Mr. Thomas never rebuked the perfidy 
of his neighbor, but ccmtiiiued to live at i)eacc with 
him ever afterward. Mr. Thomas was widely known 
for his honesty of purpose, integrity of character 
and liberal and broad charity. His first cabin, 
which was 18x30 feet in dimensiims, was made of 
tamarack logs set up endwise; subseciucntly it was 
boarded up and made a very comfortable home, 
in which he passed his declining years. He was a 
man of excellent parts, and one whose exanii)le, in 
many things, might be profitably imitated. His 
good wife, who w.as born at Merrimack, N. II., De- 
cember 25, 1783, died in the town of V'ernon at 
the age of eighty-two years. 

E. n. Thomas grew to manhood on his fa- 
ther's farm, and received such educational advan- 
tages as the schools of that early day afforded. His 



350 



PORTIIAIT A^n mOGRAPlUCAL RECORD. 



marriajie to Miss Cornelia M. Munger was cele- 
brated .lamiar.v 17, 1857. Mrs. Thomas was born 
in Xew Diirhani. I.a I'orle County, Infl., May 3, 
18;il, and was a daughter of Gains and C'elia 
(Sinilh) Munger. Her father was born in Union, 
Conn., November 2, IHOO, and died December 17, 
1878. In the spring of 18.3G he emigrated to Wis- 
consin, and located in the town of \'ernon, being 
numbered among its first settlers. His wife was 
born in Chenango County, N. Y., Marcli 12, 1804, 
and died September 5, 1885. After locating in 
this county Mr. Munger returned to Indiana for a 
load of sui)|)lies, and was detained there through 
sickness of himself and family. Milwaukee and 
Chicago had not as yet become marketing places 
of any consequence, hence his return to Indiana. 
When he lirst arrived in this county he had no 
Louse to live in. .Some friendly Indians seeing 
him take shelter from the weather behind a large 
log invited liim to make Ins home with them until 
be could i)ut up a cabin. IMr. and Mrs. Munger 
bad a family consisting of four bo3-s and three 
girls, of whom three are living: Warner G., a 
farmer of Clay County, Iowa; Mrs. Thomas, who 
is the fourth in the family, and Isadore, who re- 
sides with Mrs. Thomas. l\Ir. Munger was a phil- 
anthropic man, whose purse and time were freely 
given to aid in any charitable work. In the church 
he was a leading spirit, doing all in his power to 
advance its interests. In every good cause he had 
the sympathy and assistanee of his estimable wife. 
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had seven children, six 
sons and one daughter, .loliii W., born .lanuary 
8, 1858, gradunled from Wisconsin Slate Uni- 
versity, and from the Ik>meo|)athic Medical Col- 
lege of Chicago, and is a practicing physician of 
Rockford, 111.; Mary Isadore, born August 12, 
1861, died October 15, 1890; Arthur E., who was 
born May 28, 1864, graduated from the same school 
as his brother, and is now a physician of Chi- 
cago; Clarence G., born May 12, 1866, is managing 
the large estate of his father; Wesley M., born 
February 20, 1868, graduated from AVisconsin 
State University, and is now attending the same 
medical college from which his brother graduated; 
Colby N., born January 14, 1871, is pursuing a 
course in electrical engineering at Lewiston, Me., 



and Albert A., born January 31, 1874, is at home 
assisting in the management of the fai-m. Mr. and 
Mrs. Thomas have reared a family of which they 
have just reason to be proud. Politically Mr. 
Thomas is an uncompromising Prohibitionist, be- 
ing sfiuarely opposed to the liquor traffic in all of 
its forms. Hotli he and his wife arc active mem- 
bers of the Free Will Baptist Church of Big Bend. 
The}' are among the few remaining land-marks of 
pioneer da_vs. Their lives have been well spent, 
and their efforts have been rewarded with abun- 
dant material success. 



i^-^^<m 



ra»i-_^ 



Siy- 



I "^ DWIN PYNN, Jk., an enterprising young 
f Cy farmer residing in the village of Ilartland, 
is a son of Edwin J. and Henrietta (Muck- 
ey) Pynn, early settlers of Waukesha County. A 
native of the town of Delndeld. born August 24, 
1859, his entire life has been passed there, and as 
a result he lias been closelj- identified with its va- 
rious interests. His boyhood and youth weres|)ent 
upon his father's farm and in the district schools, 
where he acquired a good education, fitting him 
for the jiiactical duties of life. At the age of 
twenty-two he had charge of the boat livery at the 
summer resort, Lakeside, and also had charge of 
the steam apparatus in the hotel at that place. After 
continuing in this work for eight years, he bought 
a farm of eighty acres on section 10 in the town 
of Delafield, foi which he paid -i!5,00(i, and en- 
gaged in .agricultural pursuits. Five years later 
INIr. Pynn rented out his place and took charge of 
that of Alfred Bloor, on section 3 in the same town, 
where he now resides. 

On the 27tli of October, 1881, Mr. Pynn and 
Miss Eva L. Bloor, a native of the town of Lisbon, 
were united in marriage. Mrs. P3'nn is a daughter 
of James and Mary A. (Giles) Bloor, natives of 
England, who emigrated totl:e United States many 
years ago, becoming pioneers of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, and who are now residing in the town of Sum- 
mit. Their family comprised three sons and three 
daughters. Those besides Mrs. Pynn are Belle, 
who became the wife of O. P. Tillmore, of Ilorton- 
ville, Wis.; Danson, who is assistant yard-master 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



351 



in the West Milwaukee yards of tlie Ctiicafjo, Mil- 
waukee & St. I'.'uil Ivailioad; Nettie, wiio beeainc 
the wife of F. P. Ilartwell, of tlie town of Summit; 
Alfred, who is aresidentof the same township, and 
Giles, who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. I'^nn have 
three children, Roy Clyde, Giles (ieorgc and Gar- 
land. The elder son is attending school, while the 
younger son and liie daugiiter are at lupine. 

Mr. Pynn's first ballot was cast in support 
of the lamented .lames A. Garlield. He takes a 
lively interest in the success of the Rcpul)lican 
party, and by it has been elected to lill a number 
of oflicial positions. He lias served as Trustee of 
the village of Harlland for two terms and is now 
the acting Assessor of Delafield Townsiiip. Mr. 
and Mrs. Pynn are members of the Grace Episcopal 
Church in llartlaiid, and take an active part in 
promoting and carrying on the work of the church. 

^i rC ' ^ i £! Ti^- '3/^' ^^-^^^x 3 I £ 3 t^^ 



MCNAIR HOYI). of Waukesha, is a well 
known pioneer of Waukesha County, tiie 
time of his coming having been Septem- 
ber of 1811. Mr. Boyd was born in the parish of 
Slamanan, Sterling^hire, Scotland, May 28, 181.3. 
Near his birthplace was fought the famous battle 
of BJinnockburn, where the patriot, Bruce, con- 
quered the Englisli army and .achieved the inde- 
pendence of Scotland. In this vicinity transpired 
many other events of interest in the history of 
Scotland. Tlie father of the subject of this sketch 
was John Boyd, and his mother, wiio possessed 
the same family name, was Janette Boyd. Their 
family comprised live sons and two daughters, all 
of whom grew to mature years. Of this once 
numerous family only one survives, McNair, of 
this sketch. A younger brother, .lames, who was a 
resident of Spring I'rairie, Walworth County, Wis., 
died in February, 1894. 

McNair Boyd was the youngest but two in his 
father's family; the parents being in moderate 
financial circumstances, and having many to pro- 
vide for, it was necessary that the boys should be- 
gin early in life to care for themselves. As early 
as the age of seven years our subject was thrown 
to a great extent on his own resources for a liveli- 



hood. At that age he was engaged by a relative 
to herd cows, for which he received the sum of 
five shillings and six pence, English money, for 
his services for the season. The following autumn, 
however, he returned to the home of his parents 
and attended school during the winter. For some 
four years he followed the occupation of herding 
during tlie summer. He had now become so large 
that he could do some other kinds of farm work 
and was so employed. When about fifteen years 
old, he became apprenticed to the trade of shoe- 
maker, which business he followed for about five 
years, becoming quite proficient. However, this 
kind of work proved both irksome and iinhealtli- 
ful. He therefore resolved to make a change, and 
accordingly entered the employment of the Sum- 
merlee Iron Company at Coatbridge, ten miles east 
of Glasgow. Here he engaged in drilling for iron, 
coal, etc. He finally' began working for the com- 
pany on contract, and did quite well, being en- 
abled by strict economy to save several hundred 
dollars. While here he was married, at the age of 
twenty -six years, to Miss Sarah McFarlane, a native 
of Ayrshire. 

Mr. Boyd had long contemjjlated coming to 
America, and by extensive reading had become 
well informed regarding the United States and its 
institutions. While he loved his native countr^- 
aiid cherished the memory of its patriots and 
heroes, yet he longed for a country with a broader, 
freer government — a land where opportunities for 
advancement were better than in Scotland. In 
the summer of 1841 this longing and anticipation 
were realized; leaving his wife and only child be- 
hind, he started acruss the sea. After a stormy 
passage of thirtj'-four days, made in an American 
sailing-vessel, he landed in the city of New York. 
His destination was still westward; going to Buf- 
falo by waj' of the Hudson River and the Erie 
Canal, he there took a steamer for a trip on the 
lakes, Milwaukee being his destination. This also 
proved a stormy voyage, and during a severe 
storm the main shaft of one of the engines broke, 
and the vessel had to paddle with one wheel to 
the nearest port, Cleveland, where it arrived in 
the night. Mr. Boyd wanted to stop at a respon- 
sible hotel, as lie had *7oO in gold belted about 



352 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



him. Meeting an honest looking gentleman, lie 
asked where siicli a place cdiild be found. Tlie 
stranger replied that he might put up witli him, 
whereupon Mr. Boj'd accepted the hospitality and 
slept Willi hi.« new-found friend without fear or 
molestation. I'nder similar circumstances such a 
course would be extremelj- hazardous nowadays. 
That place, which is now a city of more than two 
hundred thousand people, was then but a stiiall 
hamlet, having but one hotel and a few other 
buildings. This was about SeiUember 1, 1841. 
lie now began to cast around for a suitable place 
of settlement; he was alone, a stranger in a strange 
land. Having learned of a Scotch settlement, out 
beyond the present village of White Water, in 
Walworth County, he resolved to direct his steps 
hithcrward, and accordingly started out on foot. 
On the evening of the lirst day Mr. Boyd arrived 
at Jenkinsville, where he passed the first night of 
his journey. The following day he reached White 
Water, where he passed the night, and the next 
day reached the .•^eU lenient. But on account of 
fever and ague, and on account of the distance to 
market, which nearly wore out both man and team 
to take a load there, and also consumed the price 
of the produce taken, he concluded that location 
not a desirable one and soon set out on his return. 
As night approached he stopped at the home of a 
settler and asked permission to stay till morning, 
as lie did not know how far he would have to go 
before another house could be reached. He offered 
to sleep in the barn or any other place so he could 
liave shelter and protection from the wolves, 
which were then (piite almndanl. The man of the 
house said he could not accommodate him, and it 
seemed that Mr. Boyd would have to trudge on in 
Uie darkness. A Methodist minister, who was 
stopping at the place, talked privately with the 
owner and it was decided to allow Mr. Boyd to 
remain. Supper was late and all sat down to eat, 
but no invitation was extended to Mr. Boyd. 
After family i)iayprs were said all retired. The 
breakfast next morning was eaten by candle light, 
but our subject was doomed tocontinue his fast, as 
he was not asked to share the meal. Almost fam- 
ished, but too proud to ask for a bite, he started 
for the home of a Scotchman who he learned lived 



about two miles away. Of his fellow-countryman, 
who was kee|)ing bachelor's hall, he got a coarse 
meal and iiuiuired if there was any government 
land in that vicinity, and if he would go with 
him to see it. The Scotchman said he would if 
Mr. Boyd would work for him an e(|ual length of 
time. WMien the latter wanted to board with this 
settler while he was erecting a cabin for a home, 
and was refused, he thought the farther he got 
from such a man the better, and resumed his jour- 
ney, arriving at the home of the King brothers, 
some five miles west of l*rairieville. These gentle-, 
men entertained Mr. Boyd as royally as they could, 
went with him to find a claim, and in every way 
showed themselves to be men possessed of a kind 
regard for others. Mr. Boyd has never forgotten 
their kindness. 

He proceeded as far as the town of New Berlin, 
passing through what is now Waukesha, on his 
way, and there purchased a claim of forty acres 
of one Joseph K.ay. The latter had made some 
im|)rovenienls, and Mr. Boyd thought himself 
quite fortunate in his purchase. But when the 
land was otticially surveyed, it was found that the 
improvements made by Mr. Kay were on another 
fort, and so Mr. Boyd lost all that had been made. 
He had soon expended the few hundred dollars 
brought to this country, and in order to secure 
a livelihood turned his attention to whatever 
could be found to do. Among the settlers who 
had already made a start in their improvements 
he found some work to do, and also at his 
trade, in a small way, as the wants of the settlers 
demanded. But he received no money for his 
services as none w.as possessed by the pioneers at 
that time. He even found it impossible at one 
lime to get monej' enough to pay the postage on 
a letter to Scotland, where his family still remained. 
Some of his neighbors, too, were inclined to make 
him trouble, as they wished to secure his claim. 
There were some Irish .settlers, whose claims ad- 
joined his, who made themselves very disagree- 
able, but Mr. Boyd proved too smart for them. 
By going to the land oflice first and securing the 
land they wanted, he was enabled to turn the 
tables on them, which resulted soon after in his un- 
desirable neighbors leaving for other parts of the 



PORTRAIT AND JJIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



353 



country. Mr. Titus, a very good and kind man, 
and one to wlioni he became very mueli altaclied, 
was a great sufferer from their injustice. They 
had aii'eady jumped forty acres of his land and 
were preparing to get eiglity acres more when 
Mr. IJoyd stepped in, l)Ought Mr. Titus' interests, 
and going to Milwaui<ee SuniJ.'iy night, purcliased 
tlic land early the following morning with money 
for wliitli he paid thirty per cent, interest in ad- 
vance. 

In the summer of 1842 the wife and child of 
Mr. Boyd, accompanied by his brother, James 
Boyd, came from Scotland. The brother settled 
on land secured for him by our subject, and there 
lived for a number of years, when he removed to 
Walworth County, where, as stated, his death oc- 
curred. Mr. Boyd of this article eventually in- 
creased his first purchase of land to one hundred 
and sixty acres. He worked hard and industrious- 
ly to improve it, and made of it a fine place. 
Many years later he sold his farm and removed to 
the town of Muskego, where he owned a tract 
containing sixty acres. There the wife, who had 
shared with him the trials and hardships of pio- 
neer life, passed to the better land. His present 
wife was formerly Miss .lanette L. Hoag, a native 
of Scotland, who was but about seven 3'ears of 
age when brought to America. Mr. Bo^^d had two 
daugiiters by his first marriage: Jauette, wife of 
Jacob Kippers, of Muskego Township, and Mar}', 
wife of Thomas (iault, a lawyer of Chicago. The 
present marriage has been blessed with a daughter, 
Edith I. 

In his political views Mr. Boyd was a Democrat 
in his early voting days, but his anti-slavery senti- 
ments led him to affiliate with the Whig party 
when the question of the extension of slavery be- 
came a leading issue with the political parties. 
The same cause led him into the Republican party 
upon its organization. Later, when prohibition 
became an issue in politics, his hatred of the 
liquor traffic caused him to cast his vote with the 
Prohibition party. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are faith- 
ful and consistent members of the Baptist Church. 
He was reared in accordance with the doctrine 
of the Scotch Presbyterian Church. They have a 
pleasant home in Waukesha, where they have lived 



for a number of years, and are esteemed and re- 
spected for their many excellencies of character. 
He has ever possessed the confidence of his fellow- 
citizens, who have a high regard for his strict in- 
tegrity and honor in all his dealings. 



-f= 



=+ 



JENS NELSON, of the firm of Hanson, Nelson 
& Co., of Oconomowoc, has been a resident 
of that city since 1874. He is the m.ason of 
the firm, the others being carpenters by trade. 
For a time after coming to Oconomowoc Mr. Nel- 
son contracted for himself alone, but in 1879 be- 
came associated with Oliver Hanson, and still later 
Steen Hanson became a member of the firm. 

Mr. Nelson is a native of Denmark, where his 
birth occurred on the 5th of December, 1840. His 
father was Nels Jenson,and according to a custom 
of that country the father's Christian name, with 
the addition of on, became the son's surname. The 
former died comparatively early in life, after which 
the wife was twice married. By her different mar- 
riages she became the mother of seven children, 
five of whom grew to mature years, three sons and 
two daughters, a daughter having died at the age of 
nine years and a son when one year and a-half old. 
Hans Nelson, who never came to this country, and 
the subject of this article, are the children of the 
first marriage. Her second husband was named 
Jeppeson and there are two of this branch of the 
family, namely: Chris Jeppeson, of South Dakota, 
and Mrs. Tena Jacobson, of Oconomowoc. The 
third husband of the mother was named Nelson, 
and a daughter, Mary, who is the wife of Eric 
Hanson, of Oconomowoc, was born of that union. 
Jens Nelson grew to manhood in his native 
country, and there learned the trade of a mason. 
In 18G2 he was called into the military service of 
Denmark, in which he served two years. During 
that period occurred the war between Denmark 
and Oermau}'. Mr. Nelson as a soldier took an 
active part in the defense of his country and par- 
ticipated in three severe battles. Of course a war 
between so small a nation as Denmark and so 
[lowerful a one as (Germany could have but one 



354 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



result, iiiul tlie gallant Danes were compelled to 
j'ield to vastly- superior numbers. 

At tbeage of twentj-eiglit ^-ears Mr. Nelson was 
married, and after five years of wedded life, he 
lost his wife and onl}- daughter. In 1H71 he came 
to the United States, landing in New York on the 
21st of August from the Atlantic sleamei' "Idaho." 
He came almost direct lo Oconomowoc, which has 
since been his home. 

December 2it. 1SS2, Mr. Nelson was united in 
marriage with Miss Mary Cluistianson, who was 
born in Norway, February 1, l!^;")!!. Mrs. Nelson's 
parents died in that country and she came alone 
to America in June, 1«72. She has a sister, Mrs. 
Carrie Ilalverson, residing in tlie town of Dorches- 
ter, Clark County, Wis. Another sister, Caroline, 
came in IHH.S; she is now tiic wife of Abrani Ol- 
son, Shawano County, Wis. Mrs. Nelson has a 
brother and three sisters still living in Norway. 

Mr. Nelson and wife have a son, Walter II. Nel- 
son, who was born in Oc(niomowoc, December 5, 
1885. Air. Nelson is an esteemed and respected 
citizen. In his ijolitical views he is a Republican 
with strong I'roliibiliou principles. Mr. and Mrs. 
Nelson are members of the Scandinavian Baptist 
Church of Oconomowoc. He has been Superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-sclidol for eighteen years, 
or ever since he joined the church. 



l©_ 



®^«>l'3. 



(^ 






HARVP:Y CAMPBELL, of Oconomowoc, be- 
longs to one of the pioneer families of 
Waukesha County. His father, William 
Campbell, was born in ( )range County, N. Y., .Tan- 
uary 9, 1790. His father, also named William 
Campbell, was a native of Scotland, and came to 
America wheti a young man, where he afterward 
married a lad3' who was horn m the North of Ire- 
land. He was an early settlei- of Orange County, 
N. Y., where he passed the remainder of his life. 
William Campbell, father of the gentleman whose 
name heads this record, was one of seven children, 



five sons and two daughters, but none of that gen- 
eration are now living. 

On attaining manhood, William Campbell mar- 
ried Betsey ISIudge. In the spring of 18.55 he 
emigrated from Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where 
he had lived a numl)erof years clearing up a farm 
from the wilderness, to Cuyahoga County, Ohio. 
One year later the family removed to Summit 
County, where the father improved a farm. A 
brother of Mrs. Campbell accompanied the family 
to Ohio, but died of cholera soon after their ar- 
rival. In 1811 they emigrated to Wisconsin, ar- 
riving at Oconomowoc on the 21st of May of that 
year. There were then but few buildings on the 
site of the present beautiful little city. The Camp- 
bell family located on a farm just north of the 
present limits of the city, the father puicliasing a 
claim of eighty acres of a young man, for which 
he paid him *80. The property is nt)w owned by 
Ml'. John P>ender. Of this place Mr. Cainpltell 
made a home, improved it and lived there the re- 
mainder of his life. Mr. Campbell and his son Will- 
iam afterward bought one hundred and eighty- 
four acres of laud, just south of the village, but 
which is all now within the city limits of Ocono- 
mowoc. His death occurred on the 3d of Jul3', 
1853, being at the time sixty-three years old. 

William Campbell was a most worthy citizen. 
He had no advantages for securing an education 
in earl3' life, but was a man of great observation, 
and was possessed of a remarkable memory. He en- 
jo^'ed an extensive acquaintance, being familiarly' 
known as "Uncle I>ill Campbell." Generous and 
open-hearted, he was an excellent citizen and a 
worthy man. His estimable wife was born August 
12, 1792, and died on the 17th of August, 1873, 
at the home of her son Harve}-, in whose family 
she had lived since the death of her husband. 

William Campbell and his wife were the parents , 
of ten children, seven of whom, live boys and two 
girls grew to mature years. Three brothers and 
one sister constitute the surviving members of this 
family, the latter being the wife of W. AV. Collins, 
of Oconomowoc. William, the eldest of the broth- 
ers, resides in Minnesota. Mrs. Collins comes next 
in order of birth, then Harvey, while Hiram, the 
youngest, lives in Aberdeen, S. Dak. The eldest 




ANDREW SNYDER. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



357 



son who attained to manhood was Frank B., who 
died in 1858. Tlie others deceased are Henry and 
Charlotte, tiie latter dying in Iowa several years 
ago. 

Il.irvey Campbell, whose name heads this article, 
was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., January 
8. I8;i(). He was ahnil four years of age when the 
fauiily removed from the Empire State to Ohio, 
and about eleven when tiicy came to Waukesha 
County. He grew up on tiic home farm, and at- 
tended the i)\iblic schools as he had the opportu- 
nity. On llif ;)tli of April, 1850, he was married 
to Hannah Sopliia Dewey, who wasa native of llie 
town of Franklin, Portage County, Ohio, where 
her birth occurred SeiJteniber 22, 182(!. Mrs. 
Campbell is a daugliter of Kliakim and Plio-be 
(Wliipjile) Dewey. The former was born in West- 
lield, Mass., in 1795, and grew to manhood in his 
native state, where he married and lost his first 
wife. Later he removed to Portage Countj', Ohio, 
in wliieh county he was nnmbcreil among tlie [lio- 
necr settlers. There he met and married Plia'be 
Whipple, the mother of Mrs. Campbell. The hit- 
ter's paternal grandfather. Timothy Dewey, was 
also a native of Massachusetts. Her great-grand- 
father, David Dewey, was a native of England, 
from which country he emigrated to America. Her 
Grandfather Whipple was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary War. Her parents continued to reside in 
Ohio until tiieir death. 

Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Camp- 
bell removed to a new farnj in the town of Ocono- 
mowoc, which the liusltand improved and upon 
which they lived until the fall of 1883, when they 
rented their farm and removed to the city of 
Ocononiowoc, where they have a pleasant home. 
They have ten children, six sons and four daugh- 
ters, all of whom have left the parental roof but 
one. Charles N., the eldest, was born January 27, 
1851; William II., the next, was born October 6, 
1852; Celestia Elizabeth, born August 13, 1854, is 
the wife of William I). I?allard; Harvey, born May 
25, 185(), is the third son; Timothy (J. was born Sep- 
tember 3, 1858; George, September 27, 1861; Julia 
Ann, born September It. 1863, married William Pee- 
ples; Vine Carson was born January 5, 1806; Car- 
rie Alice, born November 6, 1868, wedded William 



Turville; and Grace Electa, born June 20, 1872, 
completes the family. 

Mr. Cami)bell has passed fi fly-three of his sixty- 
four years in (Jconomowoc and its immediate vi- 
cinity; and seven years of this time before Wiscon- 
sin claimed the dignity of statehood. He has wit- 
nessed the growth and development of Waukesha 
County from uiirmprovcd frontier territory to a 
condition of wcaltli and iiiiporlance. 

I\Ir. Cam[)l)ell cast liis lirsl I'lesidenlial vote for 
the Free Soil candidate in 1852. In 1856 he voted 
for John C. Fremont, the first Republican candi- 
date for the Presidency. He continued to be 
identitk'd with that party until 1878, since wliicli 
time he has voted independent of i)arty, though 
strongly in sympathy witli the Prohibition move- 
ment. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are now enjoying 
the fruits of their honest iniluslry, and by a large 
circle of friends and acquaintances are res{)ected 
and esteemed for their sterling worth. 



N: 



l++**;'i 
i+++*^ 



<iT-r NDREW SNYDKH, Clerk of the Court of 
r — \ Waukesha County since January I.IU'.M. 
and new serving his second term in that 
otticc, is a native of this county. He is descended 
from a pioneer family. Mr. Snyder was born in the 
town of New Berlin, March 10, 1867, and is a son 
of Andrew and .Susan (Stephens) Snyder, a sketch 
of whom will be found elsewhere in this record. 

Our subject was reared on the old homestead in 
New Berlin Townshii). He altende<l the country 
district school in boyhood and later the Waukesha 
High School, and the Spencerian Business College, 
of Milwaukee. In the last-named institution he 
took a thorough business course, and while pre- 
vented from completing the graduating exercises 
by the sudden death of his father, has been noti- 
fied that a diploma is due him on his examination 
papers. 

Mr. Snyder is a Democrat in politics, and on the 
death of his father, in February, 18t)o, was ap- 
pointed Town Clerk of New Berlin to till the 
vacancy caused by that sad event. The following 
April he was elected to that otiice and served until 
December of that year, when he resigned to accept 



358 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



the oflice of Clerk of the Court, having been elected 
to the oMice at the preeediiig election. He entered 
upon the duties of that position in January, 1891, 
and after a full term of service was re-elected in 
the fall of 18;t2, and, as stated, is now serving a 
second term in that olHce. 

On the 5th of May, 1891, Mr. Snyder w.as mar- 
ried, in his native U)wn, to Mi.ss Mary Kohler. 
Mrs. Snyder was born in the U)wn of Richfield, 
Washington County, Wis., and i.s a daughter of 
Joseph and Magdelena Kohler. Mr. and Mrs. 
Snyder have one child, a son named Andrew, who 
was born May .0, 1892. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Catholic Church. 



_j**++i 

='*<.++i^ 






< T 'TjiLLIAM A. JONES, M. D., is the ho- 

\/\/ meopathic physician and surgeon of 
Oconomowoc. Dr. Jones is a native of 
Wisconsin, born in Fond du Lac County, Novem- 
ber 1, 1857. He belongs to a pioneer family of 
Wisconsin, his grandfather, Sargent Jones, having 
settled in the above county in 1844. At that time 
the father of the subject of this article, Charles 
Jones, was a lad of fifteen years, his birth having 
occurred at Attica, in western New York, August 
18, 1829. The grandfather spent the remainder of 
his life in Fond du Lac County, where the parents 
of Dr. Jones still reside. The Jones family was 
originally from Massachusetts. As the genera- 
tions of the older American families become far- 
ther and farther removed from the original stock, 
it becomes a matter of increasing interest, as well 
as of family pride, to be able to trace one's gene- 
alogy back to Revolutionary or ante-Revolution- 
ary times. Hence the organization of the "Sons 
and Daughters of the He volution " and kindred 
societies. 

Dr. Jones h.as the honor of being related, in di- 
rect line of descent, to John I'aul Jones, who was, 
perhaps, the most famous commander in the Amer- 
ican navy during the War of the Revolution. The 
family were for generations sea-faring men, and 
John Paul Jones, a native of Scotland, coming to 
America before the War of Independence, espoused 
the cause of the Colonies and made his name fa- 



mous in the annals of American naval warfare. 
It is proper also to state that a grandson of the 
naval hero, who was the grandfather of the Doctor, 
took part in the second war with England, which 
began in 1812. The father of the gentleman whose 
name appears at the head of this record, Charles 
Jones, was one of a famil}- numbering seven chil- 
dren, comprising three sons and four daughters, 
and is now the only male representative living. 

Charles Jones was married in Fond du Lac 
County to Sarah A. Walters, who was born in 
Loudon, Canada. She also belongs to an early 
American family; her great-grandfather emigrated 
from England to Troy, N. Y., before the days of the 
Revolution. He was a vessel owner and a man of 
wealth and one of the founders of the city of Troy. 
But he took the side of mother country in the 
Revolution and as a result his property was con- 
fiscated and he removed with his family' to Can- 
ada. The maternal grandfather of the Doctor, 
though born in Canada and then a resident of that 
country, was in sympathy with the Americans in 
the War of 1812. In 1848 the family came to the 
United States and settled in Fond du Lac County. 
Charles Jones and wife his became the parents of 
three sons, the eldest being William A. The others 
are Norman F. and Walter C. 

Dr. Jones was educated at the public schools and 
at Ripon College. He began the study of medi- 
cine in 1878 with Dr. L. A. Bishop,and graduated 
from Hahnemann JNIedical College of Chicago in 
1883, locating in Oconomowoc on March 19th of 
the same year. It will be seen that his professional 
life thus far has been spent in Oconomowoc. For 
two years during his medical course he was assist- 
ant surgeon at the Hahnemann Medical College 
under Dv. Hall. 

The marriage of Dr. Jones and Miss Adelle 
Miller was celebrated on the 6th of April, 1883. 
Mrs. Jones is a daughter of Conrad Miller, an early 
settler of Fond du Lac County, who served as a 
soldier in both the Black Hawk and the Mexican 
wars. She was born April 6, 1860. The Doctor 
and wife have two daughters, Marlea A. and Vivian 
May. 

Dr. Jones' professional services are in demand 
over a large area of country, and his extensive 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



359 



and snccessful practice is evidence that his skill as 
a physician is appreciated. Socially lie is a mem- 
ber of the order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights 
of Pythias. 

^^=Qm ('' — - 

©KOROE CROMUKY PRKSCOTT, the vet- 
eran conductor for the Chicago, Milwau- 
kee it St. Paul Railroad, has been in the 
cmiiloy of that company longer than any other 
niiui. lie became connected with the road in 1854, 
and with the exception of twice when injured has 
not been off duty as long as a month at a time 
since. 

Mr. Prescott was born April 13, 1834, in Nashua, 
N. II. His parents, Jonathan and Maria (Mansur) 
Prescott, were natives of the same state. While 
in the cast Mr. Prescott, Sr., followed hotel keep- 
ing principally at Bristol. In his employ was a 
lad by the name of Merrill, who in later years be- 
came the well known Superintendent of the St. 
Paul Itailroad. In 1855 Jonathan Prescott and 
wife removed to Milwaukee, where the husband en- 
gaged in market gardening, opposite the cemetery, 
for two years; then moved to a farm near High- 
land Park, 111., and there spent the remainder of 
his days. He was a Democrat in politics, and both 
he and his wife were Universalists in religious be- 
lief. His widow lives in Englewood, Ill.,and not- 
withstanding the fact that she is in her eighty- 
sixth year, is quite hale and well preserved. To 
this worthy couple were born four children, one 
son and three daughters, of whom the son is the 
oldest. 

Until seventeen years of age George C. Prescott 
remained at home rendering faithful service to his 
parfiits, and aciiuiring such education as could be 
obtained in the common schools. About 1851 he 
went to Boston and clerked for some two years in 
a clothing store, and then wasemi)loyed in the hotel 
known as the (Jnincy House until his coming west. 
Wishing to engage in railroad service he came to 
Milwaukee in 1854 and entered the employ of the 
old Milwaukee <k Mississippi Railroad as an "all 
round man." His duties were various and ardu- 
ous, now braking on a freight train, now lot)king 
up lost freight, running extra trains or performing 



any other task that needed to be done. In fact he 
had not been on the road more than a year until 

he was entrusted with a train; thus it will be seen 
that he has acted as conductor for thirty-nine 
years. For thirty-six years of that time he has 
run a passenger train. Mr. Prescott is thoroughly 
in !ove with railroad service, and the only thing 
that can divert him from it is his annual hunt in 
northern Wisconsin or I)akf)la. During all these 
years no one has been killed through the neglect 
of himself or assistants. 

Mr. Prescott was married at .lanesville. Wis., 
December 11, 1863, to Miss Mary L. Delano,* who 
was born at Charleston, N. H., November 8, 1841, 
and is a daughter of Charles A. and Mary C. (Ham- 
mett) Delano. Mr. Delano was a sea captain by 
occupation as was also his father. The latter be- 
ing a full blooded Frenchman spelled his name De 
Lanoi, which has since been changed to the pres- 
ent spelling. 

Charles A. Delano was a native of Nantucket, 
while his wife was born in Boston. It having been 
decided that their son Thom.as should follow the 
occupation of his ancestors, the father secured a 
position for him as sailor before the ni.ast to go to 
California, and accompanied the boy to New Bed- 
ford. Mass., where the vessel was in waiting. Im- 
pelled by his love of adventure, the father joined 
the expedition, informing his family by letter that 
he had gone. Doul)ling Cape Horn, they arrived 
at San Francisco after a long and tiresome voyage. 
During the journey the captain gave more atten- 
tion to his young bride than U> the management 
of the vessel. Disgusted with his neglect of duty 
the passengers chose Mr. Delano captain and by 
him the remainder of the distance was made in 
safety. Gold had been discovered in California 
though the news had not yet been borne back to 
the States. Having engaged in gold mining for 
some four years, Mr. Delano returned to M.ass.achu- 
setts and with his family prepared to move to the 
land of perjietual summer. On a chartered sail- 
ing-vessel he loaded his household effects and all 
things necessary to start his son as a ranchman. 
This ship went down with all on board in sight of 
the Golden (Jate. On the 12th of July, 1854, Mr. 
Delano took a steamer for .San Francisco, expect- 



860 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ing to get tliere by the time his goods would ar- 
rive. He siicceeclod in reaching iiis destination, 
but sickness had overtaken him, from the effects of 
wliicli lie died August 17, 1851, his remains being 
laid to rest at San Francisco. His son remained in 
thatcountry where he has since lived, being an ex- 
tensive wheat and stock raiser of Newhall. After 
the doalli of her husband. Mrs. Dehino came to live 
witli her only daughter, Mrs. Prescott, at Milwau- 
kee, where she died December 1, 18()4. She had 
but three children, Thomas, Mrs. Prescott and 
Charles, who is engaged in dealing in fruit and ice 
at Nickerson, Kan. 

Soon after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Prescott set- 
tled at Milwaukee, and there made their home un- 
til 1874, when they removed to Waukesha. AVith 
the latter village they were identilied for nearly 
twenty years, being well known and iiighly es- 
teemed by many of its citizens. In October, 1892, 
our subject i)urchasod a home in North (Jreenfield, 
a suburb of Milwaukee, where he and his estima- 
ble wife still reside. Their home has been made 
desolate by the loss of their only child, Charles, 
who was a young man of excellent parts and of 
unblemished character. He was born in Milwau- 
kee, Wis., August 9, 1865, and when nine years of 
age removed with his parents to Waukesha. Not 
being blessed with a rugged constitution, he could 
not endure conlinement in the school room, hence 
liis education was largely gained from reading and 
private study. By nature he seemed designed for 
a railroad man; in his vivid imagination all lus 
pLaythings were converted into cars and locomo- 
tive engines. IMany of his boyhood days were 
si)ent on a train, and at the age of seventeen he 
became his father's brakeman. Later he ran as 
baggageman for a year, but .again returned to 
braking. Having spent a ye.ar in California with 
his uncle he returned and became conductor of 
a construction train on the Kansas City Divis- 
ion of the Chicago, Milwaukee it St. Paul Rail- 
road. Next he was given charge of a stock 
train on the Pacific Division of the same road, 
which he ran until he met with a serious acci- 
dent November 27, 1888. Whde nearing a sta- 
tion he ran forward on his train to receive orders. 
In the darkness, made more intense by a heavy fog, 



he mistook the space made by a flatcarfor a white 
fruit car that was in his train. With perfect con- 
fidence he made the step but instead of finding 
firm footing landed on the flat car, breaking one 
of his legs. So |)lucky was he that he would not 
give up but went into the station and signed his 
order O. K. So severe was the injury that he im- 
mediately fainted. After seventeen weeks of con- 
finement he recovered sufficiently to go on a visit 
to Boscobel, Wis. While there he was stricken 
with paralysis March 27, 1889. He was brought 
home and the best medical aid secured, but all to 
no purpose; on the 5th of April lie passed from 
among the living, being buried at Milwaukee. He 
was.made a member of the Knights of Pythias at 
Waukesha and lived in accordance with the prin- 
ciples taught by that order. His loss w.as felt 
among railroad men, with whom he was a general 
favorite, but especially is he missed in the home 
circle of which he was the hope and jo}'. 

Politically Mr. Prescott is a Democrat, though 
he has never been a rank partisan. Socially he is 
a Mason, belonging to Milwaukee Lodge No. 13, 
A. F. & A. M.; Milwaukee Chapter No. 7, R. A. M., 
and Waukesha Commandery No. 23, K. T. For 
over forty years Mr. Prescott has been identified 
with the railroad service of this state, ever per- 
forming his duty with a fidelity that won the con-' 
fidence and high regard of the managers of the 
road. 

)^ P ' 



MARSHALL NELSON, of the town of 
Summit, who makes his home on section 
30 at the old homestead where his father 
settled in 1843, was born in Norw.ay, December 25, 
1842, having been but .an infant of about six 
months when the family came to America. His 
parents were Nels andTullena Nelson. The former 
died at the homestead in 1871, and the mother in 
1879. In their family there were four sons, named 
as follows: Annis, Marshall, Louis and Morten. 

Marshall Nelson grew to manhood on his fa- 
ther's farm, and acquired his education in the dis- 
trict schools. When the late Civil War was in 
progress, he resolved to enter the service in the 
cause of the Union, and accordingly enlisted in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



361 



August, 1862, becoming a member of Company C, 
Twenty-eight Regiment Wisconsin Infantry. He 
served aliout one year and was discliarged because 
of disability'. Willi his regiment Mr. Nelson par- 
ticipated in the severe battle of Helena, Ark., on 
the 1th of July, 186.3. 

His health was so badly broken in the service 
that he has never since been able to engage in any 
active business for a continued ])oriod of time. 
In 1871 Mr. Nelson went to California and was 
absent for four years. He is a member of Henry 
Bertram Post, G. A. U., of Oconomowoc. He is a 
Republican in politics, and cast his lirst vote for 
President Lincoln. 



r^ EORGE S. ROSENBERG, who h.is for 
V T many years been .an active businessman 
at Tess Corners, was born in New York 
City RLirch 28, 1858, being llie eldest of three 
children. Henry, the next youiigei-, born April 1, 
1863, resides at the same place and is a brick-layer 
by occupation. Augusta, the only sister, born 
December 27, 1807, makes her home with her par- 
ents. The father of this family, Hcnrj' Rosenberg, 
is a native of Bavaria, Germany, where his birth 
occurred August 29, 1830. Wiien five years of 
«ge he accompanied his parents. Christian and 
l^Iargaret Rosenljerg, to America. The voyage 
was made in the sailing-vessel "Colis," which left 
Bremen, but owing to unfavorable weather did 
not complete its journey until ninety-two long 
days had passed. The family located on Manhat- 
tan Island and there remained for many years. 
Christian Rf)senbeig died in New York City at the 
age of lifty-six. and his wife at the age of .seventy- 
three. 

In the metr(>|)olis of the east Henry Rosenberg 
grew to manhood and early in life learned the 
trade of a machinist. There, too, he met and mar- 
ried Miss Caroline Seascmgood, a native of Sax- 
ony, born .lune (>, 1832. In 1861, accompanied 
by bis wife and child, he emigrated to Wisconsin, 
and in Muskego Township purchased three acres 
of land and embarked in mercantile pursuits. 
Without interruption the business has been car- 



ried on by father and son at the same place to the 
present time. During Johnson's administration 
Rlr. Rosenberg was appointed Postmaster at Tess 
Corners, and with the exception of three months 
has held the position continuously since. During 
the late Civil War Henry Rosenberg, of whom we 
are speaking, donned the blouse and shouldered 
his musket in defense of his adoi)led countiy. In 
September, 18G4, he became a member of Corai)any 
D, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, and with his com- 
mand took part in a number of engagements of 
more or less importance, chief of which were the 
battles of Ilatchie's Run and (iravel Run. He 
witnessed the surrender of Lee's army, one of the 
most notable events of the late war. On the 9th 
of June, 18G5, Mr. Rosenberg laid aside the ac- 
coutrements of war, and accepting an honorable 
discharge returned to his home and business affairs. 
He is one of the esteemed citizens of the commu- 
nity in which he has resided for a third of a cen- 
tury. To the support of the German Lutheran 
Church, with which he and his family are con- 
nected, he contributes as liberally as his means will 
allow. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the head 
of this article came with his parents to Waukesha 
County when a child of two years, and has there- 
fore been identified with its interests almost his 
entire life. In the district schools at No. 1, Mus- 
kego Township, he secured a good practical edu- 
cation, which was supplemented by a cour.se in 
the German anrl English school known as Engel- 
man's Academy. When but thirloeii years of age 
he began to .assist in carrying on his father's store, 
with which he has since been actively identified. 
On his twenty-first birthday young Rosenberg w.is 
nominated by the Dumocralic party for the odiceof 
Town Clerk, to which he was elected by a sound 
majority, and which he has held continiioiisly to 
the present time with the exception of the year 
1890 when he refused the nomination. For the 
li.ast fourteen j-ears he has also held the oflice of 
Notary Public. For three years he has served as 
Treasurer of his school district and ever since at- 
taining his majority has taken an active part in 
the affairs of his town. To the county conven- 
tions of his party he has often been sent as a del- 



362 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



egate and has ever tried to represent faitbfull}' his 
constituents. The Messrs. Rosenburo;, father and 
son, iiave been successful business men, having by 
courtesy and fair dealing worked upagood trade. 

iT^ BNER DAYTON, an old and esteemed 
/ — \ citizen of the town of Merlon, Waultesha 
County, is a native of Rensselaer County, 
N. Y., born on the 17th of May, 1821. His father, 
Joshua Dayton, wlio was also a native of Rensse- 
laer County-, was born in 1782, and died about 
1865. He was reared to the life of a farmer, which 
occupation he ever aftcrwar<l followed, and on 
reaching manhood wedded Margaret Campbell, 
who bore him eight children, Abner being the 
fourth in order of birth. His father, our subject's 
grandfather, was for seven years a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War, and during that memorable 
struggle participated in the battles of Bunker 
Hill, Lexington, and various other engageraeuts. 
Joshua Dayton and his wife came to Wisconsin, 
but after a time removed to Illinois, which con- 
tinued to be their home till death. Both were de- 
vout members of the Free Will Baptist Church. 
Of their four sons and four daughters but four are 
living in 1894: Anson, a merchantof Cedar Coun- 
ty, Iowa; Abncr, of this biography; William, a 
carpenter and joiner; and James, a mechanic of 
Cedar Count}', Iowa. 

Abner Dayton continued to reside in his na- 
tive state until he was twenty-two years old, and 
there received such educational training as the 
days of his youth afforded. In October, 1843, he 
arrived in .Wisconsin, making the trip, as did the 
majority of the pioneers, by way of the Lakes to 
Milwaukee. From that village he proceeded to 
what is now known as Merton Township, but be- 
fore locating visited various portions of the terri- 
tory with a view of securing a desirable place in 
which to settle. His entire means was less than 
llOO, and after spending about all be had in pros- 
pecting, he began working at his trade, that of a 
mill-wriglil, receiving from seventy-five cents to 
^l per day. While Wisconsin has always been his 
home, Mr. Dayton has visited Illinois and Iowa. 



On the 26th of September, 1846, his marriage to 
Miss Elizabeth Rea was celebrated, and of this 
union two children were born. Barbara, who was 
educated in the Milwaukee High School, resides 
with her parents; and William W., who was edu- 
cated in the public schools and in Madison Busi- 
ness College, is a resident of Stone Bank, Wis. 
For a wife he chose Miss Maria Bolson. a native 
of Waukesha County, and to them has been born 
a son, Ray. W. W. Dayton is a Ke|niblican 
in politics, his first vote being cast in favor of 
James G. Blaine. He is the efficient Town Clerk 
of Jlerton, and has several times been honored by 
election to that position. Mrs. Dayton, the mother 
of this family, was born in Scotland on the 2d of 
May, 1828, and was a daughter of James and Bar- 
bara (Gibson) Rea. She was a miss of fifteen 
summers when she emigrated to the I'nited States 
with her parents who settled in New York. After 
residing in that state two j'ears they came direct 
to Merton Township, arriving in November, 184.3. 
At that time this part of the county was but little 
more than a wilderness, there being no roads ex- 
cept Indian trails, and but few houses in the town. 
Their first home was a log cabin erected b}' them- 
selves, there being no one near enough to render 
any assistance. Mrs. Dayton well remembers the 
Indians, they haying a camp near her father's 
home; that their first grain was harvested by means 
of a cradle, and that all their farm labor, as well 
as their light driving, was done by means of oxen, 
church going and all. Her parents were Scotch 
Presbyterians and required as strict .in obedience to 
their church discipline as was enforced by the old 
"Blue Laws" of Connecticut. Of their twelve 
children five are still living. In the home of Mr. 
and Mrs. Dayton are some articles of furniture that 
were made by the latter's father in 1843. among 
them being a chair and a table, the last named 
article still doing duty as a flower stand, though 
in its youthful days it served as a dining table. 
There are also a number of books, some of which 
were published in the seventeenth century, and a 
wooden scoop which Mr. Dayton used in early 
days. 

In his first voting days Mr. Dayton was an old 
line Whig, but on the rise of the Republican party he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



363 



cast his lot with it, and has ever since espoused the 

principles it advocates. He distinctl3' remembers 
many incidents connected with the mcmoral)le 
Harrison and Tyler canijiaign, as well as tiie days 
of "red d(><^" and "wild cat" currencj'. lie lias 
never had any desire for ollicial ])osition or honor, 
preferring to devote his time and attention to his 
personal affairs. lie and his wife reside in tlieir 
comfortable home on section 7, in the town of 
Merton, where they have resided continuously for 
almost half a century. They are widely known 
and are numbered among the early pioneers of 
Waukeslia Count}', and by a large circle of friends 
and acquaintances are esteemed for tlieir true 
worth. 

' — ^^')^^ C^ — • 

JOIIX WALSH, who is one of the progressive 
agriculturists of the town of Merton, has 
been an honored citizen of Waukeslia Coun- 
ty since 18,56. His birth occurred Jul}' 15, 
1834, at Medina, Orleans County, N. Y., he being 
the fifth in the family of William and Sarah 
(Givens) Walsh. A more complete record of the 
family may be found in the biography of James 
Walsh, given elsewhere in this work. I'nlil four- 
teen years of age he remained in his native pl.ice, 
and there attended school. In 1848 he removed 
with his mother and her family to Monroe Coun- 
ty, N. Y., where he and his brothers carried on 
farming until his emigration to Wisconsin. His 
primary education was supplemented by one term 
at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, a Methodist 
institution. October, 1856, witnessed his arrival 
in Waukesha County. With a capital of less than 
$5 he commenced in tlie new country, and d\iring 
the fii-st two seasons after his arrival, in compaii}' 
with Samuel Lane, worked a farm belonging to 
Mr. Poler. 

On the 7th of June, 18.')7, Mr. W^alsli wedded 
Miss Julia A., daughter of Jeremiah and Kunice 
(Palmer) Poler. Mrs. Walsh is a native of Sara- 
toga County, N. Y., her birthplace being not far 
removed from the scene of Hurgo3'ne's surrender. 
When a maiden of fourteen yeai-s, in 1845, she 
came with her ])arents to this county and with 
them settled in Merton Township, where her mar- 



riage was celebrated. In the earlier years of her 

life here she taught in the district schools. In her 
father's family there were five children, two sons 
and three daughters, of whom Mrs. Walsh and 
Miss M. E. Poler, of Merton, Wis., are the only 
survivors. Her father and mother were laid to 
rest in the cemetery at Merton, where their graves 
are suitably marked. Mr. and Mrs. Walsh first 
purchased a farm on section 36, which the}' later 
disposed of and in 1874 bought their present farm 
of eighty acres on section 26. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Walsh has been 
blessed by the birth of six sons, one of whom, 
Jeremiah, died at the age of two and a-half years. 
The eldest of the living, George W^., who was edu- 
cated in Wayland Academy at Beaver Dam and 
the I 'niversity of Chicago, is a member of the large 
grocery firm at No. 233 Lake Street, Chicago, do- 
ing business under the style of The Calumet Tea 
and Coffee Companj'. He is one of the leading 
travelingsalemen.his territory embracing the south- 
ern, eastern and middle states and extending into 
Canada. He wedded Miss Julia Walsh, of Roches- 
ter, N. Y., and has two children, (ieorge W., Jr., 
and Ruth. The second, Frank J., holds the chair 
of Greek and Latin in the Baptist University' at 
Sioux Falls, S. Dak. He graduated from Douglas 
University of Chicago in 1886, occupying a fore- 
most i)lace in the class. He is an orator of much 
ability and during his college course was the suc- 
cessful competitor for the prize in the school from 
which he graduated, which entitled him to a place 
as a contestant in the Inter-State Collegiate Ora- 
torical Contest held at Carliiiville, III. Here, too, 
his ability manifested itself, as he w.is awarded a 
prize of *7o. For a wife he chose Miss Gertrude, 
daughter of Rev. D. E. Ilalteman, of Delavan, 
Wis., their union being solemnized on the 8th of 
September, 1887. The young couple have one 
SOD, David E. Their third son, Harry H., is a reg- 
istered pharmacist of I^ckport, 111., having grad- 
uated from a school of pharmacy. John, who was 
educated principally in Carroll College, has been 
a trusted bookkeeper for the Western Electric 
Light Company of Chicago since 1887. The^'oiing- 
est son, Robert, collects the money at the various 
suburban stations on the Illinois Central Railroad 



364 



PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD, 



near Cliicago, a responsible jiosition, as fiom Maj^ 
1, 1893, to October 31 of tlie same year lie col- 
lected a total of $750,000 for the road. He is a 
young man of superior ability, as is shown by the 
fact that on the 4th of .Inly, 1892, his fellow 
townsmen selected him to deliver the oration of 
the day. Mr. and Mrs. Walsh h:ivc given their 
sons excellent educational privileges, and have the 
satisfaction of knowing that they are all occupy- 
ing useful and responsible positions in the busi- 
ness world. 

Mr. Walsh first exercised his right of franchise 
in favor of the lamented Lincoln, and since that 
time has been a loyal supporter of the men and 
measures of tlie Republican party. He has served 
his town as Clerk from 1871 to 1880, discharging 
tiie duties of that position most acceptably. Mrs. 
Walsh is a member of the Baptist Church at Mer- 
ton, and is a worker in the Sunday-school. She 
and her husband have always done their part to- 
ward meeting the obligations of the church and in 
supporting its various benevolententerprises. They 
are truly classe<l among the leading residents of 
Merton Township and occupy a foremost position 
in the estimation of the community in which they 
have lived for so many years. 




CT^ DOLl'lI V. NEHF, contractor and builder 
/"~A of Menomonee Falls, was borii in Ozaukee 
County, Wis.. May 30, 18.'){), being a son 
of William and Matilda ((iraff) Nehf. His father 
was a native of Arclishofeii, Oberamt Mergen- 
theim, Wittenberg, (iermany, born July 29, 1831, 
while his UKjlher was born near llkeiidorf, Konig- 
reich Sachsen, Germany, on the 18th of July, 
1831. The grandfather of our suljjeet, John Chris- 
toph Nehf, was born on the 8th of March, 1798, 
in the same town as his son William, while his 
wife, Eva Apolonia Hauyr, was born in 1796, her 
birtlnilace being Niedeirimbach, (Jermany. In 
early life the parents of A. C. Nehf emigrated to 
the United States and were united in marriage 
December 10, 1854, in Ozaukee County, Wis. By 



occupation the husband was a butclier in Ger- 
many, but after coining to this country learned 
the cooper's trade, at whicli he worked for some 
twentj' year.s, then engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits. Both he and his wife were members of the 
Evangelical Association, while in politics he was 
a He|)uhlican. The mother died August 31, 1883, 
after which the father married again and now lives 
in Port Washington. Mr. Nehf's family comprised 
six sons and five daughters, nine of whom are liv- 
ing, as follows: The subject of this article is first; 
Mrs. Anna Harm resides in Chicago; Mrs. Lillie Wise 
is in Minneapolis, Minn.; William is a carpenter 
and contractor of Chicago; Herman is a butcher of 
Port Washington; Martin is associated with AVill- 
iam; Mrs. Sarah Hofert resides in Chicago; Mrs. 
Katie Stevens lives in Minneapolis; and Charles 
is in Chicago. 

Adolpli C. Nehf, who w.as reared in Port Wash- 
ington, had very poor educational advantages, as 
he began work earl3' in life. His father being a 
cooper, the son grew up to that trade, at which he 
worked until he was about eighteen years of age, 
when he took up the carpenter's trade. In the 
meantime he also learned the trade of a butcher. 
He worked at carpentering in Port Washington for 
some three or four years, but August 13, 1878, 
came to Menomonee Falls, where he learned the 
harness trade with J. INI. Nehf, with whom he re- 
mained for two years and seven months, then 
started in business on his own account atGernjan- 
town. Failing health caused him to resume work 
at carpentering, which has since been his occupa- 
tion, in connection with which he does i)ainting. 
Mr. Nehf owns ninety one acres of land in and 
adjoining the village limits. In 18',)! he erected 
a splendid frame house of the most modern style 
and improvements. He also owns two store build- 
ings and two residences in the village of Menom- 
onee Falls. 

The marriage of Mr. Nehf and Miss Delilah, 
daughter of Noah and Sarah H (Nelis) Leister, was 
solemnized in Menomonee Falls on the 30th of 
March, 1881. Mrs. Nehf was born in the town of 
Granville, Milwaukee County, Wis.,M.ay 22, 1864. 
They had three children, Wallace Edwin, who was 
born October 4, 1881, in South Germantown, Wis., 




JOHN WAGNER. 




MAR AN DA WAGNER. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



369 



and died July 24, 1888; George Noah, born Julj' 14, 
1885, and Ilarley Wesley, born July 14, 1889; the 
last two are natives of Mcnonioiioc Falls, this 
county. 

Mr. Nehf is a Republican in political faith and 
supports tlie men and measures advocated by that 
party. IJy his fellow-citizens he was chosen a 
menibtr of the Village Hoard, in which capacity 
he is now serving. lie is one of the enterprising 
and wide-awake business men of Menominee Falls 
and takes a lively interest in the success and pros- 
perity of tlie village. 



<0<: -H"H"t"i"i-»-i"H"» JS| -t"t"i"i'»»'i"8"3'»»» X> 

IOIIN WAGNER. Since 1844 this sterling 
old gentleman has been a resident of Wau- 
kesha County, lie is so well known that he 

needs no special introduction to the people. 
He is a native of Chenango County. N. Y., l)0rn Au- 
gust 2, 1817, being the liflh child in a family' of 
ten and the only son. Three of this family sur- 
vive. Mirinda, the widow of Ira \. AVhite, re- 
sides in Chicago; Mary E., the widow of Edward 
EsUibrook, is a resident of Breckenridge, Mo.; and 
our subject. 'l"he father, John WagniM', was a na- 
tive of Worcester, Mass., born September G, 1787, 
and died in 1858. B\- avocation he was a farmer, 
and was left an orphan when a small boy. The 
old Wagner stock is of German parentage, the 
grandfather of our subject coming from Konigs- 
burg, Prussia, fJermany, about the time of Bur- 
g03'ne'8 surrender, and his gieat-grniidfalher was 
the Collector at the port of Konigsburg under old 
Frederick the Great. The father of the gentle- 
man whose name heads this article emigrated to 
New York in IHOG, and was a resident there until 
his emigration to Wisconsin in 1844. Politically, 
he was a .I.ackson Democrat, and in religious belief 
he and his wife were members of the Baptist 
Church at first, but afterward joined the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. Mother Wagner was a na- 
tive of Halifax, Vt, 

Mr. Wagner, of this biography, [lassed the _vears 
of his life till maturity in his native state. He is 
a self-educated inau, and has thoroughly improved 



himself by personal application. He was a suc- 
cessful school teacher in New York, and also in 
Wisconsin after his emigration to this state. When 
he concluded to come west, Wisconsin was the 
objective point, the tiip lieing made by the Erie 
Canal to Buffalo, thence around b^' the lakes in 
the old vessel "Madison," which was well known 
by the settlers and travelers of that early day. 
A|iril 4, 1844, he landed in Milwaukee, on the 
"old Walker pier," and where the large buildings 
and depot now stands there were rice swamps and 
hunting was good. The first hotel he stopped at 
was the old Mansion House, kept by a Mr. Cady, 
and back of the hotel was a taraar.ack swamp.. The 
now populous city was but a hamlet, the bluffs 
having not been cut down. Mr. Wagner has wit- 
nessed the growth and development of Waukesha 
County. Railroads have been thrown across the 
stale; factories have been erected; colleges and 
schools founded, and indeed all factors of civiliz- 
ation have been perfected since he became a resi- 
dent of Wisconsin. 1 1 was in the fall of 1844 
that his father purchased one hundred and seven 
acres of land on section 9 and twenty acres on 
section 21, there being scarcely any improvements 
on the land. The first home the Wagners lived 
in was a balloon structure of light frame work, to 
which was added a log house. The village of 
Waukesha was then known as Prairieville, which 
was a very small and insignificant place. He was 
here early enough to see tlie redmen of the forest 
come to his door begging and camp on his prem- 
ises near the Fox River, where they would liiirit 
and fish. Mr. Wagner is truly classed among llie 
pioneers of this county. 

Mr. Wagner wedded Miss Maranda .lohnson, a 
native of Chenango County. X. Y., in June, 18r)4. 
Mrs. Wagner was reared and educated in her na- 
tive state. They had traveled the j()urney of life 
together for thirty-one years, sharing alike the 
joys and sorrows of life, when, April 27, 1885, he 
was called upon to mourn the death of his 
beloved wife, Mr. and iMis, Wagner took to 
rear and educate their little niece, I.«oline Vail, 
when she was only four and a-half years of .age. 
They gave her the benefits of a thorough educa- 
tion. She is a lady of more than ordinary musical 



370 



POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



talent as a vocalist. September 18, 1888, she 
wedded Frank R. Austermann, a native of Wau- 
kesha County, and three chiUiren liave been born 
of this union, two sons and one daughter, as fol- 
lows: Richard, Arniin and Doratliy. Her husband 
is a son of Henry and Amelia (Meyer) Auster- 
mann, old settlers of this county. He is a gentle- 
man who received a good common-school educa- 
tion, which was supplemented by a course at the 
German Academy at Milwaukee. 

Politically Mr. Wagner was formerly a Demo- 
crat but is now a Republican. The first Repub- 
lican vote he cast was for (!en. Joiin C. Fremont, 
the great explorer, while his first Presidential bal- 
lot was cast in favor of the "Tippecanoe and Ty- 
ler too" campaign in 1840. He is a gentleman 
who has taken a decided interest in the education 
of the rising generation. In a religious view Mr. 
Wagner is known by his nian^- friends as a pro- 
nounced spiritualist. He has made some of the 
most pronounced investigations in spiritualism 
since the historic Rochester and Ilydeville "rap- 
pings" in 1849. He has the most emphatic views 
on the subject. He has had manifestations re- 
vealed to him in such a manner that he is a firm 
believer in the spiritual world. His communica- 
tions with the spirit land have been carried on 
many times in the d.aylight with some of the 
noted mediums, among whom we may name Miss 
Bangs, who is a noted spiritualist. He has been 
present at great seances held at Los Angeles and 
San Diego, Cal., and Chicago, and has held direct 
automatic writings in his home. He has a well 
stocked library, and in this collection of books has 
the most authentic writings of the best authors on 
the subject of spiritualism, and he is a gentleman 
who is always glad to talk fully on the subject, 
which is not very well understood by the masses. 
He is a thorough believer in this work and has 
been present at many physical manifestations which 
are wonderful as well as mj'Sterious. Mr. Wagner 
is possibly the only well known spiritualist in 
Waukesha County, and we are confident that this 
skelcli will be perused by many of this locality. 
Mr. Wagner is now alone except for his niece, Mrs. 
Leo Austermann. The Wagner estate of Wau- 
Heslia Township comprises pne hundred and sixty 



acres of valuable land, while his residence is situ- 
ated upon the west bank of liie Fox River upon 
a beautiful eminence which overlooks the sur- 
rounding country east of their home. 



PROF. OTTO J. SClirsTKR has been Prin- 
cipal of the Oconomowoc High School 
since the beginning of the school year of 
1891. He is also practically Superintendent of 
all the schools of that city, whicli coniiirisi! tliiee 
brick structures, situated in siiitalile parts of the 
city. The enrollment of pupils exceeds six hun- 
dred, about ninety of whom belong to the high 
school. The corps of teachers numbers eleven- 
including the Siiperintendeiil. The high school, 
under Mr. Schuster's administration, has been ac- 
credited to the State University, that is, its pupils 
are admitted without exaininatiou to all luil the 
classical courses. 

Professor Schuster is a native of Wisconsin, born 
near Madison, in Dime County, November 7, lf<()2. 
Peter Schuster, his father, is a i>ioneer of that 
county and still lives at the old Imhir' where he 
settled in the early days of the history of Dane 
County. The mother has been deceased several 
years. Our subject is one of three sons in a fam- 
ily of ten members. Several of the family have 
been and are successful educators. Herman, the 
eldest brother, is a successful farmer in Dane Coun- 
ty; Otto J., of this record, is the second, and Louis, 
the youngest brother, is a merchant in Dallas, Tex. 
Of the sisters, Mrs. Bertha Beach is a graduate of 
the State Normal School at White Water, and was 
for many years a successful teacher, her last posi- 
tion being in the Platteville Normal School. Rose, 
who graduated from the State llniversily in 188."), 
was also a successful instructor in the high schools 
of Virocpia and Sparta, this state. Ida, who for a 
number of years taught in the schools of Elkliorn, 
is now at Cook County Hospital, training for 
professional nursing. Clara, tiie youngest in the 
family, graduated from the State rnivcrsity in the 
Class of '93, and now is High School Assistant at 
Medford, Wis. The other sisters are Mrs. Emelia 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



371 



Prien, Mrs. Carrie Gatli, both of Madison, and 
Mary, wlio lives at liome. 

Professor Scliiiisler ij;rew iij) as a farmer boy. 
Not being al)k' to atleiid .scIkioI after tlie age of 
ten, except for a short tiiiii' diiriiig tlie winters, 
and having a strong desire for a higher education, 
lie devoted all iiis spare lime to study, and at the 
age of nineteen had prepared liiniself to enter tlie 
State University. Being wholly depeiuient upon 
himself he w.as obliged to drop out of his class 
several terms tocarn money to continue iiis course, 
wliicli lie completed in .lune, 188(>. After gradu- 
ating he became Principal of the schools at Pe- 
waukee, going thence to Lodi, Wis., vvlierc he was 
Principal of the High School for three years. At 
the end of tiiat time he assumed the duties of iiis 
present position. 

August 11, 1889, Professor Sell Uf-ter was married 
to Miss Mamie McBean of Pewaukee. They have 
two daughters, Cienevieve and Lucile. 

It is a fact universally conceded, that the .schools 
of Oconomowoc have attained a much higher 
Standard of excellence under the administration of 
Professor Sclmster than any previously reached. 
His scholarly attainments, and adaptation to the 
profession of teaching, place him in the front rank 
of the educatt)rs of the state. 



*^K^ -"Tre^ ^Hfc** ^^iv*. - 



~ iSif "™" ■'■■'TC* ' 



/^T^llOMAS I{. Rl( HARDS, a successful agri- 
I eulturi.st of the town of Delafield, is the 
third in order of birth and the only son 
in a family of live children. The parents, Rodger 
and Amelia (Simons) Richards, were natives re- 
spectively of Brecknockshire and Montgomery- 
shire, Wales. Rodger Richards was a son of Thomas 
and E. M. (Price) Richards, both of whom were 
also natives of Wales. He was reared to the life 
of a farmer, but at the age of nineteen years en- 
gaged In coal mining in Montgomeryshire, Wales. 
In the spring of IH14, in company with his parents, 
he bade adieu to home and native land and sailed 
for America from Liverpool, Kngland. They were 
five weeks in crossing the Atlantic to New York. 
Their destination being the far west, they contin- 
ued their journey, going by way of the Hudson 



River, Erie Canal, and the chain of Great Lakes 
to Milwaukee. From that city to Delafield Town- 
ship they [iroceeded b^- wagon. Mr. Richards en- 
tered eighty acres of (iovernmeiit land, on which 
he erected a log cabin 18x22 feel in dimensions. 
The furniture for the same was of the most primi- 
tive kind, much of it being manufactured out of 
very crude m.aterials and with fi^w tools. In the 
home of our subject can be seen an old clock that 
has been in tlie family for about sixty-five years, 
also an old chair that was included in one of the 
first purchases made in this county by his grand- 
parents, both of whom s))ent their (ieclining ^ears 
here. The grandfather died on the 29th of Aug- 
ust, 1850, and the grandmother in .lune, 18Gl,and 
lie side by side in the Congregational Cemetery in 
the town of Delalield. 

On leacliing manhood Rodger Richards wedded 
Miss Amelia Simons, a daughter of Daniel Simons, 
and they became the parents of tlie children named 
as follows: Ann, the wife of Rees Price of the town 
of Genesee; Mar^'. who wedded David R. .loiies, of 
Iowa County, Wis.; Thomas R., whose name ap- 
pears at the head of this article; Klizalieth, de- 
ceaseii; and Amelia, the widow of William G. 
Jones, of Milwaukee. They were earnest Christian 
poo])le,and strove to set a worthy example before 
their children. 

Thomas R. Richards was born in Delafield Town- 
ship on the 1st of March. 184-'). His time in early 
boyhood w;is divided between the duties of a boy 
on a farm, and the school-room. However, he 
left the latter while still young to devote his en- 
tire time and energies to farm labor, which occu- 
pation has been his life work. On the llh of 
March, 1873, the year and date of Grant's second 
inauguration as President of the United .Slates, 
Mr. Richards was united in wedlock with Miss 
Jane Morris, a native of Cardiganshire, Wales, 
and the eldest of a family comprising six children 
born to David M. and Jane (.lames) Morris. Mr. 
and Mrs. Richards have been blessed witli nine 
children, who are named .as follows: Rodger is de- 
ceased; Mary is a successful teacher, and was edu- 
cated in the public .schools and at Carroll Col- 
lege, besides receiving musical instruction; Eliz- 
abeth Sarah also received a literary and musical 



372 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



education; while David, Arthur and Amelia are 
yet in school; .Icnnie and Thomas died in child- 
hood, and Annie completes the family. 

Hcing a Hepublican in his political sentiments, 
Mr. Richards has given his support to the princi- 
ples advocated 1)3' that party since casting his 
first vote for (Jen. U. S. Grant. In his town he 
has served as Treasurer one term. Road Commis- 
sioner for several terms, and as a Director of the 
School Board for six years. With the exception 
of two years s|)ent in Colorado prospecting for 
gold and at general work, his entire life has been 
passed in his native county, where he is numbered 
among its substantial citizens. 



<)(; ^.^.^.^.^.^.■i.^.^.^.^M^. jg| ^..^.^ . ^.^.^.^M^.^.^M^A ;x> 

HICKORY GROVE .SUMMER RESORT. 
Eor beautiful spots where the overworked 
professional man, merchant or other busi- 
ness man may spend the hot summer months Wau- 
kesha County has become especially noted. Among 
the finest of these is Hickory Grove, which is sit- 
uated four and a-half miles from Ilarlland, a sta- 
tion on the St. Paul Railroad and one and a-half 
miles from Merton postoffice. This resort lies on 
the shores of Lake Keesus, and is adorned- with a 
luxuriant growth of native trees. It is owned and 
operated by John Manjuardt, one of the wealths- 
farmers of Merton Township, who has spared 
neither pains nor money to assist nature in making 
this spot most attractive. Having built a large, 
airy and commodious hotel, he opened it to the 
public .June 21, 181)4. The building stands on the 
banks of the lake and is 12x22 feet in dimensions, 
and is two stories in height. Tiie dining hall, 
which is 22x20 feet, is well lighted and commands 
a delightful view of the beautiful lake, while the 
apartments for his guests are well ventilated and 
otherwise arranged for comfort. The surrounding 
hickory and oak trees, with intervening glades, 
the native ferns and roses, make it one of the 
enchanting spots of this section. 

To the entertainment and comfort of their 
guests, Mr. and Mrs. Marquardt give their per- 
sonal attention; while ihe cuisine is of the best, 
since the products of the garden and dairy are sup- 



plied from their well kept farm. During the pres- 
ent year they have received liberal patronage from 
the best families of Milwaukee and elsewhere. The 
guests have access to the pleasure boats, croquet 
grounds, lawn tennis court and fishing accoutre- 
ments, the last being a great source of pleasure, as 
the lake abounds with rock bass, pickerel, roach 
and other species. The genial host and hostess, 
by the kind consideration for the wants of all, are 
making Hickory Grove Resort deservedly popular. 

MARTIN TOWNSEND, deceased, was one 
of the early settlers of Oconomowoc. 
He was l)orn in Massachusetts in 1785, 
and removed from his native state to that of New 
York with his parents at an early age. For a 
number of years he resided near Utica, but later 
settled in Attica, in the same state. lie was there 
married to Susanna .Sprout, whose father, Nathan- 
iel Sprout, was a Revolutionary soldier and one 
of the pioneers of the Genesee Valley. In 1846 
Mr. Townseiid came to Wisconsin and settled in 
Oconomowoc. His son. Dr. Hosea B. Townsend, 
had gone to Oconomowoc in 1845, being the 
first physician to establish himself in practice at 
that place, where he followed his profession for 
a number of years, though he now resides in Cold 
Water, Mich. The eldest son of Mr. Townsend, 
Amos, came to Oconomowoc in 1847. He re- 
moved thence to Grafton, Washington County, 
where he lived for a time and then returned to 
Waukesha County. For a number of j'ears he re- 
sided in the city of Oconomowoc, but finally set- 
tled on a farm in the town of Oconomowoc. His 
death occuiTed on the 14th of April, 1888, his 
wife having jiassed away the previous year. Their 
son. Dr. l)e Wayne Townsend, died but a few 
weeks previous to the death of the father. Amos 
Townsend left four daughters, Mrs. II. M. War- 
ner, Kate D., Grace, and Blanclie, all of Ocon- 
omowoc. * 

Martin Townsend died at the home of his son, 
Amos, on the 25tli of December, 1857. His wife 
had died in Attica, N. Y., many years before the 
faniil}' came west. Of his family there were but 
two surviving members in 1894, Miss Rachael E. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



373 



Townsend of Oconomowoc, and Dr. H. B. Town- 
send of Cold Water, Midi. Tliere wore six chil- 
dren who grew to manhood and womanhood, two 
brothers and four sisters. Martin Townsend was 
quite well advanced in life when he came to 
AVaukeshn County as a pioneer in IHKi, and sur- 
vived but about eleven years thereafter. lie was 
esteemed as au honorable, upright citizen. Sev- 
eral iiienibers of his family were prominent in the 
early history of the county. 






^_> IMON PPyi'KR SCIILAFKR, one of the 
Cv J prominent business men of Menomonee 
Falls, and one who has taken an .active in- 
terest in Ituilding up that village, was born in 
South (Jermantown, Washington County, Wis., 
.September 27, 18.50. His parents, .I.acob .Schlafer, 
Sr.. and Catherine Liclite, were both natives of 
Watenberg, Koenichreicli, Bavaria, in the Khein- 
jifalz, <Termany. Tlie falhiM- w.is born on the 19th 
of .June, 1H08, and the mother on the 1 1th of 
February, 1811. They were reared, educated and 
married in Cermany, where one child was born to 
them before their emigration to tins country. The 
father was a linen weaver in his native land. In 
1840 they sailed from Havre for New York, thirty 
days being consumed in crossing the -Atlantic. 
For about two years after his arrival in the I'nited 
.Stales, Mr. Schlafer, Sr., worked on the old Erie 
Canal, while to aid in caring for the home, his 
good wife kept boarders. Coming on to Cerman- 
town, Washington County, Wis., he bought a farm 
of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he after- 
ward added until he owned two hundred and forty 
acres. .Soon after his arrival, in compan}' with 
two partners, he bought a sawmill and a bedstead 
factory, which he operated for several years, then 
turned his entire attention to farming, being very 
successful. Mr. Schlafer has alw.iys been a Repub- 
lican, and takes great interest in the trininphs of 
the party he supports. Both husband and wife 
were members of the Evangelical Association. The 
lattcr's death oceurred at her home in (ierman- 
town, M.ay 2:5, 188.j, but the former is still quite 
vigorous and well preserved. With the aid of his 



estimable wife, Mr. Schlafer has made nearly all 

that he possesses, and in his declining years may 
enjoy the fruits of years of toil and careful hus- 
banding. He and his wife became the parents of 
ten children, seven boys and three girls, of whom 
live are living, namely: Frank, who is a farmer of 
Washington County; .lacol) L., who is a member 
of the milling firm of Schlafer, Iluebner &. Co.; 
Andrew, who is also a farmer of W.ashington 
County, Wis.; Louise, who became the wife of 
Daniel Ma3'er of Milwaukee, and the gentleman 
who is the subject of this article. 

S. P. Schlafer is the ninth child in order of birth 
in his father's family. He was reared on a farm, 
and educated in the district schools. I'ntil twenty- 
six years of age he remained at home with his par- 
ents. In his native place he was married on the 
13th of April, 187(!, to Miss Sarah A. Leister, a 
native of Granville, Milwaukee County'. Mrs. 
.Schlafer was born April 23, 18.57, and was a daugh- 
ter of Noah and .Sarah E. (Nelis) Leister. Her 
parents were natives of Pennsylvania; the father 
was born in Montgomery County, January 10, 
1823, and died in Milwaukee County, Wis., on the 
lltli of November, 1875, while his wife's birth oc- 
curred on the 30th of October, 1828, in Lehigh 
County. Mr. Leister came, in 1839, as a young 
man to Granville, Milwaukee County, being among 
the early settlers of that place. Mrs. Leister came 
with her father, Frederick Nelis, to Menomonee 
Falls in 184 1, their family being the first to settle 
where the present village now stands. Her mar- 
riage to Mr. Leister was celebrated on the 4th of 
Maj', 1848, in the cabin home of her father in 
Menomonee Falls, But little improvement had 
been made, and the surrounding country was 
largely in its natural state. .She survives her hus- 
band and is now a resident of the village where 
her marriage occurred so many years ago. Mr. 
and Mrs. Leister had six children, of whom only 
three are living. 

I'pon marriage Mr. Schlafer located in Menomo- 
nee Falls, but after a year returned to Germantown 
and took care of his father's farm some four years. 
In 1881 he and M. F. Lepper purch.ased the Men- 
omonee Falls Mill, and in 1884 put in the roller 
process. In 1890 he sold his interest in the mill, 



374 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and in 1891. in company with J. O. Iluebner and 
his hioliier, .1. L. ^iclilafer, enteicd into partnership 
under the linn name of Schlafer, Iluebner it Co., 
and Imilt tlie Knterp'ise Holler Mills. The build- 
ing is a line three-story structure, ecpiipped with 
a full roller i)rocess .and all modern improvements, 
and havint; a capacity of one hundred barrels per 
d.ay. It is without question one of the best fur- 
nished mills in this section of the country, and 
both merchant and custom work is done. Besides 
his interests in Waukesha County, Mr. Schlafer 
owns a farm of one hundred acres in the town of 
Granville, Milwaukee County. 

Mr. and Mrs. Schlafer have four children, Charles 
W., George E., Emma B. and Lillie M. Both he 
and wife his belong to the Evangelical Association, 
he being a Trustee and Class-leader. In p(jlitical 
faith Mr. Schlafer is a Republican, and is serving 
as Clerk of the School Board, to which position 
he was elected by his fellow-townsmen. He is a 
member of the society of Modern Woodmen. 

In 1887 Mr. Schlafer built a fine brick resi- 
dence from plans of his own conceiving, which is 
one of the best houses in the village. He also su- 
perintended the erection of the mills. A man of 
great energy and juish, he has been very success- 
ful in his undertakings. 



-< "\ 'J)ILL1AM KILLIPS, deceased, w.is one 
V/ V/ of New Berlin's honored i)i()neers and 
most energetic and thrifty farmers. 
He is a native of the Kmerald Isle, born in County 
Down, November 13, 1818, and is a son of Hugh 
and Ann Killips. The parents were also natives 
of that county. 

William Killips grew to nianlKiod in the old 
home, receiving the benefit of such school privi- 
leges as existed in that section. Like man^' of his 
fellow-countrymen, he decided to try his fortune 
in the New World, and at the .age of nineteen em- 
igrated to America, landing at iN'ew York. From 
that city he proceeded to Onondaga County, in 
the state of New York, where he found employ- 
ment as a day laborer. By dint of hard work and 



great thrift, he accumulated the sum of $500 in a 
little more than three years (three years and three 
months). While residing in this county, Mr. Kil- 
lips met the lady who afterwards tecame his 
wife. Miss Elizabeth Morgan. .She was born in 
Haddam, Conn., February 11, 1820, and is a daugh- 
ter of Joshua and Betsey (Hall) Morgan. Her 
parents were natives of Connecticut. Like her 
future husband, Miss Morgan was making her way 
in the world, and in a large measure dependent 
upon her own efforts. During a visit, Mr. Killips 
informed her of his intention to seek a home in the 
then wilds of the territory of Wisconsin, in which 
undertaking she bade him God-speed. 

In the summer of 1839, Mr. Killips turned his 
f.ace westward, coming by the way of the Erie 
Canal and the (h'eat Lakes to Milwaukee. From 
that city he walked to the town of New Berlin, 
where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres 
of Government land, located on section 29. It 
was covered with a dense growth of limber, but 
the dauntless lover set about to make the improve- 
ments necessary for the reception of his intended 
bride, first erecting a small frame house. During 
this winter he formed the acquaintance of that 
philanthropic pioneer and minister of the Gospel, 
Rev. Rufus Cheney, whose hospitable home, lo- 
cated on section 32, was ever open to the early- 
pioneers, many of whom found shelter and wel- 
come there. The acquaintance ripened into a 
friendship that extended through a life-time. 
When the frosts of the severe winter of 1839 dis- 
appeared, and navigation on the lakes was resumed, 
Mr. Killips returned to the state of New Y'ork, 
where, in Pompe}', Onondaga County, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Morgan, No- 
vember 14, 1840. When at Buffalo, departing 
with his bride for the west, a baud struck up the 
familiar tune vf "'Home, Sweet Home," which so 
dee|)ly impressed Mr. Killips that he never after- 
wards could listen to that air without weei)ing. 

.Soon after their union, Mr. and Mrs. Killips 
returned to the home he had prepared in the 
west. Money was scarce and in order to secure 
enough to insure the necessities of life, the young 
husband found employment away from home. 
During his absence the wife was alone and subject 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFXORD. 



375 



to many dangers incident to those times. Upon 
one occasion before ills departure, lie set lire to 
several brush heaps about the premises, as that was 
the manner of disposing of such material. A high 
wind set in endangering the house, but with the 
courage born of desperation, Mrs. Killijis carried 
water frt)m a spring many rods distant with which 
to fight the threatening fire, thereby saving their 
home, a shelter necessary, not alone from the 
elements, but from the prowling wolves and other 
dangei-s peculiar to a home in the wilderness. 
This is but one of the numerous incidents related 
by this pioneer family, some of a nature to cause 
one to wonder at the privations peculiar to exist- 
ence in the forests of Wisconsin. Mr. Killips 
cleared up his land, making it a line farm. He 
was an authoiity on many matters of agricultural 
importance, and many of his early .associates re- 
member him .as a man of good business qualitica- 
tions. 

Mr. and Mrs. Killips had a family of eight chil- 
dren, of whom six survive and are as follows: 
Lydia became the wife of .1. A. Monroe, a fanner 
of the town of New IJei-lin, section 21; Ksther 
wedded Henry \'reeland (deceased), a business 
man of Waukesha; .loshua is a farmer of New Ber- 
lin 'rownship, and resides on section "iil; William 
K., of whom furliier mention is made, is next; Dan- 
iel lives in Chicago and is empUned by a lumber 
company of that city; Kmma became the wife of 
R. II. Haldwin, a traveling salesman of Evanston, 
III. The deceased are Willis, who died in infancy, 
and Robert. The latter, when Lincoln's appeal 
for soldiers was sent abroad, enlisted, becoming a 
member of Company B, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin 
Difantrv, August 1.5, 1862. The enlistment oc- 
curred at the dead of night in Waukesha, from 
which place he went out to meet the fate common 
to so many of his comrades. While his regiment 
was encamped at Helena, Ark., he was stricken 
down by malaria, from the effects of which he 
died and was buried at Helena. A picture of a 
soldier in uniform adorns the walls of his sister's 
(Mi-s. .1. A. -Monroe) home, a prized memento of 
him who gave his life for the cause of the I'nioii. 

Mr. Killips gave his children all the educational 
advantages obtainable at this period of New Ber- 



lin's history, and when the sons arrived at a suit- 
able age, furnished the means whereby they might 
engage in mercantile pursuits. In 1877 a store 
was opened on section 28, New Berlin, and later 
another was erected by him, situated on the Muk- 
wonago Road, the pro|)erty now owned by Robert 
Miller, of I'rospect Hill. l'"ew men have felt or 
taken a greater interest in the development of the 
town of New Berlin than Mr. Killips. His death 
occurred November 10, 1888, and he w.as laid to 
rest in the New licilin Cemetery on section 28. 
He began a pot)r man, but by industry and econ- 
omy accumulated a valuable property, leaving his 
family well provided for. His wife, the compan- 
ion of his joys and sorrows, still survives. For the 
past few years she has made her home with her 
daughter, Mrs. Baldwin, of Evanston. 111. During 
the summer months she visits her children in the 
old home, bringing the sunshine of a good old .age 
into their liomes. She is a most estimable lady, 
and, like her husband, is an advocate of the tem- 
perance cause, setting a worthy example to the 
younger generation. On the lltli of February, 
1894, Mrs. Killips celebrated the seventy-fourth 
anniversary of her birth, and it is the wish of her 
many friends that she may be spared many more 
j'ears. In her religious faith she is a Baptist. 

William E. Killips was born on the old home- 
stead, in New Berlin Township, April U, 1850. 
When nineteen years of age, he began his business 
career, but during his father's life, remained with 
him. 

On the l!»th of November, 1871, William E. 
Killips married Miss Lizzie Brice. Mrs. Killips 
was born in Raymond Township, Racine County, 
M.ay 8, 1854, and is a daughter of Thomas and 
Alice ((brought) Brice, natives, respectively, of 
Canada and Ireland. They were the parents of ten 
children, comprising six sons and four daughters, 
all of whom, with one exception, are still living. 

Mr. Killips is a thrifty farmer, as the condition 
of his buildings and grounds indicates. Heerccted 
a beautiful house in 18H7, while his barns and 
other necessary buildings are in excellent condi- 
tion. His farm comprises one hundred and thirty 
acres, which were originally owned by his father. 
In his political sentiments, he, like his father, 



376 



FOETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



takes great interest in the principles of the tem- 
perance cause, and is a supporter of the Prohibition 
party. 

Mr. and IMrs. Killips iiavo sixciiiidren, four sons 
and two daughters: Arthur W'., FUjrcnce E., Clar- 
ence K., Milton W., Kstelle L. and Emerson. They 
with their family attend tlie Free Will Baptist 
Church. 



:S#C^ 



D.WIU REA, an old and respected citizen 
of Waukesha Countj', located on section 
2 in the town of Vernon in 1839, and 
lias therefore been identified with llie growth 
and development of the county for the long per- 
iod of fifty-six 3ears. In that time he lias wit- 
nessed all those changes that have made of this 
one of the most desirable jiortions of the state in 
which to live. His father, John Rea, Sr., was a 
native of County Tyrone, Ireland, where he was 
reared, and where he carried on farming. In addi- 
tion to his other interests he engaged in tiie man- 
ufacture of brick and potter^-. In the common 
schools of ills native land he was educated, and 
on arriving at man's estate wedded Miss Margaret 
Woods, also a native of Ireland. To this union 
four children, three sons and a daughter, were 
born, David being tlie eldest. Besides him but 
one other survives, John, ,Ir., who owns a part of 
the old homestead in the Emerald Isle. The de- 
ceased brother bore the name of Robert, while 
Jane, who was the only sister and the third child 
in order of birth, has also passed awa^-. About 
1812, John Rea, Sr.. came to America, and for a 
time was engaged as a clerk in a general store in 
Philadelphia, and on leaving that city made a tour 
of the eastern states then returned to tlie land of 
his nativity, where he died. His wife's death oc- 
curred on the old home farm. 

David Rea was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, 
on the 2(;th of August. 1814, and grew up on his 
father's farm. He received but a limited educa- 
tion, though by experience in the business world 
he has become well acquainted with men and af- 
fairs. While yet at home his parents desired him 
to serve a five years' apprenticeship to the trade 
of carpenter, but his tastes not running in that 



direction he gave it up after working a short time. 
When nineteen years of age he concluded to try 
his fortune on this side of the sea, and accordingly' 
sailed from Belfast to (Quebec, Canada. The vessel 
on which he embarked was seven weeks an<l four 
months in crossing the Atlantic; notwithstanding 
the hardships of a very stormy voyage, Mr. Rea 
gained fourteen pounds during the passage. From 
CJuebec he went to Montreal, and from there some 
seventy-five miles distant to work for a Mr. Mc- 
Clelland, but on arriving he found that things 
were not as they had been represented to be 
and immediately returned to Montreal. Next he 
went near Ft. Prescott, where he was employed 
for a time by a Pennsylvania Dutchman on a farm. 
He then went to Cornwall to work on the canal, 
but his companion took the cholera and Mr. Rea 
worked with him till he died and then took a boat 
for Toronto. On this trip his [lurse was taken 
from him by the boat clerk, who w.as only induced 
to return it to its rightful owner after Mr. Rea had 
convinced him liy muscular force. Arriving at 
his declination he secured einploynieiit as a gar- 
dener, but unfortunately was stricken down with 
fever and ague and had to give up the place. On 
recovering from his illness he hired to work at 
threshing, and fni completing that job went to 
Trafalgar, and from llieie to Toronto .again. Meet- 
ing a Mr. Campbell at that place ho accompanied 
him to Chicago, making the trip b_y way of the 
lakes, slopping while en route at (ireen B.ay and 
Milwaukee. Landing in the World's Fair Cit^' 
they put up at the Sherman House, where they 
S|ienl two days. Proceeding on foot to Dresden 
and from there to Marseilles, 111., they found em- 
ployment, Mr. Rea, with a Mr. Kimball. How- 
ever, after working for this gentleman a short time 
teaming and cutting, he got tired of the hardships 
he had to endure and quit, and worked for Mr. 
Pinney. Returning to Canada he tried to collect 
some money he had loaned to a fellow-con ntiy- 
maii, realizing very little. 

In 18.39 he came direct to the town of Vernon, 
where on section 2, he bouglit one hundred and 
twenty-four acres of land. Mr. Rea then went to 
Joliet, III., where he secured work in a hostlery. 
Returning to Vernon Township he built a log 




CAPT. EIJPHALET S. STONK. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORDl 



879 



house 14x18 feetin dimensions, iiad a well dug.iml 
began to improve his claim. In those days he did 
a great deal of breaking for the settlers, plowing 
the first acre on the farm of John McNaiighton 
and on Kinley Frazier's, as well as various others. 
Throughout his entire life he lias ever been enter- 
|)ri.siiig and industrious, and as a reward of his 
careful managenient and untiring efforts, to-day 
owns two hundred and seventj'-two acres, upon 
which lie has erected a good house and substantial 
outbuildings. 

Mr. Rea has been twice married; lii.s fust wife, to 
whom he was united in 18.53, bore the name of Mrs. 
Sarah 15egg. Siie was a native of Caledonia, Liv- 
ingston County, N. Y., and a daughter of Frederick 
Gibson. . After iier demise Mr. Hca wedded Jcan- 
ette McDonald. Mr. Rea's chihlrcn were five in 
number, of whom .John is the oldest. Daviil is a 
carpenter and joiner, and resides on the old home- 
stead in the town of Vernon, while Sarah, Martha, 
and an infant child are deceased. In politics Mr. 
Uea is an uncompron:ising Democrat, lie is one 
of the old land marks of this section, and is es- 
teemed and respected by a large circle of friends 
and acquaintances. 



"S) 



^-^m= 



-^"VAPT. ELirUALIiT .S. STONE, of the 
^^/ town of Summit, is one of the well known 
residents of Waukesha County, and one of 
its early citizens. He is a native of Wayne Coun- 
ty, N. Y., born April 10, 182.5. His father, Ed- 
ward H. .Stone, was born in the stale of Connecti- 
cut. He was of English ancestry and belonged to 
an early Connecticut family. The Iad3' who be- 
came his wife was Mary Stevens, also a native of 
that stale. Edward II. Stone was the youngest of 
seven sons, and there were also several daughters 
in the family. He and his wife grew up in their 
native stale, their marriage being celebrated at 
Rhinelieck.on the Hudson. Soon after that event 
they settled in Wayne County, N. Y. 

The subject of this recor<I is the younger .son of 
a family comprising two sons and four daughters. 
He spent his early boyhood days on his father's 
farm, but when he had attained to his tifleenth 



year began sailing on Lake Ontario, which he con- 
tinued for two seasons. In 1842 he left the old 
home in the east and started westward, arriving in 
Milwaukee in September of that year. He was 
but a lad of seventeen years when he landed in 
that now important city, then but a small port 
on Lake Michigan. Wisconsin was still a ter 
ritor}', and on the northwestern frontier of west- 
ern civilization, and did not arrive at the dignity 
of statehood until some six years later. Captain 
.Stone set ouV thus early in life to make his own 
way in the world. He had received 4^6 per month 
for his services as a sailor boy on Lake Ontario, 
and had served from his earnings *l(). His father 
was oi)posed to his coming west, but it was a cher- 
ished plan and- he was loth to give it up. In the 
absence of his father he divided his moiify with 
his mother and started out into the world, shipping 
at Buffalo for Milwaukee. He engaged to work 
for his p.assage around the lakes, so that on his ar- 
rival at his destination he was in possession of 
*21 in mone^'. He now cast about for something 
to do, and starting out on foot to look for em- 
ployment, he arrived in due lime in the town of 
Brookfield. Waukesha County, where he secured 
work for a season. He found employment in chop- 
ping wood and sijlitting rails until the opening of 
navigation on the lakes in the spring of 1843, at 
which time he began sailing with Capt. Calvin 
Ripley, whose vessel was engaged in the lumber 
trade between Milwaukee and Manistee, Mich., 
with whom he continued two seasons. Hy this^ 
time he had become fully settled to a life on the 
lakes. By faithful attention to duty he was rap- 
idly advanced, and was but twenty-two years old 
when he became m.aster of a vessel, and continued 
interested in sailing until 18fi0. 

In Milwaukee, December 27, 18.52, Captsiin Stone 
was married to .Miss Nancy McWhorter, daughter 
of fleorge McWhorter, one of the early pioneers 
of this county, having settled here with his family 
in 1836. Mrs. .Stone was born in Wa.shiiigtou 
County, N. Y., in 1833. Captain Stone had the 
distinction of being one of the most successful and 
enterprising men in his line of business. With his 
family he resided in Milwaukee, where he was a 
memt)er of the first Board of Trade, and has ever 



380 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



since continued a member of that bod}'. For a 
considerable time he was Inspector for the Lake 
Board of Underwriters. 

Captain Stone was identified with Waukeslia 
County lon^i: before lie discontinued the business 
of sailing. Willi the first *50 that he earned 
after coming west, he bought forty acres of land 
in the town of I'.rookfield, on which he built 
a residence. Later he sold that property and 
bought a farm of Captain Ripley in the town of 
Greenfield, Milwaukee County. InJ857hecarae 
into possession of his present beautiful home and 
farm. It is located on the east shore of Silver 
Lake two miles southeast of the city of Oconorao- 
woe, and is numbered among the many charming 
homes with wliioli this part of Waukesha County 
abounds. 

The parents of our subject followed their sou to 
the territory of Wisconsin in 1843, settling on a 
farm in the town of Brookfield, where the father 
died on tlie 1st of October, 1848. The mother sur- 
vived her liiisband for many years, passing away 
at the home of Ca()taiu Stone in October, 18G.5. In 
18U1 there are four surviving members of their 
family, of whom Mrs. Caroline Forger, of Ocono- 
inowoc, is the eldest; Edward IL, the older brother, 
resides at Appleton, Wis.; Captain Stone is the 
next in order of birth; Orrelia, who is the 30ung- 
est, is the wife of S. W. Putne^', of Nashua, Iowa. 
The deceased sisters were Mary Ann and Catherine. 

Captain Stone and wife have si.'c cliildren, three 
sons and tluee daughters. The former are, Percy 
F., F. Paul and Louis, all of whom are partners in 
the lumber business in Chicago. The eldest daugh- 
ter is Ella, wife of T. F. Leavitt, of Sioux Falls, 
S. Dak. Jennie wedded F. S. Kimball, of Sioux 
City, Iowa, while the youngest, Alice B., is at home. 

Our subject has been prominently identified with 
the interests of his town and has several times 
served as Supervisor. He reiiresentcd his district 
in the Legislature of the state in the sessions of 
1872 and 1873. Captain Stone is widely known 
and recognized as one of the leading and substan- 
tial citizens of Waukesha County. To whatever 
degree of success he has attained, he has ever been 
assisted by his worthy wife, who is a lady of cul- 



ture and much natural ability. In their pleasant 
home they are enjoying the fruits of an indus- 
trious and successful career. 



--^^l 



LQ,' 



vHi 



MRS. ELIZABETH IIANNA. The lady 
whose biography we here present is one 
of the old settlers of Waukesha County. 
Since 1814, four years before Wisconsin was ad- 
mitted into statehood, she has been a resident of 
this county. Mrs. llanna is a native of the Isle of 
Man, where she was born the 8tli of April, 1813. 
She is the youngest in a family of eight children, 
five sons and three daughters, born to William and 
Margaret (Kolya) Dugdale, of whom nearly all 
grew to mature years. Her father was a tailor by 
trade, but afterward engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits. He died in his native land in his eightieth 
3ear. In his religious belief lie was a member of 
the Church of England. His wife spent her entire 
life on the Isle of Man, and died comparatively 
young, being but fifty-two years old at the time of 
her death. 

Mrs. Hanna was brought up in her native isle 
and educated in the English language. At the .age 
of fourteen years, after her mother's death, she 
went to Liverpool, England, to reside with her 
sister. Two 3ear8 later she returned to her home 
and learned the trade of a dressmaker, becoming a 
professional in that line. In 1842 she was there 
married to Dennis Hanna, a native of County 
Down, North Ireland. Of this union eight chil- 
dren were born, five sons and three daughters, of 
whom seven are living. Margaret became the wife 
of Chris Arras, a resident of Milwaukee and a 
cooper by trade. Julia married John Boh, of 
Crookston, Minn., who is a railroad engineer; Den- 
nis resides in Chicago, where he is engaged in the 
real estate business. He chose for a wife Miss 
Anna Russell. Christopher, the second son, is a 
farmer of New Berlin Township, Waukesha Coun- 
ty'; William has charge of the old homestead in the 
town of New Berlin, where his birth occurred the 
17th of Januar}-, 1852. There he was reared and 
educated in the common schools of the township. 
Thus far he has spent his entire life in Waukesha 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 



381 



County, devoting himself to agricultural purauits 
and stock-raising. In politics he is a "Simon 
pure" Democrat, and cast his lirst Presidential 
vote for Hon. Samuel .1. Tildcn, the Democratic 
candidate in 187(i. In an otiicial capacity, Mr. 
William Ilanna has served his town as Clerk of 
the school district for sixteen years, a record of 
which he may well be proud, as well as showing 
the esteem and cunlidence re|)f)sed in him by his 
fcUow-lownsmcn. He has also been Chairman of 
' the Town lioard two terms; Assessor for two years, 
and Town Clerk foi' a like period of time. In his 
religious faith .Mr. Ilanna is a Catlioliv, and is a 
member of .St. Joseph's Church of Waukesha, of 
wliicli Fallior Miller is pastor. The next child in 
Mr. and .Mrs. Ilanna's family is Francis .loseph, who 
married Miss Lizzie Boh. He is a painter by trade 
and resides in Pewaukee, and is the Postmaster of 
that village; .lames .Vrlhur, who married Miss 
Katie Cross, lives in Chicago. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ilanna and one child sailed from 
tlieir native land in 11541, taking passage on a 
sailing-vessel bound for New York. From that 
city they came to Milwaukee by way of the Hud- 
son River, Krie Canal and the (ireal Lakes, mak- 
ing the entire journey by boat. The voyage across 
the ocean consumed six weeks, and from New York 
to Milwaukee, two weeks. Mr. Ilanna commenced 
in the new land as a laborer, beginning at the foot 
of the ladder, but by hard work and economy 
arose to comfortable circumstances. The first pur- 
chase of land was forty acres in its native condi- 
tion, without improvements of any kind, a part of 
the present estate. Their first home in tliecountv 
was a little log cabin, which consisted of but one 
room. There were plenty of Indians at this lime 
in this section, and often they would pass the new 
homes. Mrs. Ilanna tells of a fright caused by an 
Indian looking in at the window one d.\v when 
she wa.s alone with her two little children. When 
they first came lu-re the country was new and 
spai-sely inhabited, neighbors being few and far 
between. After a life in the city .Mrs. Ilanna 
found it very lonesome; her hu.sband was away 
at work while many times she was alone wilh her 
clii hi rcn, exposed to the dangers incident to pioneer 
times. The old fashioned fire-place was the only 



means of cooking; stoves were a luxury not to be 
obtained, or at least very rarely. Waukesha was 
then known as Prairicville. a village of only a few 
scanty hal)ilations. Mrs. Ilanna has lived to see 
this wilderness converted into one of the most 
beautiful coiiiilios in the slate of Wisconsin. 

Mr. Ilanna was a Deiiiocial in his political senli- 
meuts, taking quite an active pari in llie advance- 
ment of the cause advueated by that party. Otli- 
cialiy he served as Cliainiian of the I'.oard for two 
terras, and Treasurer for t)ne term. He was a 
member of the Catholic Chiircli, and lived in ac- 
cordance with tlic professicui he made. Mrs. Ilanna 
is still living, hale and strong fur a lady of her 
years. She is one of those l)right, sunny old ladies 
who has a kind word ami smile for all; one in 
whom the poor and needy find a friend. The es- 
tate, of which the son, William, has exclusive 
charge, comprises eighty acres of highly cultivated 
land, with a substantial brick residence and other 
necessary buildings thereon. The home circle con- 
sists of bill mother and son. the latter being de- 
voted to the care of his mother in her declining 
years. This sketch of Mrs. Ilanna, who is one of 
the kind mothers of the land, will be cherished 
and held sacred by her children when mother h.as 
passed away. 



JOHN KKLLEY, of Merton Townshii), has 
been an honored citizen of Waukesha Coun- 
ty since 184.3, and is numbered among t!l% 
pioneer settlers of his town, having been one 
of the first to settle there. He is a native of the 
Emerald Isle, born in County Longford, in March, 
1820, and is a son of .lolin and Catherine ( Pliinne}) 
Kelley. Mr. Ivelley was the third in a family- 
numbering six sons and two daughters, and is now 
the oldest one living, there being but tw«) others, 
Edward and Margaret. The former is a farmer of 
the town of Merlon, while the latter, who is the 
widow of Dennis llannaby, resides in the state of 
Washington. His father, who was also a native of 
I County Longford, was reaied to agricultural pur- 
suits. He received but a limited education, as he 
was early left without the care and protection of 



382 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



a fatlicr, and bein*^ poor was compelled to make 
his own way in the world. On reaching manhood 
he wedded Miss Phinney,and in 1827 they brought 
their family to this country, liidiling adieu to 
the land of the .Shamrock they sailed from Dublin 
for Montreal, Canada, where they arrived after a 
voyage of seven weeks. Going at once to Schuy- 
lerville, .Saratoga County, N. Y., the family lo- 
cated, and there resided until their emigration to 
Wisconsin. Their home vvas not far distant from 
the field u|)on which the famous battle of Sara- 
toga was fought, relics of which Mr. Kelley has 
often found in liis boyhood ramblings. In 1843 
Katlier Kelley and one of his sons came west on a 
prospecting tour, going first to Illinois, with which 
country he was very much delighted, and of which 
he wrote to his family in glowing lei-ms. How- 
ever, when the remainder of the family came out, 
our subject was not pleased with Illinois and in- 
sisted on coming to Wisconsin, which they fin.illy 
did. The trip from their eastern home was made 
bv way of the Krie Canal and (Jreat Lakes to Mil- 
waukee; going thence to tlie present town of Mer- 
ton, then known as Warren Township, Milwaukee 
County, they look a claim of three hundied and 
twenty acres. The land was wholly unimproved, 
but as soon .as they could, a log cabin 18x26 feet in 
size, having a mud and slick chimney, was erected. 
The Kelley family w.as one of the earliest settled 
in thai immediate neighborhood, there being but 
one other house, which was inhabited b}' the j\Ic- 
Cafi'ery, Dwyer and Maguer families. Indians and 
deer still abounded in the country, and wolves 
were often seen on their premises. Their grain 
for some years was cut with tiie cradle and then 
threshed out with the Hail. In |)olitics Mr. Kel- 
ley, Sr., was a stanch Democrat, and in religious 
faith he and his wife were devout Catholics. 

John Kelley, whose name appears at the begin- 
ning of this record, was a lad of onl}' seven years 
when he came with his parents to America, and 
was therefore educated in the I'nited States. The 
advantages he enjoyed of securing an education 
were furnished by the common schools of the times 
and were largely the result of his own exertions. 
He was reared to the life of a farmer, which occu- 
pation, in connection with stock-raising, he has 



followed since reaching man's estate. In 18.51 
Mr. Kelley wedded Miss Margaret Hayburn, a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Christo- 
pher and Martha (Cairns) Hayburn. To this mar- 
riage was born six sons and three daugliters, seven 
of whom survive, namcl\': .Tolin is in the state of 
Washington; James E., who graduated from Rush 
Medical College of Chicago, is a successful physi- 
cian and surgeon of Milwaukee. He is ably as- 
sisted in his professional work by his wife, who is 
also a physician. Christopher, the third in the 
family, is employed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul Railroad, and resides in the same city; 
William, who was educated at the White Water 
Normal School, manages his father's farm; George 
is a resilient of Milwaukee; ]\Iartha J., who was 
also educated at White Water, taught successfully 
in the schools of this county for three years; and 
Kmma, who was a student at White Water and a 
teacher for three years, became the wife of Peter 
Burg, a merchant of Milwaukee. Mr. Kelley was 
j called upon to mourn the loss of his wife in 1887, 
after a wedded life of thirty-six 3-ears. Mrs. Kel- 
ley was a devoted wife and mother, and a devout 
member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church of 
Mapleton, Wis., in the cemetery of which she was 
laid to rest. 

Mr. Kelley has ahvays been a supporter of the 
principles advocated by the Democratic party, his 
first Presidential vote being cast for Franklin 
Pierce. As an ollicial he has been selected by his 
fellow-townsmen as a member of the Board of 
Supervisors at different times, and has been con- 
nected with the management of the schools of his 
town, more or less, since the schoolhouse was 
erected and the district organized in 1850. His 
long connection with the schools of his township 
is a high testimonial of the appreciation of his 
services. In the erection of the first school build- 
ing Mr. Kelley took an active part, aiding in va- 
rious ways, and has ever taken a lively interest in 
advancing the cause of education. In 1850, when 
the schoolhouse was built, and the district in which 
he lived was organized, there was but one other 
school building in the township. Wlien he and 
his wife began their domestic life the}' had eighty 
acres of land which he had purchased from the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



383 



Government, and cash to tlic amount of about 
^200. Mr. Kelley has ever boon an industrious 
and enterprisiu}^ man, and ad<k'd to tlie original 
purchase until at one time lie owned some four 
hundred acres. lie is a man who lias eslalilislied a 
reputation for integrity and honoi', and is well 
known, not only in his town, but tlii-dughout the 
county. He and his family are niemhers of the 
Catholic Church at Mapleton, to the support of 
which he contributes liberally, having aided in the 
erection of the present edifice. 



. o^ 



e 



'^'llAHLKS T. SUTTON. One of the many 
■ beautiful homes on the border of Lake La 
liello, at Oconomowoc, is that of Mr. 
Charles T. Sutton. It is known as the Oaks, from 
the numerous stalely trees of that variet}' with 
which the grounds abound. Mr. Sutton is not 
what would be called an early settler of Oconomo- 
woe, the time of his coming as a permanent resi- 
dent having been in 1873. His first iiome in that 
city, which he still owns, was on Main Street. Five 
years later he purchased his present location, which 
consists of twelve acres bordering on the lake, 
and well elevated above the beautiful body of 
water. I'pon this property, Mr. Sutton has made 
extensive improvements; the house which then 
occupied the site of his |)resent residence was re- 
moved to another position, and the latter erected 
thereon. This is on an elevation cpiite close to 
the lake, of which it commands a splendid view. 
He has expended many thousands of dollars in 
making improvements, including the erection of 
buildings, grading, plan ting of trees, etc. Hesidcs 
the many oaks, to which reference has already 
been made, as giving to the place its name, not 
less than twent^'-six other varieties of trees are 
here found, including many kinds of forest and 
ornamental trees. Among these the writer noticed 
a chestnut, which has borne excellent nuts, a va- 
riet3- of maples, linden, butternut, pine, cedar,also 
a variety of wild fruit trees, etc. The new resi- 
dence is a fine two-story structure. 38x12 feet in 
dimensions, with the latest improvements for com- 
fort and elegance. In fact, Mr. Sutton's home, in 



its location and surroundings, is one of the most 
desirable on the lakes. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this biography is a native of the city 
of New York, where his birth occurred Juno 13, 
1830. His father was Uenjamin Sutton, while his 
grandfather, Daniel Sutton, was a native of Sut- 
ton, England, and emigrated to America in early 
life. The family name of our subject's mother 
was Stuart, she being of Scotch ancestry. Mr. .Sut- 
ton was reared to mercantile i)ursuits, and for a 
number of years was especially' engaged as an im- 
porter of French and German goods. He contin- 
ued in the mercantile business in his native city 
until the beginning of the late Civil War. 

As a member of the famous Seventh New York 
Regiment, Mr. Sutton accompanied his command 
to Washington when it was called to that city, im- 
mediately after the surrender of Ft. Sumter. The 
regiment remained at the ca|)ital about two months, 
when it returned to New York and was reorgan- 
ized. In 1862 he accepted the post of Adjutant 
of the Thirty-third New York Regiment, and going 
at once to the front took an active part in McClel- 
lan's famous Peninsula Campaign, participating 
in the principal battles of the same, ending with 
that of Malvern Hill. The last important engage- 
ment in which he took part was that of Antietam. 
His health becoming seriously impaired, he re- 
signed his position in the army and returned to 
New York. 

For several years after his return from the war. 
Mr. Sutton was unable to attend to business, or 
even leave the house. Despairing of ever being 
restored to health in his native city, lie decided to 
follow the advice given him, to try the healthful 
conditions of Oconoinowoc. He made the experi- 
ment, and was so much improved in health by the 
change, that he resolved to become a permanent 
resident, though he has i)a.ssed the winters in 
New Y'ork, except that of the past one, 1893-94. 

Mr. Sutton was married in the city of New York 
in 1859, to Miss Sarah S. Miller, daughter of Charles 
Miller. Mrs. Sutton's more remote ancestors were 
residents of Plainfield, N. J., but the family have 
for man}' years resided in New York. Mr. Sutton 
has never engaged in any permanent business since 



384 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



coming to Ocononiowoc, as lie has been a constant 
sufferer as a result of his array life, since the war. 
Politically he is a Democrat, without ollicial aspir- 
ations. IJoth he and his wife are members of tlie 
Congregational Church. 






ISAAC McKENNA, an enterprising business 
man of liig Rend, \'crnon Townsliip, is a 
iKilivc of Waukeslia County, liis birth occur- 
ring in the town of Rluskego September 2, 1847, 
he l)einj; the liflli in a family born unto Simon 
and Mary (Donnc^Uy) McKenna. Simon McKenna 
was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 181)2, and 
there grew to manliood, being reared on a faim. 
Later in life he learned the trade of miller, which 
he followed until his emigration to America in 
the year 1834. He sailed from Dublin, and after 
a voyage consuming some six weeks landed in 
New York. Soon .iftei- liis aiiival in that city he 
began an api)renLicoshi[) to the tinner's trade, 
whicii he followed while .a resident there, a period 
of live years. It was during his residence in the 
citj' of New York that he met and wedded Miss 
Mary Donnelly. Mrs. McKenna was also a native 
of the Emerald Isle, County Tj'rone being the 
])lace of her birth, which event occurred in the 
the year 181.'). In 183), in company with a sister 
and a brother-in-law, she emigrated to the United 
States, locating in New York, where her marriage 
was celebrated. In 1839 Mr. McKenna came to 
Wisconsin, following, as diil the majority of the 
emigrants in those early da\s, the route by the 
Erie Canal and the Great Lakes to Milwaukee. 
After a sojourn f>f ten days in that village he re- 
sumed his journey and in company with George 
Darrah walked to the town of Muskego, where on 
section 17 he bought forty acres of timber land, 
then returned to the east for his family. In 1840 
he came again to Wisconsin, reaching his land in 
the month of May. His first home was boarded 
up between four trees, this serving as a shelter un- 
til the fall, when he erected a lo? house whose 
dimensions were 16x20 feet; it was covered with 



I oak slabs three feet long, had a flooring of ash, 
two windows and a door. In this home the fam- 

j ily lived for some twelve years, when it was re- 
placed by a modern log house in whicli Mr. 
McKenna's death occurred .lanuary l.lHIi;'). He 
w.as a man who took an active part in the early 
development of his town and county, serving as 
Treasurer and Supervisor of his town. In every 
position to which he was called he discharged the 
duties devolving upon him in an eminenti}- satis- 
factory manner. Honorable and ui)right in all 
his dealings, he had the respect and confidence of 
all who knew him. His wife was called to the 
spirit world on the 28tli of November, 1863. She 
was a woman peculiarly litted to the life of a pio- 
neer; po.ssessing a sunny disposition, she met the 
hardships and toil without a muinuir, retaining; 
throughout life that ability to make the best of 
whatever came to her lot. Of the eight children, 
four sons and four daughters, born to this worthy 
couple five survive : James is a farmer of the 
town of Vernon ; Margaret is the wife of A. H. 
Vosburg, residing on section 31 of the same town- 
ship; Erancis clerks for S. M. Martin, of Chamber- 
lain, also of A'ernon Township; Anna wedded 
Charles Ma,x, a lineman, in the employ of the 
Milwaukee & Chicago Telegraph Company, and 
Isaac, of this record. The deceased are Micliael, 
who died in 1891, leaving three children: Agnes, 
Charles and Gertrude, his wife having jireceded 
him to the spirit woild but a few days; Catherine, 
who died in 187(1, at the age of twenty-four 
j'cars, and Mary, who passed away in infancy. 

Isaac McKenna was born in the primitive log 
cabin on section 17, in the town of Muskego, 
where he was reared and early became .accustomed 
to the toil of farm life. His scholastic education 
was obtained in the district schools of his town, 
where for a few terms he was a puijil. However, 
by subserpient personal effort, b3' business contact 
with the world, and by observation he has be- 
come well informed. He remained at home until 
1863, at which time he began a business career 
which has ever been characterized by those quali- 
ties so essential to success, honesty and enter- 
prise. His first occupation was threshing witli a 
flail for John T. Morris, with whom he remained 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPffiCAL RECORD. 



385 



about nine months, veeeiviiig for his services ^8 
per month. He then attended scliool, but con- 
tinued to live at the home of Mr. Morris, where 
he worked to pay for his board. The next year, 
18f>4, he woriicd on a faim near Caldwell for six 
months, when he was taken with diphtheria, which 
came near proving fatal. On recovering he again 
attended school, making his liome under the hos- 
pitable roof of his old emplo^yer for four months. 
For some five ^-ears he continued to be employed 
at farm labor, with the exception of one season 
spent at work in a sawmill at Muskegon, Mich. 
He also went to school during the winter of 1868 
-Git, and in the fall of the latter year entered 
the employ of Leonard Martin, who was conduct- 
ing a general store, remaining with him about 
twelve years. 

On the 22d of October, 1878, Mr. JIcKenjia 
wedded Miss .lulia Kearney, daughter of .Tohn and 
Nora ( Kearney) Kearney, and a native of Musk- 
ego Townsliip, born Sei>teniber 2'2, 1854. Mr. and 
Mrs. McKenna had four children, namely: John 
A., born December (!, 187'.t, who died October 22, 
1883; Nora, born September 27, 1881, who died on 
the 13th of September, 1892; KrancisT., born April 
17, 1886, and .losepli K.. born April 12, 1894. The 
family arc members of St. Joseph's Catholic 
Church of Muskego. In politics Mr. McKenna is 
a Republican, and by that party has been selected 
to (ill various ollicial positions. He was Treasurer 
of ^'ernon Township in 1885-86, and Supervisor 
in 1887 '88 and '89. Under Arthur's administra- 
tion in 1884, he was appointed Postmaster at Big 
Bend, which position he held for over a year, and 
w.as again appointed to that office in 1890 by 
President Harrison, continuing in the same until 
his resignation in July, 1893. However, he is now 
serving as Assistant Postm.ister in the same office. 
About 1882, on severing his connection with Mr. 
Martin, our subject purchased lifly-five acres of 
land and began farming, but having sold that 
two years later he bought the mercantile interests 
of J. A. Clark at Big Bend, taking possession in 
March, 1884. He also owns about eighty-four acres 
adjoining Big Bend. At that place he has since 
carried on general merchandising verj' success- 
fully. Beginning when a youth without capital 



or much education, he has by persistent effort not 
only become well fixed in life, but has ac(|uiicd a 
practical knowledge of the world that no school- 
room instruction can give. 



PKTKU MiKKNZIE is an old and respected 
citizen of Vernon Township, having be- 
come a resident of Wisconsin in 1847, one 
j-ear before Wisconsin donned the dignity of state- 
hood. His father, Alexander McKenzie, w.is a na- 
tive of Argyleshire, Scotland, and when a lad came 
to America with his parents, John and Margaret 
McKenzie, crossing on a sailing-vessel from (il.as- 
gow to New York in 1806. In the eastern metrop- 
olis tlie family remained for about a year, going 
at the end of that time to Livingston County, N. 
Y., where his father, our subject's grandfather, 
entered one hundred and lifly acres of land in the 
Holland Purchase. There were no improvements on 
the place at the time, buta log house was erected, and 
the land cleared and cultivated. After a time John 
McKenzie sold this farm and removed to Williams- 
ton, near London, Canada, and there purcliased a 
farm. In that home his death occurred in 1850, 
his wife, Margaret McKenzie, having passed awa3' 
in 1807, one year after their arrival in this coun- 
try. Alexander McKenzie grew to manhood on 
his father's farm and enjoyed such educational ad- 
vantages as those earl3' times afforded. In the 
year 1818 his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Mclntyre 
was celebrated. Mrs. McKenzie was also a native 
of Scotland and came to America with her ))arents, 
John and Hellen (Mclntyre) Mclntyre, in 1806. 
Her father entered land in the Holland Purchase 
in Livingston County, N. Y., and tiiere he and his 
wife spent the remainder of their lives, he living 
to reach the advanced age of one hundred and 
three years. About the time of his marriage Alex- 
ander McKenzie bought a farm in the town of Cale- 
donia, Livingston County, N.Y., and there resided 
for fifteen years. About 1845, leaving his wife 
and family, he came direct to Troy, Walworth 
County, Wis., where he entered forty acres of land, 
paying in the neighborhood of two hundred dol- 
lars for the same. He erected a frame house and 



386 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



made other necessary improvements prior to the 
coming of his family. He cleared, cultivated and 
otlierwise improved tills tract of land upon which 
he resided until his death, which occurred in 1857, 
at the age of sixtj-one years. His wife, after the 
old homestead was sold, lived with her daughter, 
Mrs. t'ampliell. In 18!)(l she joined her husband 
in the spirit world, having attained the age of 
ninety-three years. Of the six children born of 
this worthy couple two are deceased, Margaret, 
who became the wife of Peter Campbell, and Alex- 
ander. The surviving are .lolin, a farmer of the 
town of N'ernon, this county; Allen, a farmer in 
Nebraska; Kllen, who is the wife of Donald Stew- 
art, and resides near Delavan, Wis.; and Peter, 
whose name appears at the head of this article. 

Peter McKenzie was born on the 1st of October, 
1829, in Livingston County, N. Y., where he 
was reared to farm life. His scholastic training 
was obtained in the common schools near his 
home. In 1817 he came to Washington Count}', 
Wis., and he clerked for two years in a store 
where they handled general merchandise. In llie 
spring of l^.'iO ho went to Eldorado County, C'al., 
wliere he prospected for gold. Tliis venture was 
(juite successful, and after spending some five years 
in the gold fields he returned, in the spring of 
1855, to his old home in New York State, making 
the trip by way of the Istliiiuis of Panama. After 
visiting some time among his friends and associates 
he went to Milwaukee, going thence to the northern 
part of the state, Minnesota and Iowa in search of 
a desirable location. However, he came to Wau- 
kesha County, and in 1850 bought one hundred 
and twenty acres ol land on section 15, in the town 
of Vernon. The only improvements on the place 
were a small log house and a few acres of [)lowed 
land, lie at once began the work of improving 
and developing a farm; the borders of the original 
purchase have been extended, a beautiful home is 
erected which is surrounded with all conveniences 
to be found upon a well regulated farm, and ex- 
cellent barns. Mr. McKenzie has given his atten- 
tion to agricultural pursuits, and still earries on 
general farming. 

.lanuary 12, 1X58, occurred the marriage of Mr. 
McKenzie and Miss Marv Jane Wier. a daughter 



of Robert and Mary Wier, natives of Ayrsliire, 
Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie became the par- 
ents of nine children, five sons and four daugh- 
ters. Frank Alexander and James Allen are en- 
gaged in general merchandising at Vernon Centre; 
Robert Ephraim is a farmer of A'einon Townsliip; 
Clarence is a miller at Big Bend; William man- 
ages the old home farm; Mary Ellen, Sarah Jane, 
Margaret Camjibell and IMay complete the house- 
hold. In political sentiments Mr. McKenzie is a 
true blue Republican, his first vote being cast in 
support of Gen. John C. Fremont. By his fellow- 
townsmen he has been elected to various official 
positions, among them being Assessor, Town Clerk, 
Supervisor and a member of the School Board. In 
religious belief he and his wife are devout mem- 
bers of the United Presbyterian Chureli. They 
are numbered among the early settlers and have 
been identilied with the growth of their town and 
count}' for many years. 



\ "\ S^ILLIAM WEAVER, Ju., has long been 
\/ V/ a resident of this partof Wisconsin, has 
witnessed its development, its growth 
and u|)I)uildiiig, and has aided in its progress and 
advancement, lie is one of the wortli\- English 
citizens of Waukesha County, his birth having oc- 
curred in Kent County, England, May 8, 1827. 
The sketch of his parents is given elsewhere in this 
volume. He was a child of only three summers 
when with the family he crossed the ocean to the 
United Slates, the voyage being made on the brig 
" Emma," which was commanded by Captain Frost 
and sailed from Rye, England, to New York. The 
family landed at Castle Ciarden and lived in the 
Empire State until 183',), at which time the father 
made a trip to Wisconsin, by way of the Erie Canal 
to Buffalo and the Great Lakes to Milwaukee. On 
reaching that place he stopped at "Cottage Inn," 
near where Mitchell's Bank now stands. The old 
Court House was in the midst of a lot of brush, 
and he chained his yoke of oxen to an old stump 
where the Second National Bank is now located. 
There were no railroads in Wisconsin at that time, 
and the present site of the Chicago, Milwaukee &' 




HON. THOMAS WEAVER. 




liKTTY WEAVER. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



391 



St. Paul Depot was then a tnai'ssli. Waukeslia at 
that time was called Prairieville, aiitl was a liaiii- 
let eon lain ill!*; a blacksmith shop, and a jicneial 
store carried on l)\' a Mr. DaUiii. 

The suliject of this sketch has passed through 
all the e.xperieneos of pioneer life, and many a 
day has swun<i; the olil fashioned cradle in the har- 
vest lii'ld. In 18 lit he cut aliont ontMiundred 
acres of grain. The (irsl school lie attended was 
on the old plank road to Milwaukee, where he 
conned his lessons for aliout three monlhs during 
the year. He st:irte<l out In life for himself at the 
age of twenty-lw(>, and purchased eighty acres of 
land on section Ki, Lishon Township, upon which 
not a furrow had deen turned or an improvement 
made. His lirst home was 12x21) feel in dimen- 
sions, and he broke his land with ox-teams. He 
now has a good farm, one that yields to him a 
comfortable income. 

Mr. Weaver has been twice married. On the 
2!)th of May, 181!l, he wedded Mary Craven, a na- 
tive of Scarborough, Yorkshire, Knglaiul,and Ihcv 
became the parents of three daughters. Uina is the 
widow of Charles Raison, who was a prominent 
farmer of Lisbon Township, and they had two 
children: Mary, aged nine, and Krancis three years 
old. Mrs. Raison now makes her home with her 
grandfather, William Weaver, Sr. Mary is the 
second daughter. Eva is the wife of l'>dward Dun- 
ge^', a farmer of K.a^vette County, Iowa. The 
mother of this family died in the spring of 1858. 
His present wife was Miss Hannah Levi.s, who was 
born in Oneida County, N. Y., September 0, 1831. 
They had two sons and three daughters, four yet 
living. William L. isa farmerof Menomonee Town- 
sliip, and married Laura Rolher, by whom he has 
one son', Harry; Martha .lane, who became the wife 
of Robert Mclntyre, died in the faith of the Ei)is- 
copal Church in 18;i3, leaving two sons and two 
daughters; Mabel, Eunice and Robert are at home. 

Mr. Weaver exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the Democracy, with which he has atlil- 
iated since casting his (irsl Presidential vote for 
James K. Polk. He is a man of lirm convictions, 
true to his belief and not afraid to express his 
opinions. For two years he served .as Township 
Treasurer, was Justice of the Peace two jears, As- 
10 



sessor seven years, and School Director about ten 
yeais. For about twenty years he has been a mem- 
ber of the Old Fellows' Society, and his wife be- 
longs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. His 
pnlilic and private life are alike above reproach, 
and all who know him cslcem him highly. 



f^'V"^^ 



-^ 



MRS. THOMAS WEAVER resides on sec- 
tion ."iT), Lisbon Township. In the true 
history' of a country, the noble women 
play a conspicuous and prominent part, and it is 
.said that "In the cradle the mothers rock the na- 
tion.'" Since 184(), Mrs. Weaver has resided in 
Waukesha ('ounty, and well deserves representa- 
tion in this volume. She was born in Yorkshire, 
England, Se|)tembcr l(i, 182G, and is a daughlerof 
Richard and Rachel (Smith) Craven, who came to 
Wisconsin in 181(;. Her father was born and 
reared in ^'orkshiie, and there married Rachel 
Smilli. In 18,'i(), with his wife and children, he 
left the land of his birth and in a sailing-vessel 
crossed the Atlantic from Livcipool to New York. 
He lirsl sellled in Westmoreland, Oneida Count}', 
N. Y., wheri^ he made his home until 18-l(j, when 
he came to the territory of Wisconsin. In ihe 
family were four sons and live daughters, but only 
two are now living, Isabella, wife of Charles 
Thorndikc, a farmer of .lefferson County, Wis., 
and Itelty, now Mrs. Weaver. 

The latter was a child of only three and a-half 
years when the family came to the United Slates, 
and was a young lady of twenty years at the time 
of her arrival in the west. On the 7th of April, 
18 17, she became the wife of Hon. Thomas Weaver, 
who was one of the pioneers of this locality. 
I When he came to Wisconsin lie landed first at 
, Milwaukee, and with only a pair f)f slippers protect- 
ing his feet, walked to Lisbon. Here he made a 
claim of a tract of wild land and built a log cabin 
with a mud and stick chimney. The Indians fre- 
quentl}' p.assed by, begging for food of the settlers, 
and wolves and deer were fretpiently seen, the 
latter usually supplying the table with meat. He 
often carried on his biick from Prairieville a sack 
of flour, and in an old fashioned coffee mill ground 



392 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tlie corn used in makinj; •julinuy cake." He often 
drove llircL- or four yoke of oxen to a breaking 
plow aud worki'il froin il;iylii.'iit to (lark cleuriug 
and cullivaliug liis land. 

To Mr. and JNIrs. Weaver were horn ten chil- 
dren, five sons and five daughters, and seven are 
yet living. Amelia is now the wife of Richard Con- 
nell, a grain, lumber and general merchandise 
dealer, and one of the most prominent citizens of 
Hayton. Calumet County, Wis.; James Thomas 
married .lane llaskins, and is a prosperous farm- 
er of Lisbon Township; John Franklin married 
Anna Bennett and resides on the Hon. James 
Weaver homestead; Julia E. is the wife of Rob- 
ert Hardy, of Waukesha; Jane Emily is a twin sis- 
ter of Julia; Lucy C. is the wife of Robert Howard; 
Alfred Sherman is deceased; and Elmer W. was 
born October 2, 1867.. He wedded Cora Edwar<ls, 
of Waukesiia County, December 8, 1892, and a 
little daughter has been born to them, Gladys 
Betty by name. In his political views, Elm^r is a 
stanch Democrat, and has been elected Supervisor, 
■ discharging the duties of that oltice in a prompt 
and capable manner. He now carries on the old 
home farm. Alfred Sherman, who was usually 
called Freddie, died December 21, 1881, at the age 
of seventeen years, two months and twenty-one 
days. He was a very bright student, a young man 
of exemplary character, and his good inlluence was 
widely felt. He was beloved by all who knew him 
and his loss was deeplj' mourned. In his political 
views, Mr. Weaver was a strong Democrat who 
warmly advocated the principles of his party. 
In 1865 he was elected to the Stale Legislature 
and was an honored memlier of the Assembly, true 
to the interests of his constituents. He held a 
number of local ollices, was a member of the 
Board of Supervisors, and was otlicially connected 
with Uie schools for some years. In an early day 
he and his brother walked to Milwaukee in order 
to be conlirnu'd in the Episcopal Church, and he 
and his wife were devout members of St. Alban's 
Church of Sussex, (contributing liberally to its 
support and aiding in all ways in its promotion. 
Mr. Weaver's life was an honorable and upright 
one, well worthy of emulation. He was called to 
the home beyond July 2.5, 1885, and throughout 



the community his loss was deeplj' mourned, for 
he was a loving husband and father, a true friend, 
a faithful church worker and a loyal citizen. His 
remains were interred in the Episcopal Cemetery 
of Sussex, where a fine monument of Scotch 
granite marks his last resting place. Mrs. Weaver 
is now spending her declining days on the old 
homestead, surrounded by the loving care and at- 
tention of her children. The estate comprises over 
four hundred acres of valuable land and the place 
is a monument to the thiiftand enterprise of him 
who was its owner. 



3^- 



.-^"^ AVI D M. MORRIS, an honored citizen and 

I 1 rcinesentative fanner residing on section 
26 of Delafield Township, is a native of 
Abarystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales, born August 
12, 182.3. His father and mother. Morgan and 
Jane (Jones) Mori-is, were natives of Cardiganshire, 
Wales, Where they followed the occupation of 
farming. Both are deceased, their deaths occur- 
ring in their native land several years ago. Of 
their eight children David M. is the only one liv- 
ing in this country; Richard resides in Cardigan- 
shire, Wales; John is deceased; Mary is the wife 
of Evan Davis, a resident of Wales; Morris also 
lives in that country; Lewis is deceased; Jane 
wedded a Mr. Fldwards and lives in her native 
shire; and Morgan, who completed the family, is 
also dead. 

David M. Morris grew up on his father's farm, 
and on reaching manhood chose for a wife Miss 
Jane .lames, to whom he was united in marriage 
in .liuic, 1818. Mrs. Morris was born in Cardigan- 
shire, Wales, in December, 1820, and w.as a daugh- 
ter of John and Jane James, who were natives of 
the same shire. She is the only one of a family of 
five daughters that came to the United Stales. 
Her eldest sister, Sarah, resides in Cardiganshire, 
Wales; Ann is deceased; Mary is the wife of David 
Davis of the above shire; and Margaret resides in 
London, England. 

On tiie lOlli of April, 1849, Mr. Morris with his 
family started for America, embarking on a sailing- 
vessel at Abaryslwytli, Wales. The voyage was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



393 



of six weeks' duration, and on reacliing the Gulf 
of St. Lawrence the ship on which tlie3' sailed w.as 
caught in the ice. where it romiiinod imprisoned 
for a week. It was finally freed and tlu'v re.siirned 
their journey, i)rofoedinn; up tiie SI. Lawrence 
River to (^ueliec, where a landiny; was made. From 
that city I\Ir. Morris went to (^ueenstown Heights, 
where lie worked as a farm hand for two years. At 
the end of that time lie had decided to come 
farther west, and accordingl}' proceeded liy boat 
to Detroit, thence by rail to Milwaukee, and from 
that city to the town of Delaficld by wogon, ar- 
riving in ,lune of J 851. For some three years af- 
ter coming to Waukesha County he continiuid to 
work for wages, then rented a farm on wiiicli he 
resided for ten years. By untiring effort and 
carefully saving iiis means he was enabled to pur- 
chase his present farm of one hundred and twenty 
acres, situated on section 2(i of Delalield Town- 
shi]). lie has improved his farm, erecting a com- 
fortable residence, good liarns an<i other needful 
buildings, which have made it a very desirable piece 
of property. 

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Morris has been 
blessed with three sons and three daughters. Jane, 
the eldest, is the wife of Thomas R. Richards, an 
agriculturist of the town of Delalield; Mary be- 
came the wife of Thomas J. .lones, a farmer of 
South Dakota; Morgan is a carpenter and joiner 
of Lake Crystal, Minn.; Sarah wedded .Tohn II. 
Morris, a fanner of (ienesee Townsliip, this coun- 
ty; John manages the homestead farm for his par- 
ents; and David I), is a prosperous agriculturist 
of Delafield 'I'ownship. Mr. and Mrs. .Morris have 
had the pleasure and satisfaction of seeing their 
children grow into manhood and womanhood and 
become useful members of society. 

Mr. Morris cast his first vote for Taylor and Fill- 
more, the successful candidates of the Whig jiarty 
in 1KI8, but since the rise of the Republican party 
he has given his support to its men and measures. 
In his town he h.as served as Side-Supervisor, and 
has been Treasurer of the School Hoard for nine 
years, lie and his wife are devout members of the 
Calvinistie Methodist Church in the town of Dela- 
field, in the work of which they take a lively in- 
terest and an active part. Mr. Morris aided liber- 



ally in building the church, and since its erection 
lias been one of its deacons. He has also been the 
elHcient Secretary of the church and Superintend- 
ent of the Sunday-school for a great many years, 
and during this time has had the satisfaction of 
seeing the school grow in numbers and in Chris- 
tian spirit. Earnest and thor<nigli in his work he 
commands the highest regard of all with whom he 
comes in contact. All measures that have for their 
object the betterment of his community receive his 
hearty supptut and eiicourageiiieiit. 



-^+^1 



-^} 



ML. DA\'1S, who successfully 
agricultural pursuits on sect 



ly carries on 
;tion .33, Ver- 
non Township, claims \'eimont as the 
state of his nativity, his birth having occuried in 
Hubbardton, Rutland ('ount\',f)n the 12th of Feb- 
ruary, 1.H42. His father was born in that place 
Julj' 18, 1818, and in .lune, 18t3, became a resi- 
dent of the territory of Wisconsin, locating in 
Waterfoid, Racine County, where he made his 
home until August, 18G4. He became a leading 
and inlluential citizen, especially in social and po- 
litical circles in Manitowoc County, and in 1873 
was elected on the Republican ticket as State I>eg- 
islator. He was a jjopular Justice of the I'oaee 
for many years, unl)iased 1)3' fear or favor, and 
therefore a ca|)alile and elticient oflicer. He en- 
tered upon his biisine.-^s career as an apprentice to 
a wagon-maker, and by earnest labor, persistent 
energy and good management at length won a 
comiietence and also giiined the ies|>ect of those 
who knew him. His death occurred in Waupaca 
County, in December, 1882. His wife was born in 
llubbardtcm, Rutland County, Vt., March 1, 1821, 
but when a child of three years was taken by her 
parents to New Voik, where she attended school 
until eleven 3'ears of age. The family then re- 
turned to the Green Mountain State, where on the 
13tli of December, 1810, she became the wife of 
O. S. Davis. She still survives her husband, and 
now in her seventy-third year, makes her home 
with her son, M. L. In the Davis family- were 
four children, the eldest of whom is the gentleman 
just mentioned. Henry L., the second, resides in 



.•)'.) 4 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Ciilo, Muniiowoe County. N. A. is a traveling 
salesman and makes liis liome in North Platte, 
Neb., while C. V. is a liveryman in nrillion, Cain- 
met County, Wis. 

Ill taking up the personal history of M. L. Davis 
we present to onr readers the life record of one 
wlio is botli widely and favorably known in this 
locality. He obtained a fair Knglish education 
in the public schools, and has largely supplemented 
his knowledge by reading, experience and obser- 
vation. He began his own livelihood as a team- 
ster, running between Waterford and Milwaukee, 
being thus employed during the summer of 1863. 
On the 4th of January, I8G1, he enlisted in Com- 
pany C, Fifteenth Wisconsin Infantry, under Capt. 
.1. T. Rice, and participated in the Atlanta cam- 
paign, being almost continuously under fire for a 
period of three months. During all his service he 
was never absent from his company for a single 
day, and when the war was over he was nnistcied 
out in San Antonio, Tex., November T), 1865, and 
honorably discharged as Corporal in IMadison on 
the 27lh of December. 

Mr. Davis then look u() his residence in Cato, 
Wis., and during the winter secured work in the 
timlier tracts, cutting logs at seventy-five cents 
per thousand. The following year he became en- 
"ineer in a shingle mill, and was thus employed 
until .Inly; in the meantime he secured a contract 
for putting logs on the roll-way in the absence 
of water power. Subsequently, in company with 
anollier gentleman, he went to Pittslield, lirown 
County, and erected a steam power sawmill, which 
was engaged chielly in making shingles. The com- 
pany purchased a consideiablo quantity of timber 
from the Oiu'ida Indians. After about two and 
a-lialf years Mr. Davis disposed of his milling in- 
terests in ISrown County and came to Vernon 
Township, Waukesha Count}', as manager of the 
large farm of lion. .lesse Smith, deceased, which 
he carried on for about fourteen 3'ears, and in 
1881 purchased two hundred and seventy-two 
acres of the estate, which is well improved. 

On the 12111 of December, 1866. Mr. Davis mar- 
ried Miss Josephine II. Smith, daughter of Jesse 
and Sylvia (IJurton) Smith, born March 22, 1846. 
She has been to her husband a faithful companion 



and helpmate, and she is a most estimable lady. 
In his political atliliations Mr. Davis is a Repub- 
lican, and warmly advocates the principles of that 
party. He has been honored with some ollicial 
positions, h.as served as Side-Supervisor, and at 
this writing (in the summer of 1894) is serving 
his second term as Chairman of the Board. He 
is also President of the Vernon Mutual Fire In- 
surance Company, and is a Director in the Citi- 
zens' Hank of Mukwonago, which was organized 
in (he fall of l«:i2. lie is faithful to every trust 
reposed m him, and is a loyal citizen, failliful to 
his country in days of peace and times of war. 
Socially he is a member of Conkling Post, G. A. R., 
of East Tio\'. 



■^ * 



JOHN MITCHKLL. Since 1849 has this ster- 
ling Scotchman been a resident in and an 
honored citizen of the towns of Lisbon and 
Jlerton. He is one of the "solid" men of 
Waukesha County, and one who is widely known 
as a man of strict iiitegrit\' and honor. Mr. 
Mitchell was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Novem- 
ber 19, 1823, and comes of an old and long estab- 
lished family, being able to trace his lineage back 
more than three hundred and fifty years. About 
1533 Alexander Mitchell married a Miss Jamieson, 
to whom was entailed the Whatrigg's farm, upon 
which John Mitchell, of this biography, was born, 
and which has continuously been the residence of 
the Jamieson antl Mitchell families down to tlie 
present time. 

Our sul)ject's father, who also bore the name of 
John Mitchell, was born there in 17 89, and in tlial 
shire passed almost his entire life. He was reared 
to the life of an agriculturist and given a liberal 
education. However, in his early life he followed 
civil engineering in the Highlands of Scotland, 
being under the King's employ. He was a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and at the time of 
his death, which occurred at Montgarswood, Ayr- 
shire, November 4, 1874, was filling the otlice of 
deacon. Warm-hearted and benevolent, the poor 
and needy alw.ays found in him a friend. Father 
Mitchell was twice married, his first marriage being 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



395 



witli Jane Geinmel, who bore him six children, 
John Mitciicll of this slieU-ii being lier lifth ciiild. 
She (lieii when tlic latter was acliild of three j'curs, 
and Ihougli so young lie lias a distinet renieni- 
branee of her face; so indclilily was it impressed 
that in after years, when sliovvn liis duuglilcr's 
ptirtrail done in oil, lie recognized the features of 
his mother. After lier death the fatiier married 
Kli/.aliet'i Parker, who still lesides in the ohl liome 
in Scotland. Of tlie tliirtcen chihlren, seven sons 
and six daugiiters, there are nine living in 18'.)1, 
namely: Alexander, who was never married, re- 
sides on the t)ld homestead in Ayrshire; Janet, 
who is the widow of .lames Wylie, lives at Moss- 
giel, the old home of Kol)erl Burns, well known 
in history, song and story; Agnes, who is tiie 
widow of Robert Young, is a resident of Dunifrie- 
shire; John, is the next; Jane, who is the widow 
of .lohn llowat, lives in Wales; Alien, wlio is a 
resident of Melbourne, Australia, has two daugh- 
ters, his wife being deceased; Mattiiew, who is also 
married, lives in Canada, l)eing a farmer by occu- 
pation; Mary and Eujilionia live at Springvale, 
near the city of Ayr, witli their mother, who has 
reached the advanced age of about ninety years. 
John Mitchell, of this article, resided on a farm 
in his native land until eighteen years of age. He 
received onl}' a common-school education, a part 
of which was obtained in tiie United States. In 
IHI2 he bade farewell to home and native laud 
and at Glasgow took passage on the "Perthshire" 
bound for New York, where he landed on the 7th 
of June after forty-nine days of sailing. In cross- 
ing the Atlantic the vessel encountered heavy 
winds and severe storms; at first fair weather and 
favorable winds prevailed, but after being out 
some days the conditions changed, and they were 
driven hack within sight of land. Wlien he ar- 
rive(J in this country Mr. Mitchell had onlj' three 
sovereigns, but better than means he possessed 
that sturdy determination so ehar.icteristic of his 
countrymen that h.as carried him on to success. 
He continued his journey to Buffalo; going thence 
to his uncle, William Mitchell, in Cattaraugus 
Countj', N. Y., he remained a short lime, and then 
went to Livingston County, in the same state, 
where he resided for seven years, being engaged 



in agriculture. There, on the 2d of October, 1849, 
lie was united in marriage with Miss C. A. Love- 
joy, a native of the Empire Slate, and of this union 
live children, four sons and a daughter, were born, 
of whom but two are living, Jennie A. and Will- 
iam K. The former, wlio w.as educated at Kern- 
dale College, in Milwaukee, is the wife of Henry 
Coons, a prosperous business man and miller of 
Poyneltc, Wis. Tlicy iiave two children, Adessa L. 
and William. Tiie son, vvlio is a farmer by occupa- 
tion, resides witli liis father. The mollier of this 
family passed away on the 17th of Fehniary, 189:3. 
Mr. Mitchell was again married, Mrs. Mina (West- 
over) Rea becoming his wife on the 20th of June, 
1893. She w.as born in Waukesha, .lanuary 13, 
1858, and is a daughter of Demon and Lena 
(Gremvis) Westover. On reaciiing womanhood 
she became the wife of Altner Kea, who was a na- 
tive of Waukesha County, and a son of one of 
the early pioneer families of Merton, Wis. By 
this marriage there were three children: Clement, 
Arthur and Myrtle, all of whom are living, and 
are tiie light and life of the Mitchell household. 
Mr. Uea's death occurred April G, 1888. By trade 
he w.as a car|)enter and joiner. Earnest and ener- 
getic, he was esteemed by all who knew him. In 
political sentiment he was a Repiil)lican, and ever 
took an interest in the trium])hs of that party. 
Mrs. Mitchell is a l:idy of fine address and pleas- 
ing manners, and to the stranger, as well as friend, 
extends a cordial welcome. 

It was in 1849 that Mr. Mitchell first came to 
Wisconsin; coming direct to tliis county, he pur- 
chased one hundred and tliirty acres of land on 
section 21, in Lisbon Township, on which he erected 
a log house, in which he lived for four years. 
During the next year and a-half he worked in a 
sawmill, then came to Merton Township and pur- 
chased fifty-live .acres of land and began farming. 
The means with which he began in Wisconsin 
had been saved from his earnings during his resi- 
dence in the state of New York, where he worked 
for ¥13 per month. Before and after he came to 
the town of Merton he received a number of 
offers from different places to become a sawyer, all 
of which he declined, preferring to devote him- 
self to agricultural pursuits. In the early days 



396 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he cut many liundred acres of grain witli the old- 
fashioned cradle, and threshed it out with the 
Hail. As a rail-splitter he was not excelled, and 
has split as many as four hundred and sixty-two 
m one day for lion. William Small. lie hauled his 
grain from Merton to iNIilwaukee with ox teams, 
and that before the plank road was built. He 
aided in hauling and sawing the lumber of which 
the plank roads through Lisbon and Pewaukee 
were built. Indeed, he has ever taken a promi- 
nent part in the affairs of his town and count}'. 

Mr. Mitchell is at present a Democrat, but in 
no sense a partisan. While his first vote was cast 
for Winfield .Scott, he voted for Lincoln, and in 
fact has always supported such men and measures, 
irrespective of party, as he deemed best calculated 
to accomplish the most good for the greatest num- 
ber. He was the first man in his township to 
give his support to the Hepublican measure of 
keeping slavery within bounds. In an ottlcial ca- 
pacity- he has served his town as .Justice of the 
Peace for eleven years, and has been connected 
with the School IJoard of the town for the long 
period of thirty years, being the present Treasurer 
of that body. This is the longest term of service 
as a school officer that any citizen in the county 
has rendered his town. He has given liberally to 
all benevolences, and to various church dcnoini- 
nations that have called upon him for aid. 

When Mr. Mitchell landed in this couiitrj- lie 
had less than *!;'), but through the exercise of 
thrift, enterprise and exceptional business ability' 
he has risen to a place among the most wcalthj' 
and successful financiers of his town and county. 
He is largely interested in real estate, having some 
nineteen hundred and forty acres of land in the 
Dakotas, three eighties in Eau Claire County, this 
state, eighty in Pepin County, and seventy-six 
in the towns of Merton and Lisbon, in this coun- 
ty. He has means invested in different milling 
interests in Minnesota, Dakota and the village 
of Pewaukee, and besides is interested in the Con- 
solidated Land Company of Cudaliy, Wis., and in 
the Boulevard Heights of South Milwaukee. As 
a business man Mr. Mitchell has made a remark- 
able career, which shows what a young man can do if 
he possesses but the proper qualities and energy. 



Though [last seventy years of age he is as bright 
and active as a young man many years his junior. 
He has erected one of the most beautiful residences 
in the village of Merton, and lakes great delight 
in his home and family'. Since the year IH06 he 
has kept a diary of all local happenings and busi- 
ness transactions, which is a source of no small 
satisfaction, as well as being veiT useful to him. 



•^^1 



mwmi 



<^T^ MOS T. ALLEN, who resides on section 
y — \ 25, in the town of Summit, has been a resi- 
dent of Wisconsin since 1812. His birth 
occurred November 24, 1819, in Steuben County, 
N. Y. His father, Howard Allen was a native of 
Delaware County, in the same state. The Allen 
family were originally from Connecticut, the pa- 
ternal grandfather of our subject having removed 
from that stale to New York. The maiden name 
of Mr. Allen's mother was Nancy Taylor, and she 
died when her son was but about twelve years 
old. Soon after that event the father removed 
with his children to Ashtabula County, Ohio, but 
later went to Erie County, Pa., where he passed 
his declining years. After the death of his wife 
he was again married. Mr. Allen was the only son 
of his mother, but he had five sisters, two older 
and three younger than he. Four of the five fol- 
lowed their brother to Wisconsin, and all are now 
deceased. There were several children by the sec- 
ond marriage of the father, but they, too, have 
probably passed away. The oldest sister was Des- 
demonia, who became the wife of Thomas Aller, 
and died in Ohio. The second of the sisters was 
Delia, who came to Waukesha County with her 
husband. Dr. Edwin Henjamin, a well known phv- 
sician, and later a newspaper publisher. He lived 
for a number of years in Mcnomonie, Dunn County, 
Wis., where his death occurred. His wife died at 
Hartlaud, Waukesha County. Mr. Allen comes 
next in order of birth in the family. The next 
3'ounger sister was Amy, who married George 
Cairncross. She died many years ago in the town 
of Lisbon, Waukesha County. Pamilla married 
John Benjamin, and hasalsobeen dead many years. 
The youngest was L'rsula, who became the wife of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



397 



William C. Gates. Iler death occurred in Pewau- 
kcc, where she liad lived for a iiumher of years. 

AniDs T. Alh'ii went to Ohio with his father, 
where he grew to manhood and was married, at the 
age of twenty-two years, to Fanny Capron. In 
the fall of 18-12, Mr. Allen and wife came to Wau- 
kesha County, arriving at Uarlland on the 4tli 
of October of that year. They came all the way 
with a team and wagon, the distance being about 
six hundred miles. They had not much of this 
world's goods when they left their home in the 
state of Ohio for the then "far west." The ex- 
periences of the pioneers in their journeys west- 
ward and for a few years after they made their 
settlements, if truthfully told, would make a book 
of much interest and wonder to their children and 
grand-children of the present day. Mr. and Mrs. 
Allen started in a covered wagon; he had but 
about*!) in money, whicli had to last them during 
their long journey. lie had, however, what he 
denominates "legal tender," in the shape of cigars 
and smoking tobacco. Whenever it was possible 
he would pay for their entertainment at a tavern 
by the way, or at a private dwelling, in his "legal 
tender," but many nights were passed under 
the cover of their wagon. The journey con- 
sumed nineteen days. On coming to Waukesha 
County, Mr. Allen bought eighty acres of canal 
land at Ilartland, which he partially improved. 
But a great sorrow overtook him soon after he had 
settled in his new home, in the death of his wife, 
which sad event occurred on the 26th of August, 
1843. 

On the 12th of April, 1846, Mr. Allen was mar- 
ried to Miss Laura Sutliff, of Warren County, Pa., 
wiiither he had gone for his wife, and the follow- 
ing fall returned with her to Waukesha Countv. 
In February, 1847, liaving sold his place some 
time before, Mr. Allen removed to the town of 
Hustisford, Dodge County. There he purchased 
a farm which lie improved and owned a num- 
ber of years, then sold it and bought a farm 
in the town of Oconomowoc. Four years later he 
disposed of this property and purchased a farm 
of two hundred and twelve .icres in the town of 
Pewaukee, for which he paid i!6,()00. Kight years 
thereafter he sold this farm for 18,000. Forty 



acres of that place were afterwards .sold to Dr. 
Bartlett for ^8.200. After .selling his farm in Pe- 
waukee Township, Mr. Allen l)Ought aiiolher in the 
town of .Spring Prairie, W^alworih County, which 
he owned for eight years, then sold and purcliased 
his present place, which lies within the limits of 
the city of Oconomowoc. 

Mr. Allen's second wife is also deceased. He has 
five childien, two sons and three daughters, all by 
the second marriage. lie lost a daughter, Blen- 
dena, at the age of fourteen years. The oldest 
surviving child, Eliza l.cllelia, is the wife of .1. L. 
.Tones; the next is William II., of Dunn County, 
Wis.; Alice is at home; Eflle Jane is the wife of 
Charles E. Livingstone, of Minneap<)lis; Charles 
L. is the youngest and lives at Pewaukee. 

Mr. Allen has seen much of life, and has had his 
share of both troubles and blessings during the 
more than half a century since he came to the ter- 
ritory of Wisconsin. A man of industrious hab- 
its and correct business methods, he has become 
possessed of valuable property, and in his old age 
may enjoy the fruits of his years of labor and care. 



ii^A ANIEL Ml L. MILLER, M. D., who is the 

I I oldest practicing physician of Oconomo- 
woc, located at that place in October, 1865. 
Po.ssessed of superior natural endowments, he has 
by extensive reading and practice become one of 
the recognized lights of the medical fraternity in 
the state. 

Dr. Miller was born on the lllth of May, 1836, 
in New York City, of which place his father, 
Charles S. Miller, was also a native. His earlier 
literary education was obtained in the schools of 
his native city, where he also prepared himself for 
his chosen profession. When eighteen years of 
age he entered the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons, graduating in the Class of Tu. Two years 
later he came to W^aukesha County and established 
himself in |)r.actice at Ilartland, continuing there 
about three years. 

The war having broken out. Dr. Miller offered 
his services to the Government, and was appoint- 
ed Assistant .Surgeon of the Twenty -eighth Wis- 



398 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cousin Infimtiv. He rcniained in tlie service for 
about lliioe years, or until lionorahly discliarged at 
Madison, Wis., in ()ctoI)er of 1865. Upon his re- 
turn from the army he located at Oconomovvoc, 
where he has since enjoyed a hirn;e and lucrative 
practice. 

On the 2(Mli of .\pril, lM.");t. was celel)rated the 
marria<,'e of Dr. Miller and Miss Mary O., daugh- 
ter of Rev. Dr. Remington, a noted Baptist clergy- 
man of lliecily of New York. Dr. Miller and wife 
have two sons, the el<le>t of whom, Charles S., is 
an Mttoniey of Madison, Wis. The younger, Dr. 
Thom.as .Miller, who giadnated from Rush Medical 
College, is associated with his father in practice. 

In the r;uil<s of the medical fraternity Dr. Mil- 
ler has won a foremost place, lieing especially 
known for his al)ility as a surgeon. He is an hon- 
ored member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging 
to Oconomowoc Lodge No. 42; Oconomowoc Chap- 
ter No. 12; Olivet Commandery No. 18, of Water- 
town, and Wisconsin Consistory, lie is also a 
member of tlie Supreme Council for the Northern 
Masonic .Jurisdiction. In 18112 he was madeathir- 
ty-third degree Mason at Providence, R. I. Besides 
he belongs to Oconomovvoc Lodge No. 167, I. O. 
O. F.; to Henry Bertram Tost No. 194, (i. A. R., 
of which he is surgeon, and to the Loyal Legion. 
As a citizen Dr. Miller has ever been public-spirited 
an<l liberal, cordially giving his sup()Ort to wliat- 
ever would promote the best Interests of his adopt- 
ed city and county. 



©KORCK L. KKRN.a veteran soldier of the 
late war and a iirosperous farmer residing 
ill the town of Oconomowoc, Waukesha 
County, is a native of the state of Indiana, Itorn 
July 23, 1811, in the town of Mishawaka,St. .loseph 
Coimtv. His father was Abram Kern, who was 
born in Madison ComUy, N. Y., in 1810, of Ger- 
man ancestry, the great-grandfather of George L. 
Kern having been a native of Germany. Abram 
Kern lived in the state of New York until about 
twenty years old, when he removed to Indiana, 
where he married ALartha Lucas, who was born in 
Centre County, Pa., on the 16th of November, 



1820. In 18.54 they emigrated to Dodge County, 
Wis., and in the town of Ashippun settled on a 
farm where they resided many years, but at length 
removed to the town of Lebanon in the same 
count}'. There the father passed aw.ay on the 18th 
of June, 1878, and the mother, January 14, 1883. 
They were the parents of seven children, four sons 
and three daughters. Alvah, the oldest son, died 
January 8, 186',», near Elko, Nev., in his twenty- 
ninth year. He was engaged in railroading, and 
his <leatli resulted from smallpox. The remaining 
members of the family are all living, namely: Jo- 
seph Lucas, George Lawrence, Anna Martha, 
Charles Gilliert, Josephine Alinira and Plnebe 
Aseneth. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this article grew to manhood in Dodge 
County. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company 
I, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry. The regi- 
ment was mustered into the United States service 
on the 27tli of September following. At the time 
his company left the state Mr. Kern was sick in the 
hospital at iMadison, but he joined the regiment at 
Helena in the following .lanuary, and was with it 
during its entire service, participating in many of 
the most important exi)editions and battles of 
the war. The Twenty-ninth Regiment took part 
with the Thirteenth Corps in the expedition to 
N'icksburg, and was in the battles of Port (iibson, 
Champion Hills, siege of Vicksburg and the siege 
of Jackson. The command went thence to Louis- 
iana, taking part in important events in that 
state and also in the Texas expedition, after 
which it returned to Louisiana. The regiment 
was finally assigned to the Nineteenth Army 
Cori)s, and with it, participated in the campaign 
against Mobile; it was engaged at Spanish Fort 
and Ft. Hlakely,and w.as the second regiment to en- 
ter Mobile upon its capitulation. It went thence 
to New Orleans, and was mustered out of the ser- 
vice at Shreveport, La., June 22, 1865. They 
were discharged at Madison, Wis., where the regi- 
ment arrived on the 5th of July. During the 
last year of his service, Mr. Kern held the rank 
of Corporal. He escaped being wounded while in 
the army, but his health was considerably broken, 
especially from a sunstroke during the Vicksburg 




PETER REITH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



401 



Campaign, from which he has never fully recov- 
ered. 

Mr. Kern was married on the 0th of Dcceniher, 
18f>9, in Iha town of Ashippun, Dodge County 
Wis., to Miss Luania Moon, a native of Madison 
County, N. Y. Her parents were Wiliiani and Amy 
(Kddy) Moon, liolh of wliom were nalive.sof Mad- 
ison County', N. Y., the former of tlie town of Len- 
ox, and the latter of Cazenovia. In 18()2the fam- 
ily emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in Aship- 
pun Township, Dodge County, where tlie father 
and mother lived until death. Mrs. Kern was one 
of a family of three, the others being Amanda, 
widow of Ezra Vandusen, and Le Roy, the only 
son, who died in 1866. IMrs. Kern and her sister 
are, therefore, the only surviving memhors of their 
father's family. Mr. and Mrs. Kern have a pleas- 
ant home and a fine farm adjoining the village of 
Monterey. lie was a faithful soldier in the cause 
of the Union, and is a good citizen. 




PETE H R E I T 11, one of the progressive 
farmers of Menomonec Township residing 
on section 23, was here born on December 
2, 1816, and is the eldest child of Adam and Mar- 
garet (Schneider) Reith. Tlie father was born 
October 11, 1807, in Grosz(!nleider, Hesse-Cassel, 
and died on the old homestead in Menomonee 
Township, October I.t, 1882, his remains being in- 
terred in St. Antliony's church^'ard. Mis wife, 
who was born in Worinsdorf, province of Prussia, 
July 4, 1824, died March 19, 1870, and lies buried 
in the Fussville Catholic Cemetery. Mr. Reith 
emigrated to America in 1839, sailing from Hienien 
to New York, and his first work was on the Erie 
Canal. In 1842 he became a resident of Milwau- 
kee County, Wis., and secured work in the timber 
belt. The following year he came to .Menomonee 
Township, and purchased one hundred and forty 
acres of canal land on section 2.'?, when it came 
into market. He erected a log cabin and during 
the 3'eai-s that folU>wed worked earl^- and late, un- 



til as the result of honest toil and well directed 
efforts he had acquired a handsome competence. 
He weiitr through many of the experiences and 
hardships of pioneer life, and was over a leading 
citizen, cheerfully bearing his part in the work of 
progress and civilization. In his dealings he was 
ever honorable and upright, and won the confi- 
dence and good will of all with whom business or 
social relations brought liim in contact. 

Of the seven sons and four daughters of the 
Reith family, nine are yet living, namely-: Peter; 
Margaret, wife of John Otzelberger, a farmer re- 
siding on section 21, Menomonee Township; .lolin, 
who operates the old homestead; Mary, wife of 
Peter Kreiiser, of Milwaukee, who is employed by 
the Chicago, Milwaukee .V- St. Paul Railroad Com- 
pany; Veronica, wife of Anton Shuiiiacher, a hotel 
keeper of Milwaukee; Malhias, of the same city; 
Theresa, wife of John (i. Otzelberger, of Milwau- 
kee; Adam, of Milwaukee, and Adolph,a farmer of 
Lake fTcneva. 

Peter Reith was born in the old log cabin on his 
father's farm, and early became familiar with the 
task of clearing and developing the wild land. 
During the winter months he attended the com- 
mon schools, beginning his education in a log 
schoolhouse, supplied with slab seats. He after- 
ward took a four years' course in .St. Francis Sem- 
inary, and is a well informed man who keeps 
abreast with the times. 

On the 8tli of November, 1871. was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Reith and Miss Theresa 
Schmitz, daughter of (i<)ttfried and Catherine 
(Kerzman) Schmitz. The lady was born in Menom- 
onee Township, August 15, 1847, in which \'ear 
her parents sailed from Bremen, reaching New 
York after a voyage of ninety-four days. They 
came at once to Waukesha County, and located 
on a farm in Menomonee Township, where the 
father died at the age of seventy-four, while the 
mother's death oc«urred at the age of fifty- 
nine. Mi-s. Reith w.as the ninth in their family of 
twelve children, of whom four are yet living. By 
her marriage she has four sons and five daughtei-s, 
seven yet living, Anna, born September 17, 1874; 
Adam, November 14, 187(i; Clara, December 19, 
1878; John, November 26, 1880; Theresa, October 



402 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



22, 1882; Peter, September 19. 1889, and Rosa, 
Murdi 21. 1892. 

In liis political views Mr. Reithisa Democrat 
and he lias served as Cliairnian of tlie Town IJoard 
of Menomonee for three terms, lie was also Side 
Supervisor for one term, and Assessor for two terms. 
He Is now serving as Justlc-e of tlie Peace and in 
tiiis office as in the others discharges his duties 
with a promptness and fidelity which win iiini the 
hii^h commendation of all concerned, lie is the 
present Secretary of the Menomonee, Granville & 
(lennantown Mutual Fire Insurance Company,and 
he and liis family are members of St. Anthony's 
Catholic Church of Fnssville. 



-^^+^P-= 






OWKN .1. THOMAS, an enterprising and 
representative fanner residing on section 
2;i, in the town of Delafield, is a native of 
Angleseysliire, Wales, and a son of John and Har- 
riet (.lones) Thomas, who were also natives of the 
same sbire. John Thomas w.as reared in the land 
of his nativity, and when of a suitable age learned 
the weaver's trade, which he followed until his 
marriage, after that event engaging in agricultural 
pursuits. In August. 1838, with his wife and 
family, he emigrated to New York, embarking on 
a sailing-vessel at Liverpool, P'.ngland. The pas- 
sao'e was a long and tedious one, consuming ten 
weeks From the eastern metropolis lie proceeded 
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal to 
lUica, N. Y., near which place he purchased a 
farm of aboi t one hundred acres under a fair state 
of cultivation. His home continued to be here until 
•Juni^ 1844, which date witnessed his arrival in 
Milwaukee, (ioing to the town of Genesee, he 
lived with his brother for a period of two months, 
or until he could enter a quartei-section of land, 
build a log house, and make other necessary im- 
provements. His farm was situated on section 23, 
of Delafield Township, and into this primitive home 
hurriedly constructed, he moved his family and 
began life in the west. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas a family numbering 
six sons and four daughters was born. The eld- 



est, John, is a farmer near Lake Crystal, Minn.; 
David is a clothing merchant of that city; Owen 
J. is the next in order; Richard is a brass worker 
of Milwaukee; Thomas resides on the old home 
farm; Robert is a commission merchant of Milwau- 
kee; and Margaret, Jane, Catherine, and Harriet 
are deceased. Both father and mother have passed 
to the spirit world, the former on the 28th of 
March, 1854, and the latter in December, 1886. 
They were numbered among the pioneer set- 
tlers of Waukesha County, and ever gave their 
support and encouragement to those measures cal- 
culated to benefit their fellowmen. 

In Angleseysliire, Wales, on the 22d of .July, 
1837, occurred the birth of Owen J. Thomas, who 
came with his parents to America when but little 
past one year of age. He was reared on his father's 
farm and received but a limited education. After 
his father's death the management of the home- 
stead devolved upon him, and as he was still quite 
young left no opportunity for acquiring scholas- 
tic training. In the course of time he bought two 
liundred and eighty-four .acres of land which he 
improved, and on which he erected good buildings. 
In 1806 the estate was divided, Mr. Thomas 
retaining one hundred and fifty acres upon which 
he built a. frame house and fair outbuildings. In 
1868 he went to Portage, Wis., where he engaged 
in mercantile pursuits, being the first merchant in 
that city to introduce the system of delivering 
goods to patrons by horse and wagon. In the 
spring of 1871, he removed to Lime Spring, Iowa, 
where he operated a farm of two hundred and 
forty acres. However, on the 20tli of November, 
1873, Mr. Thomas returned to Portage and re- 
mained with his brt)ther-iii-law until October of 
the following ^ear, when he came to his farm in 
this county, where he has since resided. He h.as 
erected a beautiful home, large and substantial 
barns, and other outbuildings necessary to a well 
conducted farm. 

At Portage, Wis., February 2, 1871, was cele- 
brated the marriage of Mr. Thomas and Miss Eliza- 
beth, daughter of John and Rachel (llamar) Arthur, 
who was born April G, 1837, in Abbey Coom- 
liear, Radnorshire, Wales. The father and mother 
were natives respectively of the shires of Mont- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



403 



gomery and Radnor, Wales. In 1851 they emi- 
grated to the United States, tlieir objective point 
beins;; New Hrunswick, N. .1. From there tliey 
came to Wisconsin, locating at Ft. Winnebago, 
which was then the county-seat of Columbia Coun- 
ty. There Mrs. Artliur died in November, 1852. 
The family continued to make tliat their home 
for some four years, at the end of that time 
removing to Portage, wiicie tiie father died in No- 
vember, 1H()2. Of tlieir chililieii, .lolin is de- 
ceased; Kvan is a dealer in wool and furs at Port- 
age; Mary wedded II. 11. Hcmer, a farmer of 
Strathroy, C;inada; Ann is deceased; Sarah re- 
sides in the old home at Portage. Mrs. Thomas' 
death occurred on the l.'itli of .July, 1887, leaving 
her husband and six children, Annie, Sarah, 
•Mamie, Alice, Robert and John, to mourn her 
loss. 

Mr. Thomas first exercised his right of franchise 
in favor of Abraham Lincoln, and h.as ever been 
a thorough Republican. In his town he has served 
as Treasurer and Side-Supervisor, and is now 
tilling the office of Treasurer of the School Board. 
In every otlicial position Mr. Thomas has dis- 
charged the duties with satisfaction to his con- 
stituents and with credit to himself. A member 
of the Wclsli C'alvinistic Church, he is an active 
worker in the Sabbath-school and general church 
work. Earnest and energetic, honorable and up- 
right, he has the confidence and regard of a wide 
circle of friends. 



JOHN WATSON, an honored pioneer, and a 
veteran soldier t)f the late war, has been 
a resident of Lisbon Township, Waukesha 
County, since 1843, and has therefore wit- 
nessed almost the entire development of the coun- 
ty, from a wilderness to one of the most beautiful 
in the Badger State. Mr. Watson is a native of 
Perthshire, .Scotland, l)oni on the I'.lth of Decem- 
ber, 1827, being the fourth in a family comprising 
four sons and two daughtere, whose parents were 
Andrew and Catharine (Rodger) Watson. At 
present there are three of this family living, one 
older and the other younger than our subject, 



namely: Jannet, who is the wife of Tiiomas Welsh, 
a farmer of the town of Lisbon, and Andrew. The 
latter is a resident of Cairo, Egypt, to which place 
he was sent .as a missionary b^' the United Presby- 
terian Church of the United States of America. 
He graduated from Carroll College, in the Class of 
'57, and took a course at Princeton, after which ln^ 
pursued his studies in Allegheny and I'liiladelphia, 
Pa. The father, who was born in Perllisliirc, Scot- 
land, May 28, 17115, died in his native land on the 
7tli <>! A[)ril, 1835. He was reared to the trade of 
a weaver, in the days when weaving was done by 
hand. He was also a fisherman, carrying on that 
business in the River Tay. His wife, who was a 
native of the same shire, was born March 13, 1801. 
After the death of her husband she came to Amer- 
ica, and died in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha 
County, in .Iiine, 1875. 

John Watson was a lad almost fourteen vears of 
age when, with his brother (lilbert, he bade adieu 
to '•Bonnie .Scotland," setting sail from Dundee, 
May 12, 1841, on board the ''Peruvian" bound for 
New York. After a voyage of nine weeks the 
vessel cast anchor in the harbor of the American 
port, oursubject landing on the 4th of July. From 
the city of New York, the brothers made their way 
to Buffalo, where they commenced work, John re- 
ceiving for his services ^4 per month, and there 
remained until the fall of 1843, when they turned 
their faces westward, Wisconsin being their desti- 
nation. They came by steamer to Milwaukee, the 
younger brother working on the boat to pay his 
passage. That city was then but an iusignincant 
port on the lake, and there was not in the present 
state of Wisconsin a railroad, any large manufac- 
turing establishments, or other industries which 
to-daj' make of it one of the best states in the 
Union. The brothers proceeded direct to the town 
of Lisbon, where Mr. Watson of this record com- 
menced working for wages on a farm. He received 
but a limited education, as all advantages of that 
nature ceased upon his emigration to the United 
States, but by reading and observation he has be- 
come a well informed man. As soon as thej' had 
earned sufficient money, the lirothers sent for their 
mother, who with three children came to this coun- 
ty, locating in the town of Lisbon. The first pur- 



404 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



chase of land that Mr. Watson made was on sec- 
tion 3, in tlie town of Lisbon. It was wild and 
unimproved, hut the younjj fellow set to woi-k to 
develop a farm, and make for himself a lionie. 
During the time that he was building his log cabin, 
which was tiie lirst home of the family in this 
county, he worked a whole week without seeing 
another person, and after his house was up, the 
first niglit he slept in it, liiere was not a pane of 
glass in the windows. Deer were plentiful, and 
once and awhile remnants of the Winnebago tribes 
passed tlirougli the premises. The work on tiie 
farm was performed by the aid of ox-teams, and 
the conveyance used for traveling was the cart. 

On the 15th of December, 18.")3, Mr. Watson 
wedded Miss Mary Rodger, who was born in 
Pertlishire, Scotland, on the UJlli of February, 
1832. This union has been blessed with six chil- 
dren, four sons and two daughters, of whom 
five are living, naiiioly: Andrew G., who was edu- 
cated in Carroll College and taught in the schools 
of Waukesha County, is engaged in tlie grain busi- 
ness at Antioch, 111.; John A., who was graduated 
from Wayland Academy, at Heaver Dam, and sub- 
sequently took a classical course, .married Miss Jo- 
sephine Forbes, and is a prosperous hardware mer- 
chant of Ashland, Wis.; James R., who w.as grad- 
uated in the Class of '87, from Carroll College, 
and taught in Dodge County, superintends the old 
homestead; Mary E., who is also a graduate of 
Carroll College, a member of the Class of '89, is at 
home; and Kittle, who is the youngest in the home, 
completed the course at Carroll College in 1802. 
Mr. and Mrs. Watson have bestowed upon their 
children the blessing of a good education, thereby 
lilting them to fill useful places in the business 
and social world. 

Mr. Watson has been a I\cpiil)lic:in since the or- 
ganization of that party, having cast his first Pres- 
idential vote for the first candidate of the party, 
Gen. John C. Fremont. Though taking a lively 
interest in the successes of his party, he has never 
been an aggressive politician. In 1875 he was 
elected Chairman of the Town Board of Super- 
visors; was elected Assessor in 1871, and was 
Treasurer of the School Board of his township for 
the long terra of fifteen years. He and his wife 



are devoted members of the United Presbyterian 
Church of Lisbon Township, he having been Elder 
of the church society since his return from the 
war. Their estate comprises one hundred and 
seventy-five acres of fine land in the town of Lis- 
bon, and their comfortal)le home is the abode of 
hospitality and good cheer. 

Mr. Watson was one of the brave and noble 
men who responded to his country's call for troops 
on the breaking out of the late Civil War. In the 
fall of 1862, he enlisted in the service, Ijecoming a 
member of Company F, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin 
Infantry, under Captain White and Colonel Lewis. 
The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Washburn, 
Milwaukee, and there received orders to go to 
Columbus, Ky., to aid in the defense of that place. 
Going thence to Helena, Ark., it took part in an 
engagement on the 4th of July, 1863, in which 
the Federal forces were victorious, though the regi- 
ment suffered the loss of several men. From Helena 
the Twenty-eighth Regiment joined the Tallahat- 
chie Expedition, the object of which was to place 
the troops in the rear of Vickshurg; however, this 
was abandoned, and the troops returned to Helena, 
going thence to Little Rock, in the same state, 
where they occupied the city, the first time it had 
been in the hands of the Federal forces. The next 
move w.is to New Orleans, thence to Ft. Morgan, 
near Mobile, on the entrance to the city, and from 
there to Spanish Fort, which was evacuated by the 
Confederates and occupied by the Union troops. 
After the surrender of General Lee, the order came 
for Mr. AVatson's regiment to go to Texas; cross- 
ing the Gulf of Mexico, it landed at Brazos Is. 
land, and marched to the mouth of the Rio Grande, 
thence to Brownsville, where it was mustered out 
of service. Mr. Watson received his honorable 
and final discharge at Madison, Wis., on the 23d 
of August, 1865, and returned to his home to don 
the civilian's garb. During his term of enlistment 
he was appointed Corporal of Company F, Twen- 
ty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry, the commission be- 
ing issued by Col. James M. Lewis, "For reposing 
special trust and confidence in the patriotism, 
valor, fidelity and ability of Mr. John Watson." 
Mr. Watson was never off duty, on a furlough, or 
in the hospital, but was prostrated on the field 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



405 



from exhaustion and exposure. His record as a 
soldier was an honorable one, and such that lie may 
justly feel proud. All honor is due to the men 
who braved the hardships of a soldier's life that 
the proudest nation of the glolje to-day might he 
perpetuated. 

When Mr. Watson came to Wisconsin, lie was 
a poor boy; he had 111), which he lo.nned and fi- 
nally lost, so that all that he has has been accumu- 
lated since his residence here, .and by adhering to 
correct business methods this was made possible. 
From the penniless boy, he has advanced to a high 
position among the leading and representative 
men of the township, by whom ho is esteemed for 
his integrity and honor. 



^ 



m. 



BENJAMIN SMART is a representative of 
one of the pioneer families of this county. 
He w;is born in Waukesha County, Feb- 
ruary 4, 18.'58, and is one of six cliildreii bdin to 
Isa.ac and Elizabeth (Clegg) Smart, a sketch of 
whom is given elsewhere in this record. 

Mr. Smart was reared to farm life, which occu- 
pation lie has made his life work. His education 
was obtained in tiie common schools and Carroll 
College. On reaching manhood he w.as united in 
marriage with Miss Mary Barber, the ceremony 
being perft)rmed November 2'.), 1862. Mrs. Smart 
is a native of the Green Mountain State, liorn the 
12th of August, 1838, and is a daughter of Caleb 
and Polly (Cranipton) Barber. The parents were 
also natives of Vermont, and early settlers of 
Waukesha County, wiiere they spent their declin- 
ing years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Smart have been blessed with a 
family of six children, five sons and one daugh- 
ter, five of whom are living, and are named as 
follows: Willis, the eldest, was educated in the 
common schools and at Carroll College, lie is 
now a very successful farmer of Waukesha Town- 
ship. P>auk, the next, is a carpenter and joiner 



by trade and resides in Waukesha. He married 
Miss Emma Krene, a native of Michigan. The 
young couple have two cliildren, Earl and Bert. 
Whitman B., the third son, is also a carpenter and 
joiner by trade. lie was educated in the public 
schools and Carroll College. He is still a resident 
of his native county. Myron, the youngest son, 
is a farmer of Waukesha County. Ada, the only 
daughter, is at home with her parents. 

In his political views, Mr. Smart is a Republi- 
can, and cast his first Presidential ballot for the 
martyr President, Abraham Lincoln. He takes a 
lively interest in the triumph of the principles ad- 
vocated by the Republican party. For official 
honors he has never sought, but has been chosen 
by his part}' to fill the position of School Treas- 
urer, in which capacitj" he h.as served for six or 
seven years. He is a warm friend of the public 
school and believes in employing the very best 
talent to be obtained. Mrs. Smart and her daugh- 
ter. Miss Ada, are members of the Presbyterian 
Church of Waukesha. Mr. Smart is a man who 
respects all religious teaching which will elevate 
the masses. 

Mr. and Mrs. Smart are the owners of a well 
improved and highly cultivated farm of forty 
acres, situated one and a-half miles from the vil- 
lage of Waukesha. Their comfortable home is of 
modern architecture, and its hospitable doors are 
ever open to their many friends. 



(^ 



.^^ 



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Ms^. 



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mn 



^ 



JOHN M. HALL, who is numbered among the 
pioneer settlers of the town of Merton, has 
been an honored and respected citizen of 
Waukesha County since 1842, and has there- 
fore been identified with almost its entire devel- 
opment. Mr. Hall is a native of Cayuga County, 
N. Y., born in December, 1815, and was the fifth 
in a family of two sons and five daughters whose 
parents were Francis and .Sarah (Springer) Hall. 
Francis Hall, who w.is also a native of the Fmpire 
State, was reared to the trade of carpenter and 



406 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



joiner. In politics lie was .a Democrat. Ilis deatb 
occurred in New York. 

.lolin M. grew to maniiood in liis native state, 
where lie obtained such an education astheschools 
of those times afforded and as he by his personal 
endeavors was able to secure. On attaining his 
majority Mr. Hall came west. Going to Sanga- 
mon County, III., he entered the profession of 
teaching, and during his residence there met both 
I>incoln and Douglas. Returning to New York he 
wedded Miss Klizabclli Fuller, who was also born 
in Cayuga County. Their marriage was celebrated 
on the 2.')th of Seiitenibcr, 1810, and to their union 
nine children, four son and five daughters, were 
born, seven of whom are living. Adelia is the wife 
of .losepli Gillctl, of Merton Township; Frank, 
who was graduated from the Spenccrian Business 
College, of Milwaukee, farms the old homestead 
in Merton Township. He wedded Miss Carrie 
Melius, who bore him four children. .James and 
.lolin are engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sum- 
ner County, Kan. Emma is the wife of Alonzo 
Richardson, of Kingsbury County, S. Dak. Jud- 
son is the efficient County Clerk and resides in 
Waukesha. Ell.a and Kva were twins, the former 
of whom is d(!ceascd and the latter is the wife of 
Edward Mount, a farmer of llic town of Delatield. 
One died in infancy. 

In 1K4I, the next year after their marriage, Mr. 
and INIrs. Hall removed to Illinois, where the}' re- 
mained one year, coming at the end of that time 
to Wisconsin. In the town of Merlon he entered 
a quarter-section of <!overiiiiiciil land, wholly un- 
improved and only accessible l)y following the 
Indian trails. Indians were quite numerous, deer 
plentiful, and other conditions peculiar to those 
early times prevailed. On his land Mr. Hall 
erected a shanty twelve feet scjunre; it had neither 
doors nor windows; a blanket hung in an opening 
both shutting out the world and admitting light 
at the same time; the chimney was built of sl-one, 
while rough boards or the bare ground served for 
a lloor; in ISfiS his present sulistantial brick resi- 
dence was erected, being the fourth that he had 
constructed. In those early d.ays he cut his grain 
with an old-fashioned cradle, and :ifler threshing 
it out with a Hail he hauled it to Milwaukee, which 



was the nearest market, with an ox-team. The 
first wagon he used in this county he brought 
with him from Illinois. The wheels, which were 
made from the ends of buckeye logs, furnished 
the driver with abundance of music, however of a 
kind not calculated to sooth his nerves. At the 
time of his coming there was not a schoolhouse or 
church in the entire township, and in the organi- 
zation of the first district school in his community 
Mr. Hall took an active part and since that time 
has ever been identified with the best interests of 
his township. 

The first Presidential vote Mr. Hall cast was in 
support of Martin Vartin Van Buren, the Demo- 
cratic candidate. Until 1848 he continued an ad- 
herent of that party, but at that time became a 
supporter of the princijilcs of the Free-son part}', 
with which he remained until 18.54. Mr. Hall was 
a member of the convention that met in AVauke- 
slia in the last named year, and as such helped to 
organize the Republican party, and in the succeed- 
ing campaign gave his support to it, voting for 
the candidate, John C. I'remont. He continued 
to be a supporter of the men and measures of the 
Republican party until the rise of the Greenback 
movement in 1887 and with this he was identified 
until the l*eo|)l(''s parly sprang up, with which he 
is now connected. Mr. Hall is a man who votes 
for principles and not for party, and throughout 
his career has ever been governed by what he con- 
siders to be the best for the greatest number, cast- 
ing his ballot with the i)arty that comes nearest to 
his ideal. In an official capacity he has served as 
Assessor, beinu; the first in his town, which was then 
known as Warren Township, Milwaukee County, 
and as Town Clerk, .Tusticc of the Peace and a 
member of the School 15oard. In his connection 
with the schools he has aided in the establishment 
of good schools and in securing competent teachers 

On the -IM of .January, 1893, Mr. Hall was 
called upon to mourn the loss of his estimable 
wife, who had walked by his side, sharing the joys 
and sorrows of a wedded life of over half a cen- 
tury. She was a kind and loving mother and wife 
aild her presence is greatly missed in the home, 
and especi.Tlly by the aged liust)and, who is left to 
finish the journej' of life alone. Both husband 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



•107 



and wife were members of the Baptist Cliurch.and 
in advancing tlie cause of the Master aided lil)ei'- 
ally. Tiie Mall i-state comprises two liiiiidicd and 
sixty acres of valuable land on the famous I'Msher's 
Flats, and is one of the finest stoclc farms in tlie 
township, each lielcJ bein<>; so situated tliat it is 
watered naUiially. Its splendid location taken in 
connection with llic improvements that have been 
placed upon it by Mr. Hall iiiiike il in every way 
desirable as a home. 



i>^^<i 



5gji^ 



/" y II.\R!ii'-S III LL is recognized as one of the 
V~^ iirospcious fanners of Kagle Township, 
where he has made his home for over 
thirty years, lie is one fif the sturdy citizens that 
Cambridgeshire, KnglaiHi, furnished this county. 
His parents, John and Klizabetli (May) Hill, were 
also natives of I'-ngland, where they lived through- 
out life. Of their eight children only two came 
to the United States, Charles and John. The lat- 
ter crossed the ocean in 1860, and is now a resi- 
dent of Dunn County, Wis. 

Charles Hill was born December 31, 1836. Until 
eighteen years of age his time was <li\idcd lietween 
attendance in the common schools and labor on the 
farm. In 1854 he sailed from Liverpool, and after 
a voyage consuming four weeks landed in New 
York. After working about eighteen months in 
Herkimer County, N. Y., he continued his journey 
westward, arriving in the town of Eagle in 18;").). 
Having no capital save good health and a willing- 
ness to work, he was employed some six or seven 
years at whatever he could find to do that would 
assist him in making a start in life. Having |)ur- 
ciiosed a land warrant for one hundred and sixty 
acres he located it in Dunn County, Wis., this be- 
ing the first real estate he owned. By subsequent 
purchase he added fifty-five acres more, and in 
1864 traded that entire place for seventy acres in 
the town of Eagle, paying the difference in cash. 
From time to time he extended the boundaries of 
his farm until he owned three hundred and twenty 
acres, of which he still retains one hundred and 
ninety. He continued to farm until 1891, when 



he reraoved to White Water, leaving the farm in 
charge of his son. 

Mr. Hill was married in the town of Eagle, De- 
cember 18, 1861, to Miss Henrietta Trow, a native 
of the town of Eagle, and a daughter of Thomas 
and Lueinda (Vars) Trow. Her father was a na- 
tive of Wales, and her mother of New York State. 
They were among the early settlers of the town of 
Eagle, where their last days were passed. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hill began their domestic life on the farm in 
Dunn County, which was their home until it was 
exchanged for the farm in Eagle Township. Their 
union has been blessed with two children, Ells- 
worth E. and Lutie. The former wedded Miss 
May Elting, August 22, 1888, and has one child, 
Charles I{. Lutie became the wife of Sherman 
Dutlin. November 28, 1891, and resides on a farm 
in Eagle Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hill are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
in his political views the husband has voted with 
the Republican party since casting his first vote 
for Lincoln. 



:0#C 



,x 



T7> MANUEL COOK. Among the many 
\ CS worthy early settlers of Waukesha Coun- 
ty of English birth, must be mentioned the 
gentleman whose name appears at the head of this 
article. For fifty j^ears he has been a citizen of 
this country and since 1851 of this county. A na- 
tive of Yorkshire, England, Mr. Cook was born 
September 30, 1827, at Scarborough, distant about 
twenty miles from the city of York, he being the 
eleventh in a family of fourteen children, compris- 
ing six sons and eight daughters, of whom but two 
survive, the other being Robert, who resides in 
Treini)ealeau County, Wis., where he is engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. The parents were Joseph 
and Esther (Patch) Cook, both of whom were na- 
tives of Yorkshire, where the father followed tlie 
avocation of a farmer. He and Captain Cook, the 
discoverer of the Sandwich Islands, whom the can- 
nibals killed, were cousins. 

In 1842 Joseph Cook, accompanied by his wife 
and family, embarked on board the sailing-vessel 



408 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



"Patrick Henry " at Liverpool bound for New York. 
They were four weeks in crossing tlie Atlantic 
Ocean. Wlien lliey uomraenced life in America 
the father liad very little means, but by industry 
and economy became well-to-do. Hisflrst location 
was near I'tica, N. V., vviiere he rented a farm and 
tlierc remained some six or seven years. At the 
expiration of that time he came to Wisconsin, the 
trip Ijemjr made from Home to Ruffftlo on tlie Erie 
Canal, thence to Milwaukee by way of tlie lakes. 
That populous city of to-day was a miseral)le little 
place; the ground upon which it is built was low 
and swampy, while some of the walks were first 
laid with brush on lop of whiili phuik were placed, 
as this was the only way lo make tlie streets passa- 
ble. They lauded at a rickety old pier and spent 
their first night in Milwaukee at a little tavern 
kept by Mr. l'liel|)s. doing lo Lisbon Township, 
Waukesha County, Father Cook rented a farm, and 
in this neighborliood both husband and wife passed 
the remaining 3'ears of their lives. They were 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and 
were esteemed U>v the many excellencies of charac- 
ter they possessed. 

Ml. Cook, the subject of this biography, ac(|uired 
the most of his educaliou in the Sabbath-school of 
his native land, which has been supplemented by 
reatling, observation and practical experience. He 
was always a kind and dutiful son and did all he 
could lo make the declining years of his i)arents 
full of peace and contentment. On the 2oth of 
August, 184S), Mr. Cook wedded Miss Hannah 
Brown, a native of England, who bore him one 
child, Mary .1., who became the wife of George 
Wilson, of the village of Pewaukee. Mrs. Cook 
was born .January 19, 1821, and died on the 3d of 
February. 188(). Mr. Cook was again married, the 
lady of his choice being Mrs. Sarah A. (Wilson) 
Cook, their marriage occurring .luly H, 188(). Mrs. 
Cook IS a native of Canada, born August 6, 1847, 
near Toronto. Her parents, John and llursley 
(Myeis) Wilson, were natives of Yorkshire, Eng- 
land, and emigrated to Canada about 1844, the 
voyage across the Atlantic consuming nine weeks 
and three days. Mrs. Cook has been twice mar- 
ried, lier first husband, Thomas Cook, being a 
brother of her present liusband. By her first mar- 



riage Mrs. Cook had five children, two sons and 
three daughters, of wliom the following survive: 
Hester E., wife of Alexander Balzcr, of Waukesha; 
May E., wife of Warner Shonat, of Trempealeau 
County, Wis., and Robert S., of Pewaukee Town- 
ship. The latter resides on the Cook estate and is 
engaged in farming. The father of this family, 
Thomas Cook, departed this life .June 22, 1876. 

On coming to Wisconsin Mr. Cook purchased 
eighty acres of partiall_y improved land, though as 
he says, May of 1851 saw his poor little farm with- 
out a house and almost devoid of imiiroveiiients 
of any kind, 'riie wildness of the surroundings of 
his future hcune turned his thoughts back to the 
comfortable home left across the sea, but for tlie 
active and enterprising man there was no time to 
be spent in useless regrets. His first house w.as a 
small frame one l()x2il feet in dimensions and one 
and oiie-h.'ilf stories high. For the first railroad 
built in the state, the branch of the Milwaukee & 
St. Paul now known as the Prairie du Chien Di- 
vision, Mr. Cook got out ties from his timber and 
hauled them to help lay the track, llis lirst crop 
of grain was cut with a cradle, after which he 
threshed it out with a Hail, lie was here early 
enough to see many Indians, while deer vverc often 
seen upon his i)ieniises. Of the development of 
Waukesha County', as well as this part of the state, 
he has been a witness. 

I\Ir. Cook came to this county a [)oor man; went 
in debt for his first purchase of eighty acres of 
land, but by toiling incessantly and depriving him- 
self of many of the comforts of life has accuimu- 
lated valuable property. He owns a good farm of 
one hundred and thirty-six acres in the town of Pe- 
waukee, the land being well supplied with running 
water and springs. It is to such men of sterling 
character that the generation of to-day is indebl- 
ed for the many comforts and luxuries it enjoys. 

Mr. Cook in his political sentiments is a Demo- 
crat, but he lias voted forsuch men as Abraham Lin- 
coln. He does not confine himself to any particu- 
lar party, but supports those measures bestada|)led 
to the wants of the people rather than the party. 
He has never had any political aspirations, but was 
one of the first R(jad Commissioners, in which po- 
sition he served for fifteen years. He was also 




TUDGE MARTIN FIELD. 




SARAH I'. FIELD. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



413 



Thistle Commissioner for two terms. In religious 
belief Mr. iiiid Mrs. Cook are members of the 
Methodist Kpiscop.il Churcii of Lisbon, to the sup- 
port of which tiiey contribute. 



l(s). _i^Mm__.__ _^ 



(^ 



-^ 



JUDGE MARTIN FIELD, now deceased, was 
an iionored |>ioneer whose name is a liouse- 
hold woid in Waukeslia Count\', where he 
lived for so many years, and so long served 
in a public capacity. .Judge Field was born in 
Chester, Vt., December ',*, 181 l,and was one of five 
children, two sons and three daughters, of whom 
two are living, Stephen and Mrs. Rosana Bab- 
cock, both of Eiist Troy, Walworth County. The 
parents of these children, Stephen and fthary (.Jor- 
dan) Field, were early settlers of F^ast Troy, where 
they spent their last days. Tiie father took an 
active part in politics and in tlie east served in 
the Legislature. 

In his native state Judge Field received a good 
academic education which enabled him to teach 
school, a calling he followed for a number of years. 
In the meantime he learned surveying, a business 
which both his father and grandfather had pur- 
sued. When Chicago was a mere village .Judge 
Field came thither and immediately secured em- 
ployment as a surveyor. In 1836 lie found his 
way to Mukwonago, this county, and took a 
claim of two hundred and eighty acres adjoining 
the village, which was then inhabited by Indians. 
When the land came int<j market he purchased it 
from the (Jovernineiit at the regular price of ten 
shillings per acre. Having erected a log cabin 
witii a shake roof .'ind no lloor, he there began 
b.aching and performing the arduous task of de- 
veloping a farm. In 181.'3 he erected a frame house 
in Mukwanago, which forms a part of the present 
home of his family, though it li.as since been much 
enlarged and improved. He has the distinction of 
11 



having platted the village which was his home for 
nearly a half centur}'. 

.Judge Field w.as married in Troy, Walworth 
County, Wis., December 18, 184.'), the lady of his 
choice being Miss Sarah P. Meacham, a native of 
Springfield, Mass., born Seiitenilier 22, 1822. Her 
parents died when siie was an infant and she was 
adopted by Maj. .lesse and Patience ( Wallace) 
Meacham, who were natives of New York. About 
1829 they removed to Lodi Plains, Washtenaw 
County, Mich., and in the spring of 1836 became 
residents of Troy, Wis. As there was no place 
for travelei-s to stop Mr. Meacham began enter- 
taining them and for a number of years his home 
continued to be a popular resort. Besides he 
owned and operated a large farm. Major Meacham 
won his otlicial title in the service of the War 
of 1812, during which he was taken prisoner and 
held at Black Rock, N. Y., for months, or until 
exchanged. In his community he was a promi- 
nent man and for years was Postmaster at Troy, 
and politically he was an old time Democrat. He 
reached the age of seventy-seven, and his wife, 
eighty-four years. Of the three sons born to this 
worthy couple none survive. Mrs. F'ield was a 
miss of fourteen when she removed to Wisconsin. 
In the common schools and in the Ladies' Semin- 
ary at Lake Geneva she received a good educa- 
tion, llijon her marriage to .Judge Field she 
became mistress of the liome over which she still 
presides. 

Soon after coming to this county Mr. Field was 
elected .Justice of the Peace. ThisoHicial position" 
made it necessary for him to look up pointsof law, 
and beingof a studious turn of mind he became well 
posted therein and finally took up law as a profes- 
sion. B}' his own efforts he arose to a place among 
the foremost men of his county. On the 13th of 
March, 1849, he w.as admitted to practice in the 
Circuit Court, and on the 10th of .January, 1860, 
in the Supreme Court of Wisconsin. When Wau- 
keslia County was organized in ISKi he was 
chosen, on the 20tli of November, as the first Pro- 
bate Judge, and for fourteen consecutive years 
filled that position with honor to himself and sat- 
isfaction to the peoi)le. For three years of that 
time he also had jurisdiction over civil cases. 



414 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



During Uie war he served as Revenue Assessor and 
for many years was Notary Public, liaviiig been 
appointed lirst in 1810. Politically he was a reliable 
Republican and in religious faith was a rnitariaii, 
as arc also liis wife and children. In building the 
church in IMukwonago he took a leading i)art and 
was always one of its most liberal supporters. So- 
cially he was a thirty-second degree IMnson. be- 
longing to the Wisconsin Consistory of Milwau- 
kee. In the success of the Waukesha Agricultural 
Society he took a lively interest and was for a 
time its ctlicient President. He also served as 
President of the Waukesha National Bank, and at 
the time of his death held the position of Vice- 
President. 

To .Judge Field and wife were born four chil- 
dren, of whom Ella INI., the eldest, became the wife 
of James .Iolinstou,a prominent merchant t)f Muk- 
wonago; .Jennie wedded Waller Irving, a shoe 
dealer of Waukesha; Mary married Ferdinand R. 
Smith, a graduate of the Law Department of Wis- 
consin State Ihiiversity in the ('lass of" 93, who 
is now practicing his chosen profession at Muk- 
wonago; Jessie is the wife of Lester Jl. Smith, a 
well known merchant of that village. 

On the lllh of April, IH'.IO, the community was 
saddened by the announcement that .Judge Field 
had passed from among the living. His death was 
a loss to the community .is well as the home. 
Possessed of a high order of ability, iiiHexible in- 
tegrity and a conscientious regard for the rights 
of others, he won friends wherever he went, and 
by the attractive force of exalted manhood bound 
them to him for life. His widow still survives, 
and, though seventy-two years of age, is well pre- 
served. She, like lier husband, has witnessed the 
entire growth of Wisconsin from a wilderness to a 
great commonwealth. When her parents came to 
the territory their nearest neighbor, save one, was 
eighteen miles distant. They lived in a tent while 
a shake-covered cabin was being erected. For a 
cupboard they drove pins in the wall, on which 
thej- laid i)ieces of Ijark, while a dry-goods box 
served acceptabl3- as a table. It would be con- 
sidered a great hardship now to thus begin domes- 
tic life. We who are reaping the rewards t>f their 
industry and saving owe a d«bt of gratitude to 



the early settlers that can never be fully repaid; 
hence to make their last da3S their happiest ones 
should be one of the greatest delights of those for 
whom they toiled and sacrificed. 



1 .(9), ^5j|4._ .(S)j 



eHARLES J. .STROIIN. Among the well 
known citizens of Waukesha County who 
came here in their youth, when the coun- 
try was new, and who have spent the best years 
of their lives in assisting to improve and develop 
it, is numbered the subject of this record, Charles 
.1. Strohii. He was born in Prince Edward's Dis- 
trict, Hastings County, Canada West, now the 
province of Ontario, July 3, 1830. His father, 
Daniel 1). Stiohn, was of German or Dutch ances- 
try, while his mother, Martha Noble, was of Scotch 
parentage. Charles J. Slrolin spent the first six- 
teen j'ears of his life in Canada, but at that early 
age resolved to try his fortune in the terri- 
tory of Wisconsin. Arriving in Milwaukee, he 
there took the stage and started westward with 
the view of finding work and a location. He rode 
in the stage as far as Summit Corners, at which 
place was a frontier tavern kept l)y a well known 
pioneer, Cliauncey Annis. P)Ut oursuljjcct had no 
money with which to pay hotel bills, his entire 
financial resources being fifty cents in cash, so he 
started northward on foot looking for work. The 
first house to which he came was a log cabin, 
near the present place of George P. Gilford, on 
Lake Oconomowoc. Here the people were not 
prepared to keep him v\er night on account of the 
extremely limited accommodations of their home. 
He continued his lonely travels, and darkness had 
overtaken him when he came to the next cabin, 
which was liut a short distance north of where he 
now resides. P.ut here he found that the people 
were sick and no opportunity for a tired youth to 
find food and shelter. However, he finally suc- 
ceeded in reaching the residence of a well known 
pioneer, Curtis B. Brown, where he found rest and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



415 



lodging for the night. In this neighborhood Mr. 
Strohii succeeded in getting work and soon after 
bouglit a claim for whicii he paid the greater part 
of his worldly possessions, consisting of a shotgun, 
an overcoat and a pair of boots. Hy being very 
industrious he earned and saved enough money to 
deed the land wlien it came into market. He how- 
ever sold this land and l)ougiit a claim of Welling- 
ton Noble on section 22, in Ucononiowoc Town- 
ship, which lie improved. He owned and occupied 
that place fur at)uut eight years, then disposed of 
it and bought on section 2(1, where he lived for 
seven yeai-s. In 1.S65 Mr. Strohn purchased a fine 
farm of two iiundred and twenty acres, situated in 
sections 26 and 35, now owned by Henry W. Al- 
bertz. In 1884 he disposed of this property and 
removed to Martin County, Minn., where lie re- 
sided with his family for the period of six years. 
His present farm was purchased in 1893. 

June 16, 1854, a half-century ago, Mr. Strohn 
was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ray, daugh- 
ter of James and Barbara Ra^', of the town of 
Merton. Mrs. Strohn was a native of Scotland 
and died in February, 1856. On the 14lh of Feb- 
ruary, 1857, the husband was again married. His 
wife being Maria Lasher, daughter of David and 
Elizabeth Lasher. David Lasher ■ was born in 
Dutchess Count}', N. Y., in 1800; he there grew 
to manhood and married Eli/.al)etli A'osburgh. In 
1844 the famil}' emigrated from the state of New 
York to the territory of Wisconsin and settled on 
section 25, in the town of Oconomovvoc, Waukesha 
County, where the parents lived till death. The 
father passed away in 1862 and the mother nine 
years later. The family of .Mr. and Mrs. Lasher 
consisted of five children, three of wliom aie liv- 
ing. Lawrence, the eldest, died at the old home 
iu the town of Oconomowoc, at the age of about 
thirty-three years; Philo, the second of tiie family, 
resides in Missouri; Mrs. Strohn is the next in or- 
der of birth; Simon, the youngest, lives in Den- 
ver, Colo.; David, the older brother, died in early 
life, in 1846. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Strohn are David 
D., born July 9, 1858; Jennie E., born July 29, 
1860; Mary E., born June 29, 1863, who died 
March 18, 1869; William N., born October 28, 



1865, who died February 19, 1874, and George, 
born June 18, 1872, who completes the family. 

It IS more than fifty years since our subject, as 
a boy, came to the territory of Wisconsin. Wau- 
kesha County was then, for the most part, in a state 
of nature. The Indian hunters were still numer- 
ous within its borders and wild game was abun- 
dant. He has been identified with the changes and 
progress that a half-century has made, lie and 
his worthy wife, who like himself is a pioneer of 
the county, have a |)leasant home but little re- 
moved from the north shore of Oconomowoc Lake. 
They have ever borne the respect and esteem of all 
who know them. 

Mr. and Mis. Strohn attend the Congregational 
Cliurch in tiie cit}' of Oconomowoc, and politically 
he is a sound Republican, having cast his maiden 
vote for Zachary T.aylor, tiie old Whig candidate. 

WILLIAM WATSON PERRY, travel- 
ling salesman for Dewey & Davis, 
wholesale grocers of Milwaukee, is a 
gentleman well known to the jjcople of Wauke- 
sha Count}', where he has spent the most of his 
life. He was born in Milwaukee July 28, 1853, 
being a son of James and Ellen (Smith) Perry. 
His. father was born in Manchester, England, No- 
vember 28, 1804, and his mother in Westmore- 
land, of the same country, April 22, 1813. Their 
marriage was celebrated in Milwaukee, whither 
they had come at an early day. In tliat city 
James Perry was engaged in the lumber business 
as a [lartner of B. Bagnell, the style of the firm 
being B. Bagnell & Co. Lnder the strain of busi- 
ness Mr. Perry's health gave way, and with the 
hope of prolonging his life he located on a farm in 
Pvagle Township in 1855. This expedient proved 
successful for ^>nly a short time, as his career was 
terminated on the 30th of November, 186L lie 
had been very much indisposed for some time, 
but his friends took it upon themselves to carry 
him to the polls to vote for the lamented Lin- 
coln. This was his last political act, and from 
the exposure thus incurred the close of his life 



416 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



Was hastened. Mr. Perr3' was a man of sterling 
qualities and was a firm believer in the teachings 
of the Episcopal Church, to wliich his wife also 
adhered. Mr. and Mrs. Perry had each been pre- 
viously married in England. His first wife, Mar- 
tha Blundell, died in the Old Country, leaving 
two children, James, a prominent business man 
and Postmaster of Postville, Iowa, and Martha, 
who married George W. Stafford of the same 
place. Mrs. Perr3^ was formerly niari-ied to 
Charles II. Watson, with whom she had emigrated 
to Milwaukee, where his death occurred. Of this 
marriage there were born four children: Mary Wat- 
son, a resident of North Prairie, Wis.; Joseph J., a 
farmer of Labette County, Kan.; Elizabeth, wife 
of H. C. Collins, of Louisiana; and Charles II., 
First Assistant Secretary of the Northwestern 
Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee. 
Mrs. Perry died on Ihe I'Jtli of January, 188G, at 
North Prairie, Wis. By her second marriage she 
had one child, the gentleman whose name heads 
this article. 

William Watson Perry was but two years of 
age when his parents located near Eagle. His 
early life was passed on the farm and in tlie dis- 
trict schools of Eagle. Subsequently he spent 
three years in the State Agricultural College of 
Columbus, Ohio. Returning to Wisconsin he was 
employed about three years as a mechanical en- 
gineer at Bay View, Wis. His next venture was 
to engage in general merchandising at Postville, 
Iowa. In the year 1880 he began traveling for 
the house with which he has been connected con- 
tinuously since. The territory over which he has 
traveled during these years is about a hundred 
and fifty miles square, to work which requires him 
to travel j'early about seventeen thousand miles. 
Mr. Perry was married to Miss Marjorie Hood, 
who died in less than a jear after the wedding 
day. He was again married August 9, 187H, to 
Miss Emma G., daughter of Darius AV. La Barre. 
Of this union were born five children, as follows: 
Jessie E., Ralph E., Fay M., Helen M. and Ruth. 

In religious faith Mr. Perry was a Congrega- 
tionalist. He is an honored and distinguished 
member of the Masonic fraternity, having been 
made a Mason July 24, 187G, in Lake Lodge No. 



189, of Milwaukee. He now belongs to Robert 
Morris Lodge No. 115, of Eagle; White Water 
Chapter No. GO; Waukesha Commandery No. 23; 
Wisconsin Consistory, of Jlilwaukee, and Tripoli 
Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of Milwaukee. He 
has served as Senior Grand Warden of Wisconsin, 
and on the 14th of June, 1894, was elected 
Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the 
State. He is also Worthy Grand Patron of the 
Eastern Star. Politicall\' Mr. Perr^' is a reliable 
Republican, though lie has not served his party 
for the " loaves and fishes," as he has never ac- 
cepted any official position save the one he now 
holds, that of Justice of the Peace. He is a man 
of fine business qualifications, and of inherent 
social characteristics. Wherever he goes he makes 
friends, and it would be difficult to find a man 
with fewer enemies. 



~oS- 



eHRISTIAN R. LICHTIE, a prominent and 
representative farmer of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, now living on section 17, Mcnomonee 
Township, is a native of Rhine, Bavaria, Germany, 
and his parents, Tobias and Charlotte (Wieser) 
Lichtie, were also Bavarians. He was born Octo- 
ber 8, 1845, and is eighth in the family of nine 
children, six daughters and three sons, of whom 
six are yet living, namely: Frank, who for many 
years has been engaged in the bakery business in 
West Bend, Wis.; Elizabeth, wife of Louis Haertel, 
a tinner of Brooklyn, N. Y.; John, a baker, who 
resides on the old homestead in the Fatherland ; 
Barbara, wife of Philip Frank, of Bavaria; Chris- 
tian, of this sketch; and Charlotte, wife of Peter 
Smith, of New York City. The father of this 
family was born October 3, 1805, and learned the 
trade of a miller. Afterwards he served an aii- 
prenticeship to the baker's trade and estal)li8lied 
himself in that line of business in Rhenish Bavaria, 
where he died in the year 1848. His wife, who 
was born Januar3- 3, 1807, died January 3, 1885. 
Under his father's direction Christian Lichtie 
learned the baker's trade. In ISfU! he determined 
to seek a home in America, and sailing from Liv- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



417 



erpool reached New York after a voyage of seven- 
teen daj'S. lie worked in that citj' one year, and 
then spent two years working at the baker's trade 
in Boston. In tlie spring of 1869, by way of the 
Air Line Road, he came to Wisconsin, reaciiing 
Milwaukee on the 23d of March. He continued 
iiis journey to Gerniantown, Washington Count}', 
where he spent a few weeks and tiien came to 
Menomonee Township, where he secured work as 
a farm hand on section H, with John Eble, witii 
wlioni he remained two years. He was thus em- 
ployed for seven years. 

On the expiration of tliat period Mr. Lichtie 
was united in marriage witli Miss Elizabeth L. 
Keebler, the wedding being celebrated February 
10, 187(!. The lady was born January 10, 1846, 
and with her parents, Charles and Julia Ann 
(Lip])encott) Keebler, came to Wisconsin in 1855, 
locating in Menomonee Township. She is tlie 
eldest in a family of two sons and two daughters, 
but her brothers are now deceased. Ilei- sister, 
Mary, is the wife of Adolph Slaefer, who is en- 
gaged in merchandising in Milwaukee. The 
father of this family was born in Wurtemberg, 
Germany, A|)ril 2, 1812, and died December 22, 
1893, his remains being interred in Sunnyside 
Cemetery. I lis wife was born in Shrewsbury 
County, N. J., January 20, 1811, and their mar- 
riage was celebrated in Philadeli)hia. 

Mr. Liuhtie has resided upon his fine farm since 
1876. He has one hundred and nineteen acres 
of valuable land, under a high state of cultiva- 
tion and well improved with all the accessories 
and conveniences of a niodel farm. lie is re- 
garded as one of the leading agriculturists of the 
communit}-. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lichtie 
has been blessed with two sons. William, born 
January 14, 1879, is now attending school in 
Menomonee Falls, and is a bright and promising 
youth. Hloomlield John, born .Vugnst 16, 1881, 
is attending the district school. The children 
are a credit to their parents and no doubt will 
become useful and honored citizens. 

Mr. Lichtie has never been an office seeker, pre- 
ferring to <levote his attention to agricultural 
pursuits. He has served on the School Hoard as 
Treasurer for three yeai-s, and the cause of educa- 



tion finds in him a friend, as do all worthy enter- 
prises calculated to prove of pul)lic benefit. He 
votes with the Republican party and he and his 
wife are iiionibers of the Methodist Church. 



Z' x> - 



T7> DWIN W. BARNARD, of the town of 
I Cy Summit, is a son of Edwin W. liarnard, 
Sr., who was born in Hartford, Conn., 
December 18, 1805, and belonged to an early Con- 
necticut family. His father was Cj'pnan Harnard. 
The family is of English origin and for many 
generations followed the sea. 

Edwin AV. Barnard. Sr., w.is one of a family of 
nine children, seven sons and two daughters, and 
he was the only one of the brothers who did not 
go to sea more or less in theii- life time. It is not 
known that an}' of the generation of Mr. Barnard, 
Sr., is now living. At the age of twelve years he 
left home and went to the city of New York, 
and engaged in any work which he could find to 
do. Going thence to Rochester, N. Y., he engaged 
in merchandising. While living in the latter city 
he returned to Hartford and married Henrietta 
Riple}'. From Rochester he and his wife removed 
to Alban}', residing there and in New York City 
for some years. His business was that of forward- 
ing and commission merchant, and he owned valu- 
able interests in boats on the lakes and on Erie 
Canal. In the pursuit of that business he became 
wealthy, but through the elements of wind and 
water, his boats were destroyed, and the business 
reverses resulting therefrom induced him to come 
west. 

In the spring of 1844, he came to Wisconsin, 
landing in Milwaukee, the family proceeding by 
stage to Summit Corners. Mr. Barnard located 
at Waterville, in the town of Summit, where he 
engaged in mercantile business, which he contin- 
ued for twelve years, or till his death, April 1, 
1857. His good wife died at the same place on 
the 20th of December, 1890. She was born in 
Hartford, Conn., September 11, 1803, and in di- 
rect line of descent from William Ripley, who emi- 
grated from Hinghain, Ncjrfolkshire, England, in 



418 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1638, and settled in Ilinjjliani. Mass. His second 
wife, whom lie married in Massachusetts, was a 
daugliter of (lov. William Bradford, who came 
from England in the "Mayllower" in 1G2(I, and 
from her was descended Mrs. Barnard. 

Edwin W. Barnard, Sr., was a well known and 
respected citizen. He was .>omo what <li,i,ni Hied in 
appearance, but yet congenial and highly esteemed 
by all. He and his wife were the parents of two 
children, a son and a daughter, Edwin \V., Jr., 
and Henrietta K. The latter, who was born April 
24, 1834, was the older. She became the wife of 
E. G. Franks, and died February 12, 186i), in Chi- 
cago, which was then her home. 

Edwin \V. Barnard, Jr., whose name appears at 
the head of this record, is a native of Hartford, 
Conn, born October 29, 1838, being in his seventh 
vear when he came with his parents to Waukesha 
County. Although so young he well remembers 
the appearance of the country a half-century .igo. 
He grew to manhood at Walerville, where he at- 
tended the early schools, and later was for three 
years a student of Carroll College at Waukesha. 
The most of his life has been devoted to agricul- 
tural pursuits. 

Mr. Barnard was married December 31, 1862, 
to Miss Emma J. McDonald, daughter of John 
Douglas and Sophia (Brown) McDonald. Mrs. 
Barnard was born at the homestead of her parents 
in Summit Township, December 2, 1844, and has 
passed all her life thus far in her native town. Mr. 
and Mrs. liarnard have a <luugliter, Henrietta, who 
became the wife of Elliott G. Atkins, of Milwau- 
kee. Mrs. Atkins was born June 3, 1868. Mr. and 
Mrs. Barnard's eldest child was Edwin W., who was 
born in 1863, and died in early childhood. Their 
second, Emma May, born October 21, 1866, married 
Store}' Benjamin Smith on the 5th of June, 1889. 
Her death occurred at her home in Clinton, Iowa, 
January 23, 1892. She left a husliand and daugh- 
ter; the latter, Henrietta Barnard Smith, was born 
on the 19tli of August, 1890. 

Mr. and Mrs. Barnard have a pleasant home; 
their beautiful place, now called "The Cedars," 
was formerl}' known as "Ilick{jry (Jrove." It is 
a matter of interest to state that this place was 
originally owned by Gardner Brown, the grand- 



father of Mrs. Barnard. Later the property was 
owned by "Grandpa Spencer," one of the widely 
known and lionored pioneers. The present occu- 
pants have resided there since 1867. As has been 
seen, both Mr. and Mrs. Barnard belong to early 
pioneer families. They are numbered among the 
sterling citizens of their town and county. 






w 



ALTER SEYMOUR CHANDLER was 
born at Balavia. Genesee County, N. Y., 
on the 18th of January, 1836, and with 
his parents came to Wisconsin in 1848, arriving 
at Milwaukee on the 29tli of August. His father 
was Judge Daniel 11. Chandler, deceased, a prom- 
inent lawyer of Batavia, who was born October 
20, 179.'), in Washington County, N. Y., and in 
1818 came to Batavia. being then a young man 
just entering upon the labors and duties of his 
profession. He early exhibited those traits of 
character which brought him into notice as a law- 
yer, and in his maturer years made him one of the 
most eminent members of the 15ar, not only in 
that county, but in the state. He possessed a 
mind of great power and compass as an advocate 
and special plc-ider, and in fact in any professional 
business recjuiring the exercise of great intellect- 
ual powers he had no equal in the county and few 
in the state. During his residence in Batavia he 
filled with credit various public stations in Gene- 
see County; among them the offices of District 
Attorney, Master in Chancery, and Judge of the 
CoiuL of Common Pleas, and was regarded as one 
of the most learned, painstaking and capable law- 
yers in western New York. 

In the political and social circles of old Gene- 
see Judge Chandler long occupied a foremost post, 
his unfailing kindness and good humor winning 
and retaining for him hosts of personal friends. 
Few men were more free from petty jealousies and 
animosities, and few leave behind them a larger 
number of aciiuainlances who treasure and honor 
their memory. After his removal to Wisconsin 
he was appointed Supreme Court Keporter, and 
published four volumes of Chandler's Reports. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



419 



He was actively engaged in his profession for sev- 
eral years, but failing liealth finally resulted in his 
deatli, which occurred in 1804. 

The mother of W. .S. Chandler bore the maiden 
name of Mary Stark, being a lineal descendant of 
Maj.-(ien. .John Stark of Uevolutionary fame. Mr. 
Cliandler whose name heads lliis article had two 
brothers, Maj. Robert Chandler (deceased) of the 
United Slates Army, and Hear Admiral Ralph 
Chandler, of tlie United Slates Navy, who died at 
Hong Kong, Cliina, February 11, 1889, while in 
command of the Asiatic Station. Mr. Chandler 
was married May 16, 1859, to Aliss Sarah Olivia 
Kneeland, daughter of Hon. Moses Kneeland (de- 
ceased), of Milwaukee, and has two children liv- 
ing: Dr. Ralph Chandler, of Milwaukee, Wis., and 
Burr Kneeland Chandler; two daughters died in 
infancy. 

Mrs. Chandler's father was an early pioneer of 
Milwaukee, coming there in 1842, when the pop- 
ulation was onl}' twenty-seven hundred. From 
the time of his advent there he was identified 
■with all public enteri)rises of importance, and 
worthily held oHices of honor and trust during 
nearly all the period of his residence there. He 
was one of the Trustees under the old village 
charter, was Alderman from the Fourth Ward at 
the Hi-st organization of the city government, and 
was successfully elected to that ollice for a series 
of years. He also served on the Board of .Super- 
visors and on the Board of Councilors, of which 
bodj' he w.as a member, representing the .Seventh 
W.ird at the time of his death. In all these olli- 
ces he proved himself an industrious and faith- 
ful representative of the interests of the people. 
Through his enterprise and business sagacity he 
had accumulated a handsome fortune, and when- 
ever any work of public importance was to be 
done he was ever foremost with his means, as well 
as his energies, to aid in its accomplishment. He 
was a heavy stockholder and a Director in the 
Fond du Lac ik Green Bay Railroad Company, and 
when the consolidation of that road with the La 
Crosse Railroad look place, in 1854, he became 
Vice-President of the new organization, which po- 
sition he held until 1857, when he resigned. Af- 
ter the road passed from the control of the old 



company and a new one had been formed under 
the name of the Milwaukee & Minnesota Railroad 
Company, he waselocled President, which position 
he held until removed by death in 18G4. 

Mr. Chandler has a beautiful home in Wauke- 
sha, a fine residence and library, the surroundings 
of which remind one of those old residential do- 
mains that the English people take so much pride 
in keeping up. For many years Mr. Chandler 
was eng.aged in the lumber business, and was 
School Commissioner from the Fourth Ward in 
Milwaukee for several years. He has the distinc- 
tion of having been one of the first students that 
attended Wisconsin State University when it was 
opened in 1851. In 1877 he moved to Wauke- 
sha, where he has since resided. He is a Demo- 
crat in politics, and is a member of the Old Settlers' 
Club of Milwaukee. 



-^1 



\m 



H 



i^^^ 



DOUGLAS G. MUNGER has been engaged 
in the photograph business in Ocononio- 
woc for thirty years, or since 1864. He 
was born in Oswego County, N. Y., October 8, 
1839, his parents being Horace and Rebecca 
(Tracy) Munger, also natives of the Empire State. 
His father w.is a soldier in the War of 1812. In a 
battle that occurred near Ft. George in Canada, 
between a large party of Indians, who were the 
allies of the British, and a small number of Amer- 
ican soldiers, Mr. Munger was taken prisoner. For 
a time he w.as confined on a vessel in Halifax with 
other prisoners, and was thence taken to Montreal, 
where he was kept in jail for a period of four 
months when he was exchanged. 

In 1847 llor.ice Munger emigrated with his fam- 
ily to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in Jefferson 
County, where be and his wife spent the remain- 
der of their lives. Their family comprised five 
sons and two daughters, all of whom are still liv- 
ing with the exception of one son and one daugh- 
ters. Two of the brothers, Cyrenius and Warren, 
served in the Twentieth Regiment of Wisconsin 
Volunteers in the late Civil War. The former has 
been decesised a number of years. Warren, the 



420 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



latter, is now a resident of Walerviile, Minn. 
Aiiotlier of tlie brotiiers, Klon fl., is a citizen of 
Oconomowoe. Tlie remaining brother, Henry, is 
residing in San Fernando, C'al. The sisters are 
Cornelia, wife of liicliard Martin, of Minneapolis, 
and Melora A., who died when young. 

The subject of this record grew up on his fa- 
tlier's farm in Jefferson County', and began the 
business of photograph}- in 1863. He possesses a 
tliorotigli knowlerlge of the art of photographing, 
and aims to keep in touch witli the latest discov- 
eries and advanced methods. 

Mr. Munger was marricil in Oconomowoe to Mrs. 
Mary E. Brooksby, daughter of Keuben Tanner 
and a native of Columbia Count}', N. Y. Mr. and 
Mrs. Munger have three children, namely: Mabel, 
who was born of a former marriage, is the wife of 
H. H. Hunter, of Detroit, Mich. The other two 
are L.ydia and Van C. 

Mr. Munger is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows and a charter member of 
the Oconomowoe Yacht Club. By his fellow- 
townsmen he has been called upon to serve as Al- 
derman of his cit}-, and twice as a member of the 
County Board. 

As a pastime and to gratify a taste for the curi- 
ous, Mr. Munger began many years ago the col- 
lecting of Indian relics, and now has perhaps the 
most interesting private collection to be found in 
the state. And what adds greater interest is the 
fact that nearly the entire collection has been ob- 
tained in the vicinity of Oconomowoe. However, 
it is not confined to Indian relics but includes a 
great variety of shells and other curiosities, 
mostly obtained from the same region, but a few 
are of foreign origin. The collection, as a whole, 
is a rare and valuable one. 



_^) 



"S) 



^-^l 



YLVESTEU SILVERN ALE is a pioneer of 
Waukesha County, where he settled in 1846. 
During his long residence here he has be- 
come well accpiainted, especially with the older set- 
tlers, by whom liis word would be accepted as read- 
ily as his bond. The i)lacc of his birth is Copake, 
Columbia County, N. Y., and the date August 30, 



1819. His parents, Peter C. and Catherine (Niver) 
Silvcrnale, were of German descent and were also 
natives of Columbia County, where the former car- 
ried on farming. In 1846 this pioneer couple emi- 
grated to Waukesha County and bought a farm in 
the town of Mukwonago. By industry and economy 
they accumulated a competence, and were thus en- 
abled to S|)end their declining 3'ears in ease and 
comfort. Mr. Silvernale lived to be eighty-nine 
years of age, and his wife about seventy. Of their 
children the following are living: Peter, an ex- 
tensive farmer of Minnesota; Walter, a resident of 
Missouri; Sylvester, of this sketch; Mrs. Maria 
Clark, of Saylesville, this county; Mrs. Margaret 
Reynolds, of Mukwonago, and Mrs. Betsey Avery, 
of Columbia County, N. Y. 

Sylvester Silvernale grew to manhood in his na- 
tive county, receiving a very limited education, 
as it was then thought of more importance to teach 
a bo}' how to work than it was to fill his mind with 
useful knowledge. LTntil twent3'-one years of age 
he served his father like a dutiful son. Soon after, 
on the 9th of Se[)tember, 1841, he was joined in 
wedlock with Miss Catherine Plainer, who was 
born also in Columbia County, March 15, 1819, 
being a daughter of Jacob and Helen (Decker) 
Plainer, both of wliom were of German descent and 
natives of that county. Mr. Plainer died there at 
the age of eighty, and his wife spent her last days 
in Oconomowoe, where she, too, reached the ad- 
vanced age of eighty years. She was the mother 
of five children, of whom two are living, James 
Plainer and Mrs. Sarah D. Niver, of Waukesha. 

Few men have passed through more hardships 
than the gentleman whose name heads this record. 
In 1844 he worked for the munificent salary of 
thirty-one cents per day. AVhcn he came to this 
county in 1846, he found money very scarce and 
hard to obtain. His first purchase of land was 
eighty acres in the town of Mukwonago, for which 
he was to pay 1 1,000 but lacked $300 of having 
enough to pay for it. According to agreement he 
was to pay 8100 per year and interest until the 
debt was discharged. The first year he lacked ^6 
of making enough to pay the interest alone, but of 
his father he borrowed sutlicient to discharge that 
year's obligation and with renewed determination 









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A. H. CLAFLIN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



423 



and energy began the second year's work. From 
that time on he not only met his indebtedness, but 
added to Ills farm until he owned one hundred and 
thirty-live acres. On tliis he erected good farm 
buildings of every description, making it one of 
the best farms to be found in the county. In 1869 
Mr. Silvernale came to Waukesha and has since 
lived a retired life. He has always been an ad- 
mirer of a good horse, and has an aversion to be- 
ing "dusted" by anybody on the road. Some of 
the animals he has owned have been good movers 
and have sold for gilt-edged i)rices. 

In early life Mr. Silvernale was a stanch Demo- 
crat, but since the Kansas-Nebraska trouble he has 
been an adherent to the principles of the Republi- 
can party. On the 17th of May, 1891, Mrs. Silver- 
nale passed from among tlie living. She was a 
member of tlie Congregational Church, and was a 
lady whose many good qiialities won for her a 
large circle of friends. 



-_j+++<.; 



~++++« 



iT^ II. CLAFLIN, a well known citizen of 
/ — \ Muskego Township, was born in Orleans 
County, Vt., on the 9th of June, 184C, 
He was the adopted son of Hiram and Sarah (Peck) 
Clatlin. When but three months old he was left 
motherless, and was thereupon t.-iken to the home 
of Mr. and Mrs. Clatlin, under whose care and pro- 
tection he grew to manhood, taking the name of 
his foster-parents. His father, William Wood, who 
was a native of the (ireen Mountain State, died 
in Oshkosh, Wis., in 1881, aged ninetv-four years. 
His foster-mother, who was born in Starksborough, 
Vt., was a daughter of Winthrop Durgin, a native 
of Connecticut. The subject of this sketch was 
brought to this county in infancy by his parents, 
who located in Vernon Township, where his 
mother died. During the years he remained with 
Mr. and Mrs. Clatlin, he learned to love and revere 
them almost as if they had been his own parents. 
Hiram Clatlin was born December 9, 1820, in 
West Bloomfield, Ontario County, N. Y., while 
his wife's birth occurred .Ianuar3' '•*) 1819. The 
former is the third in a family of seven children, 



though only two survive, the other being Mrs. 
Hannah Jennings, of Honeoye,N. Y. Mrs. Illram 
Clatlin 's father, Romania Peck, was born in Con- 
necticut, .luly 19, 1792, and her mother, Polly 
Durgin, was a native of the same stjite, born March 
8, 1793. Mrs. Clatlin is one of ton children, of 
whom half have passed away. The living are lla- 
zen, who is a retired farmer of Elkhorn, Wis.; Mrs. 
Lucy Ann Munn. who lives in Hamilton County. 
Neb.; Henry M., who is a retired farmer of Lay- 
ton Park, Milwaukee; Oscar, who is a farmer near 
Peshtigo, Wis.; and (ieorge I)., who is a farmer at 
the same i)lace. Mrs. Clatlin died on the 28th of 
April, 1879, and her good husband joined lier in 
the spirit world on the 21th of June, \SHC>. 

Mr. and Mrs. Clatlin came to Wisconsin in 
1842, while it was yet a wilderness and located, in 
Muskego Township, eighty acres of Oovernnient 
land where they erected a log house, 14x20 feet 
in size, and began life in keeping with the cus- 
toms of pioneer days. The roof was made of slabs 
and the door hung on wooden hinges, while a 
stove-pipe, extending through the roof, served in- 
stead of a chimney. This cabin was erected in the 
spring of 1843, the previous winter having been 
spent at the home of Ruf us Peck, a brother of Mrs. 
Hirau) Clatlin, who became a settler of the county 
in 1836. In 1853 a severe storm unroofed the 
cabin, sending the timbers fl3'ing in every direc- 
tion, while a drenching rain poured down on the 
inmates. Tiie old log rafters were again utilized, 
but the slab roof gave way to one made of cla|)- 
boards. Mr. Clatlin brought some goods with him 
from the east which he traded for a yoke of oxen. 
He also brought along a pork barrel which isstill in 
use, and is in the possession of our subject. About 
1846 he erected a large barn, whose dimensions 
were 30x40 feet, and whose timbers were hewed 
from massive oak trees. This was one of the finest 
barns in the community at that day. From time 
to time Mr. Clatlin added to his possessions until 
he became one of the substantial farmers of his 
town. Improvement after improvement was made; 
in 1880 he erected a fine sheep barn, 30x60 feet in 
size. His faithful wife <lid her part in providin"' 
for the home. All winter long the hum of her 
busy wheel was heard in preparing yarn which 



424 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



was manufactured with her own hands. That same 
wlieel is owned and iiighly prized by A. II. ClaHin. 

Tlie gentleman whose name appears at the head 
of tliis record liad good opportunities for an edu- 
cation, having attended the district schools of his 
township, and liaving spent the winter of 18Gfi 
and 1867 in Carroll College. On the 20tli of Oc- 
tober, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Kli7,abelli,dauohterof William and Barbara (Clark) 
Kingston. The bride was born in Hurville, Alle- 
gany County, N. Y., .September 18, 1849. Of this 
union were born two children: Ilawley W., Sep- 
tember 15, 1870; and Nora, June 11, 1875; the 
latter died August 10, 1882. Ilawley W. is a 
finely educated young man. After attending the 
common schools, he spent a ycai at Rocliester .Semi- 
nary, three years at McAllister College of .St. Paul, 
Minn., two years in the Dramatical Department of 
Chicago Musical College, and after completing 
his education, adopted the calling of his father, 
farming and stock-raising. Mr. Claflin owns one 
hundred and twenty acres of the homestead of 
Hiram Clallin, to which he has added a twent3'- 
acre tr.act. He is a progressive and enterprising 
farmer, and is well posted on all questions pertain- 
ing to his business. His present residence w.as 
erected in 1850, the work being done by an Eng- 
lishman by the name of Charles Languid, whom 
many will remember. 

In political matters Mr. ClaHin confines himself 
to no particular partj', but votes for the man he 
deems most capable of filling the position, lie 
has many times been called upon to discharge the 
duties of ollicial positions, and has ever been found 
able and capable to meet all demands. As Justice 
of the Peace he served tliiee years; was the unan- 
imous choice of both parties for Chairman of the 
Town Board in 188.'i, which office he held contin- 
uously for three terms. Again in the spring of 
189.3 he was selected to fill the same position, and 
is the present incumbent. In 1890 he served as 
Town Clerk, and h.as also been one of the Com- 
missioners on the drainage work of Muskego Lake. 
A loyal friend of the public school .system, Mr. 
ClaHin is interested in all that promises to add to 
its efficiency. He is President of the Muskego 
Creamery Company, which erected a building in 



the winter of 1892. On the 4th of November fol- 
lowing it was destroyed by fire, and in 1893 was 
replaced by a more modern structure, which has 
been leased for ten years by theMcKennait Eraser 
Cheese and Butter Company. 

Mr. Claflin is a member of the M.asonic frater- 
nity, belonging to Lodge No. 37, of Waukesha; 
and of Bismarck Lodge No. 193, I. O. O. F. In 
religious faith he and his family are members of 
the Eree-Will Baptist Church of Prospect Hill. 



-^^^1 



',H, 



PETER KIEEER, of the firm of Kiefer & 
Flanagan, proprietors of the Menoraonee 
Stone Quarry of Lannon, Wis., has the 
honor of being a native of Waukesha County, his 
birth having occurred in Menomonee Townsliip, 
February 15, 1856. His i)arents. Nicholas and Mar- 
garet (Baer) Kiefer, emigrated to Wisconsin in 
1852, sailing from Antwerp, Germany, to New 
York, where they arrived after a voyage of thirty- 
one days. They were born in Shoden, in the 
province of Prussia, the former born March 22, 
1807, and the latter September 8, 1813. She was 
a daughter of John and Anna (Baer) Fink. They 
were married in the Fatherland and had thirteen 
children, five of whom yet survive. Nicholas, the 
eldest, is a farmer and stock-raiser of Calumet 
County, Wis. Michael resides in Stockbridge, 
Wis. Mary makes her home with Nicholas. Cath- 
erine is the wife of Nicholas Kiefer, a quarryman 
and farmer of Menomonee Townshif). Peter com- 
pletes the family. 

Upon his arrival in Menomonee Township, the 
father purchased forty acres of unimproved land 
on section 21, and in the fall of 1852 built there a 
log cabin 16x22 feet in size, with a three foot oak 
shingle roof, a bass wood floor and two windows. 
From bass wood they made rough four legged 
stools, which were their only substitute for chairs 
for several years, but as his financial resources in- 
creased, Mr. Kiefer provided a more comfortable 
and modern home for his family. He died April 
7, 1894, at the age of eighty-seven years and fif- 
teen days, and was buried in St. Anthony's church- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHTCAL RECORD. 



425 



yard, where a monument marks his last resting 
place. He was highly esteemed by all, and his 
progressive spirit made him an iinpfirtanl factor 
in the develoiiment of tlie county. His wife was 
a woman of rare ability' and judgment, who liore 
uncomplainingly the hardships of pioneer life and 
carefully reared her family. She was called away 
November 4, 1884, and her loss was deeply mourned 
by many friends. 

Upon the old homestead farm Peter Kiefer 
spent his boyhood anil youth and was educated in 
the parochial .schof)ls of Meiiomonee Township. 
When twenty-two jcars of age he received from 
his father forty acres of land, and in 1884 be- 
gan quarrying stone thereon. I'pon his place is 
some of the best stone of the county and there 
he has a line plant for iiuarryiiig and is doing a 
good business. He is po.-<sessed of energy and en- 
terprise and his success is well merited. 

On the •28th of .lanuary, 1878, .Mr. Kiefer wedded 
Miss Mary Boyle, daughter of .lohn and Catherine 
Boyle, and a native of Ireland born April .30, 1861. 
They have four children, Catherine, born Feb- 
ruary 27, 187!l; Frank, born August 1, 188.'!; Mar- 
garet, born August !l, 188!»; and one child that 
died in infancy. 

In his political views, Mr. Kiefer is a Democrat, 
and in religious faith he and his family are Cath- 
olics. Throughout the community he is held in 
the highest regard and his friends are those who 
have long known him and are familiar with the 
honorable, upright life he has led. 



TT^ NOCH SHKRMAN, an early settler of Wau- 
r^ O kesha County, and an honored citizen of 
Fagle Township, was born in Rupert, Ben- 
nington County, \'t., February 24, 1826. His f.i- 
ther, Sterling S. Sherman, was born in the same 
county, August 12, 17'.t4, and his parents emi- 
grated from Connecticut to Vermont, carrying 
their Loushold goods on horseback. The father 
of Sterling .Sherman served as a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War. The latter chose for a help- 
mate Miss .lane Noble, who was a daughter of a 



hero of the Revolution, and was born May 24, 

1790. In the Green Mountain State this worthy 
couple spent their lives, engaged in agricultural 
pursviits. In his political preferences Sterling Slier- 
man was a Whig until the rise of the Republican 
party, and both he and his wife were consistent mem- 
bers of the Haplist Chinch, being highly esteemed 
in the community where they lived. The wife 
died April 22, 1852, and the husband Septcmlier 
27, 1865. They were the parents of ten children, 
seven sons and three daughters, of whom six are 
living, viz.: Samuel, the oldest, resides in Chicago, 
aged seventy-nine years; Henry ()., who makes 
his home in the same city, li.as reached the age of 
seventy-four; Knoch comes next; .Jessie S. lives 
in the town of Salem, Washington County, N. Y., 
being now sixty-six years old; Miss Mary E. Sher- 
man and Maria McNitt are residents of Milwaukee. 

Enoch Sherman is the seventh child in his fa- 
ther's family. While growing to muiihood he 
enjoyed such opportunities for obtaining an educa- 
tion as the old-time district schools afforded. Like 
a dutiful sou, he worked for his parents until he 
reached his majority. Until his emigration to 
Wisconsin he had never been away from home 
two weeks at a time. In the fall of 1847 he bade 
good-bye to his parents and the old home, and 
by team started for Troy, N. Y. There he took 
the cars, such as they were, for Schenectady; thence 
on the Erie Canal to Buffalo, where he boarded a 
vessel and in due time arrived at the village of 
Milwaukee. Coming on to Waukesha Township, 
he made his home with his sister while he im- 
proved a tract of land which his father had pre- 
viously secured. 

Two years after his arrival Mr. Sherman married, 
December 12, 1841), in Waukesha, Miss Lauretta 
Walton, who was born June 20, 1831, in Batavia, 
X. Y. Her parents, Nathaniel and Laura W. (.Junes) 
Walton, were also natives of the Empire State: the 
former born in Brookfield, Madison County, De- 
cember 15. 1805, and the latter in Florida, Mont- 
gomery County, January 12, 1811. The marriage 
of Mr. and Mrs. Walton occurred at Knowlesville, 
Orleans County, N. Y., August 25, 1830, and in 
183C, with their four little children, came to 'Wis- 
consin with a team. The husband claimed one 



426 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



hundred and sixty acres of land, wliich is now 
occupied iu part bj- the Industrial Scliool and 
tlie cemetery at VVaukesii.a. On the way to this 
county the family spent three months in Mil- 
waukee, residing in the upper portion of the 
house of the old Indian trader, Solomon Ju- 
neau. Indian trails were the only roads, and by 
tliem Mr. Walton found his way to Prairieville, 
as Waukesha was then called. Ilis was the first 
team of horses brought to Waukesha County. The 
log house of this hospitable pioneer was well 
known to the travelers in an early day as "the 
Light House." As their house vas too small to 
entertain many, the wayfarers would get their 
meals tlierc and sleep in their wagons or wherever 
they could find a resting-place. A large bake- 
oven was built hear the house, hence an abundant 
supply of good bread was on hand, even if deli- 
cacies were rare. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walton were 
active members of the Baptist Church, in which 
he served as Deacon for a number of years. Po- 
litically, ho first espoused Whig principles, and 
hiter those of the Republican party. His death 
occurred on the 4th of April, 1889, while his wife, 
who still survives, resides in Waukesha. Mr. Wal- 
ton had been previously nuirried and had one 
daughter, Mrs. Louisa S. Todd, of Madi-son, Wis. 
Of the second union there were eight children, 
six of whom are living, as follows: Mrs. Sherman; 
Mary J., who wedded Judge Oscar Adams, of De- 
troit, Mich.; James, who is a farmer of Mulvane, 
Kan.; Mrs. Maria Ileimliaugh,of Providence, Kan.; 
JMiss Martha C, who is a teacher in the Waukesha 
schools; and Nathaniel, also a resident of Wau- 
kesha. 

Until 1856 Mr. Sherman farmed in the town of 
Waukesha, but in that year purchased one hundred 
and sixt}' acres in the town of Kagle, on which he 
has since made his home, and of which he still 
owns one hundred and twenty acres. On that 
farm he has put substantial iin|)roveinents, making 
it one of the desirable places of the township. 
Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sherman. 
Walton Sterling, a prominent merchant of Wau- 
kesha, was born in the town bearing the same 
name, December 21, 185.3, and married, November 
26, 1874, Miss Valerie Trow, by whom he has one 



daughter, Edith R. William Henry, who is asso- 
ciated with the foregoing in business, was born in 
the same town, March 20, 185(), and married, De- 
cember 15, 1881, Miss Leora Babcock; they have 
two children, Raymond W. and Zaida E. James 
Alonzo, the youngest of the family, was born in 
the town of Eagle on the 20th of December, 1864, 
and married, November 26, 1888, Miss Sylvia 
Stead, by whom he has one child, Vinton J. James 
A. has always resided in Eagle Township, where 
he is engaged in farming. 

Mr. Sherman is a stanch Republican in politics 
and cast his first Presidential vote for Zachary 
Taylor. Some twenty-five years ago he was made 
a Master Mason, and has ever since lived in har- 
mony with the teachings of the order. Mrs. Sher- 
man is identified with the Baptist Church. For 
thirty-eight years Mr. and Mrs. Sherman have 
lived at their present home, where their children 
have been reared, and where they expect to spend 
their last days in quietude and rest. By their 
united efforts a competence h.<«s been made, and 
1)V living in .accordance with the teachings of the 
Golden Rule they have won the confidence and 
high regard of their neighbors, with whom they 
have been asociated so many years. 



> 






T7> LIZA HOWARD, widow of George E. How- 
r^ C) ard, one of the earlier pioneers of Wauke- 
sha County, is one of five children born 
unto William and Amelia (Steward) Moody, na- 
tives of "Merrie England.'' The brothers and sis- 
ters of Mrs. Howard were: William, who is de- 
ceased; Elizabeth, who resides in Yorkshire, Eng- 
land; Joseph, also deceased, and Charles E., who 
lives at her home. 

In 1823 Mrs. Howard came with her parents to 
this country, sailing from Liverpool. They were 
sixty days in crossing the Atlantic, and during the 
p.assage experienced storms of such severity' as to 
lead the passengers to think that the American 
shoi-e would never be reached. But the "Toronto," 
a stanch little craft under the management of Cap- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



427 



tain Griswold, weathered the storms, and after a 
most trying voynge landed all in safety at the har- 
bor of New York. Mr. Moody, the father, ran 
one of the largest grist mills in New York, it be- 
ing situated about sixty miles north of the city of 
New York, and owned by David Lydie, a resident 
of that eity. Eight years after their arrival in the 
United States our subject and her brother Charles 
went to Detroit, Jlich., wliere she was married to 
Mr. Howard on the 28th of March, 1832. The 
husband was a journeyman butcher, at which trade 
lie worked for live years after his marriage, then 
with liis wife went to England, where they re- 
mained until November 18, 1838. 

Returning to America Mr. and Mrs. Howard 
spent some eight months in the cit}- of New 
York sight-seeing, then came west by way of Erie 
Canal and the Great Lakes, landing in Chicago, 
which important city at that time was a village 
containing a population of throe hundred. Erom 
Chicago they came to Mukwonago, Wis., and 
bought one hundred and seventy-three acres of 
Government land at ^1.25 per acre. There being 
no house or other improvements on the place, they 
boarded at a Mr. Whitmore's home, and In the 
meantime erected a log house into which they 
moved, and at once began to clear and improve 
the land. Mrs. Howard and her brother Charles, 
who had accompanied them to Wisconsin, did most 
of the grubbing and heavy work, while her hus- 
band, who was not a very robust man, cared for 
the children. She remarked that she never exper- 
ienced hapi)ier times than those during their early 
career on the farm. At the time of their settle- 
ment here Indians were numerous and would often 
come to the homes to beg coffee, bread and pan- 
cakes. They were always friendly, ofttiines eating 
in the homes of the pioneers. Deer were plentiful 
and Mrs. Howard says she has often heard the dis- 
mal howling of wolves at night-fall. 

Later in life Mr. Howard erected a good home 
and substantial outbuildings, besides making many 
other improvements on the farm. Mrs. Howard 
hits been a very hard-working woman all her life; 
she has split rails, grubbed the land, done other 1.1- 
borious work and reared a family, the members of 
which have become useful men and women. This 



worthy couple remained on the homestead farm 
until seven years ago, 1887, when they removed to 
Saylesville, where Mr. Howard died January 3, 1891. 
His most estimable wife survives, being at present 
seven t_v-eight years of .age. Although she li.is en- 
dured so many hardships during her life, Mrs. 
Howard enjoys very good health and is still in 
possession of her mental faculties, being remarka- 
bly bright for one of her years. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Howard eight children were 
born, namel}-: Cliarles is a farmer in the town of 
Mukwonago; Mary Ann is the wife of Hiram 
Churchill, of Eau Claire, Wis.; George William is 
deceased; Caroline became the wife of Samuel 
Smart, of Mukwonago; Benjamin resides on the 
old homestead; Alfred is a farmer of Swift County, 
Minn.; Eiances A. wedded Thomas Martin, of Muk- 
won.ago, and Eliza is now the wife of Hiram Rob- 
in, of Saylesville. Her first husband w.as Christo- 
pher Smith, a son of whom, Benjamin S. Smith, re- 
sides with his grandmother, Mrs. Howard, at her 
home in Saylesville. 






^ .5..5..g.4.r 



JOHN HENRY VOJE, M. D., of Oconomowoc, 
who has become noted as an able and suc- 
cessful physician, and as the proprietor and 
conductor of the sanitarium known as" Wald- 
heim" situated on Oconomowoc Lake, is a native 
of Ilolstein, Germany, born March 12,1853. In 
regard to his family relations it may be proper tO 
state that his father, for whom he was named, never 
became a resident of the United States, but died 
while his son was yet a child. Later the mother 
remarried and with her second husband came to 
America, both of whom now make their home with 
our subject. The latter is one of a family of four, 
comprising three brothers and one sister. The 
eldest of the brothers, William, is a merchant in 
Chicago; Julius is a physician of San Francisco, 
C'al.; and the only sister is also a resident of 
Chicago. 

Di-. Voje enjoyed excellent advantages for edu- 
cation in his youth. In 1872, at the age of 
nineteen, he came to the United States, aud going 



428 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



to Waukesha began the study of medicine with 
Dr. L'lrich as his preceptor. In 1876 he graduated 
from the Ciiic.iiio Medical College, after which he 
located at Kewaskum, Wis., and engaged in the 
practice of his profcs-sion. In 1878 he made a visit 
to Kurope for recreation and study, and there 
visited various clinics and hospitals, and also the 
Paris Kxposition of that year. Returning he lo- 
cated in New Ilolsteiu, Calumet County, AVis., but 
soon after removed to Kredonia, Ozaukee County, 
wliere he remained five years. While there he was 
married to Miss Hannah lllrich, daughter of his 
early instructor. Of this union a daughter and a 
son have been born; Hertha in 1880 and Henry in 
1886. Dr. Voje soon estabiislu'd a large and lu- 
crative practice at Fredonia, but lie had long clier- 
ished tiie hope of establishing a sanitarium for the 
cure of chronic cases and a home for the conva- 
lescent, and now decided to more fully prepare 
himself for carrying into effect his plan. Accord- 
ingly in 1883, accompanied by his wife, he went to 
Kurope the second time and matriculated at the 
university of Munich. He afterward pursued spe- 
cial studies at Vienna, liorliu and Leipzig; at the 
University of the latter place receiving the degree 
of M. 1). He returned to America fully equipped 
for his cherished undertaking and in the same 
year, 1891, located at Waukesha, where he eng.iged 
in practice. He at once began to lay plans for the 
establishment of a sanitarium, and witli that ob- 
ject in view purchased a beautiful site on Ocono- 
mowoc Lake, upon which he at once proceeded to 
erect the necessary buildings. The place was given 
the name of "Waldhcim," and is located on a 
small bay of the beautiful Lake Oconomowoc and 
consists of nearly sixteen acres of almost untouch- 
ed forest. Sunnj- places and shady nooks favor 
the different inclinations and temperaments. 

Being next to the main road and only ten min- 
utes' easy walk from (lifford's Station on the 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, there still rules 
at Waldheim the (luiet and privacy of the forest. 
Nature has been lavish in splendor here. But the 
vicinity is also attractive. Wlio has not heard of 
the beautiful county of Waukesha and llie "Friend- 
ly City of tlie Lakes," Oconomowoc, inviting to 
many extended and interesting excursions.'' The 



perfect harmony of the scenery and its restfulness 
cause a feeling of composure to come over the pa- 
tient which rests and strengthens both mind and 
body. 

The sixteen acres belonging to tlie sanitarium 
form an elevation above the neighborhood; they 
are bordered on the south side by the clear lake 
and on the west and north sides by a rii)pling 
stream. The subsoil consists of clear sand and 
gravel, giving the best [lossible condition forilrain- 
age. The sanitarium is located on a knoll thirty 
feet above the water di recti v on the shore of the 
lake, and is built in the t^ueen Anne style; it has 
bright and friendly rooms, each one commanding 
a diversified and beautiful scenery. The suVjsoil, 
as stated, is ver^' permeable aud dry, but in order 
to give additional security against moisture com- 
ing through the basement walls, they were sup- 
plied with large footings laid in cement, and were 
themselves laid in cement as far as underground. 
All rain-water conductors not entering the cistern 
are connected with the main drain. The building 
is three stories high, a wood structure, baek-plas- 
tered and tar-papered. The drainage system se- 
lected is the most simple, practical and improved. 
Each story has an isolated water-closet, with ap- 
paratuses furnished by the Sanilas Comi)any of 
Boston. In the basement are two bath-rooms, a 
steam bath, a plunge, the necessary appliances for 
sitz bath, electric, and all other kinds of bath, also 
an inhalatorium. The house is furnished with 
steam and hot water heating and gas, and each 
room is ventilated in the most improved manner; 
besides the whole building is most effectually ven- 
tilated by a high tower and two fireplaces. The 
household is under the care of a lady who is per- 
fectly versed in the preparation of the various 
diets. She is assisted by reliable help and nurses. 
A well selected library, a piano, the different 
games, daily papers and good journals entertain 
the patients in-doors during bad weather; an 
abundance of flowers cheer up the rooms, especially 
in winter, but out-of-door life is encouraged. The 
patient can busy himself with walking, rowing, 
fishing, lawn tennis, croquet, swimming, bathing, 
and gymnastics. The large park is being con- 
stantly improved by an experienced gardener; the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPffiCAL RECORD. 



429 



well kept walks wliicli load to beautiful outlooks 
and most romantic, (luiet places, are extended 
yearly. In order to make tiie air still richer in 
ozone over two thousand conifers have been set 
out. The large vegetable garden supplies the table 
of the sanitarium daily with fresh tender vege- 
tables, choice fruits and berries. The dairy is 
under the personal supervision of Dr. Voje; the 
cows are mostly .Jersey and of his own raising. A 
now stable with all modern improvements has just 
been erected; only the healtiiiest cows are kept and 
fed rationally after the most improved plan. Be- 
fore milking they are cleaned with the greatest 
of care, so that no dirt may fall into the milk. 
Healthy cows give milk free of spores or bacilli, 
but these generally get into the milk by careless 
milking. 

As much as possible physical methods of cure 
are carried out, and necessary medicines are given 
in the form of the most approved and renowned 
mineral waters of Europe and this countr\\ Mas- 
sage, hydrotherapj', movement cure, electricity in 
all its forms, etc., are administered by Dr. Voje as 
much as possible. Beautiful, quiet surroundings, 
ample means for exercise and expansion of the 
chest, an atmosphere rich in ozone and free of 
dust, a place sheltered from the west, north and 
east by forests, together with a strict diet and 
wholesome discipline, cannot be underrated in the 
care of chronic cases. Southern invalids are es- 
pecially benefited by a sojourn in this climate. 
The anticipated success of Waldheim has been more 
than realized, and therefore the sanitarium has 
been doubled in size, the new addition being 
lighted by electricity, heated by hot water and 
other improvements have been made. 

• *■•■ — "(0 > 



LOUIS BLE.SSINGER, a prosperous farmer 
^ residing on section IK, in the town of 
New Berlin, is a native of Siegelsbach, 
Baden, Germany, where his birth occurred .\ugust 
18, 1840. He is a son of Joseph and Margreta 
(Deer) Blessinger, and is one of a family of ten 
children, as follows: Catherine, widow of Valentine 
Plumb, resides in Deer Lodge County, Mont.; 



Margreta married Caspar Kaw, a farmer of New 
Iterlin Township; Josei)h is a farmer of Caledonia, 
Racine County; Mary, widow of Fred Eischter, 
lives in Menomonie, Dunn County, Wis.; Michael 
is a farm gardener of the town of Pewaukee; 
Louise became the wife of .losepli Lossel, a hotel 
man of Pioneer, Deer Lodge County, Mont.; Louis 
is the next in order of birth; .Magdalene married 
Peter Coleman, a business man of Hacine, Wis.; 
Hannah married John Zailes, now deceased, a 
cabinet maker of Milwaukee, and Philip, the 3'oung- 
est of this family, was killed during a thunder 
shower in Deer Lodge County, Mont. 

Louis Blessinger attended school until he was 
twelve years old, and at that age accompanied his 
parents to America, sailing from Havre on board 
the "Confederation" for New York, where they ar- 
rived, after a voyage of thirty-six days' duration, 
on Christmas day of 1851. The family remained 
in the state of New York for some fourteen 
montiis, Louis and the father being employed as 
farm hands in Columbia County. Coing to Buf- 
falo, they crossed over into Canada and after a 
time returned to the United States, rccrossing from 
Windsor to Detroit, from which [loint they came 
by rail to Milwaukee. Upon their arrival in the 
latter city, they came at once to Waukesha Coun- 
ty, where the father rented u farm of one hundred 
and twenty acres on section 20, of the town of 
Waukesha. After a residence of two years in this 
tovvnship the family removed to Muskego, where 
the elder Mr. Blessinger i)iirchased one hundred 
acres of unimproved timber land, his son Lobis 
doing general wf)rk among the farmers. 

When the call for troops was sent out from the 
Nation's capital, our subject responded, enlisting 
in Company K, Third ^Visconsin Cavalr}', at Janes- 
ville, Rock County, Wis., on the 23d of October, 
1861. The first active engagement in whicli the 
regiment participated w.as at Pea Hidge, Ark., 
against the confederates commanded by Generals 
Price and Van Dorn, the latter being killed in the 
battle. The siege lasted for nearly two days and 
.seemed to promise defeat for the L^niou forces, but 
victory crowned their efifort-s. From there, the 
Third Regiment was ordered to Cain Hill, .\rk., 
where it had another skirmish with a rebel cavalry 



430 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



company, thence to Van Buren, in the same state, 
where it had some flgliting, afterward making its 
way to Little Rock. I-'rom tliis point the command 
was ordered to Slireveporl, La., experiencing con- 
tinual skirmishes while en route, and upon arriving 
at that city was com[)elled to retreat to Little Rock. 
It was during this engagement that the Nintli 
Wisconsin Regiment acted as rear guard, when 
nearly all the men belonging to it were lost. From 
this jwint Mr. Blessinger's regiment was ordered 
to Duvall's Bluff, down the White River, to lift 
the blockade and open the river for navigation to 
the Mississippi, returning from the Bluff to Little 
Rock and Shreveport, where the second engagement 
was fought. From the latter city the command 
marched on into Texas, returned to Shreveport, 
thence down the Red River to Port Hudson, Miss., 
and up the Mississippi to Memphis, Tenn. There 
the}' took part in an engagement lasting one da}', 
in which Forrest was repulsed, going thence to St. 
Louis, where a stop of three weeks was made. From 
this position the command was ordered to Leaven- 
worth, Kan., that memorable journey being made 
with trans))orls and on horseback, where Mr. Bless- 
inger was mustered out of the service on the 8th 
of September. 18C5. Upon his return from the 
army he purchased the liomestead from his father 
and engaged in .agricultural pursuits. 

On the '28th of April, 1867, Mr. Blessinger was 
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter 
of .Joseph and Margareta (Sickel) Michel. Mrs. 
Blessinger was a native of Columbia County, N. Y., 
her birth occurring in the village of Kinderhook, 
June 19, 1841, being the eldest in a family of 
seven children. Her parents emigrated to Wiscon- 
sin in 184G, locating in the town of New Berlin, 
where they were numbered among the early set- 
tlers. Mr. and Mrs. Blessinger's children were 
named as follows: Katie, born April 4, 1868, be- 
came the wife of Adam Sielz, a farmer of .Icfferson 
County, Wis ; Josephine, born July 25, 1869, died 
October 10, 1869; Elizabeth, born August 28, 
1872, is at home; Louis, born April 15, 1874, died 
September 24, 1874; Amanda, born July 3, 1876, is 
at home; IMary, born June 10, 1880, died March 
20, 1881; George A., born November 9, 1882, and 
Lena L., October 26, 1887, are also at home. All 



have been given a good education. The mother of 

this family was called to the spirit world Novem- 
ber 9, 1887. She w.as a devout Catholic and be- 
loved for her many excellencies of character. 

Mr. Blessinger and his family are members of 
St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Waukesha, in the 
construction of which he contributed liberally. He 
also gave of his means to build the first Catholic 
Church erected in New Berlin. In the latter 
churchyard his mother, whose death occurred in 
1883, lies, while his father, who passed away in his 
seventy-ninth year, died and was buried at Racine 
in 1879. 

Our subject sold his farm in Muskego and 
bought the Tillson farm of one hundred acres on 
section 25, but nine years later disi)osed of that 
and purchased his present home of one hundred 
and sixty-five acres, of which one hundred and 
twenty-five are on section 19, and the remainder 
on section 30, of the town of New Berlin. This 
property' is under a high state of cultivation, and 
in 1890, a modern residence was erected. He is a 
self-made man; by hard work and close attention 
to his business he has become well-to-do. Politi- 
cally, j\lr. Blessinger has given allegiance to the 
Democratic party in National affairs, but in local 
politics reserves the right to vote for the man 
rather than the [)arty. 




WILLIAM G. MANN, a leading photog- 
rapher of Waukesha, born in Detroit, 
Mich., calls Waukesha his native place, 
as he was but a few months old when his mother 
moved here. He first began the art of photography 
with A. S. Willis,of Chicago, and after completing a 
term of service, in company with another party 
he engaged in business in that city. They had not 
continued in business long before fire destroyed 
their entire stuck. In 1884 Mr. Mann located in 
Waukesha, where he has one of the best equipped 
galleries in the state. His operating room, which 




SYLVESTER B. MILLS. 




ALMERA MILLS. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



435 



is 24x50 feet in dimensions, is furnished witii nil 
modern appliances. Mr. Mann is progressive, lieep- 
ins( abreast with llie advanced iiii'lliods used in his 
profession. 






CTYLVKSTKR B. MILLS, of Merton Town- 
(ly^ ship, has been a resident of Waukesha 
County since 1843, five years before the 
present beautiful state of Wisconsin graced the 
Union. From its original condition he has lived 
to sec it grow into one of the most prosperous, as 
well as most beautiful in tlie entire state, and in- 
deed its equal will hardly be found in many states. 
Mr. Mills claims Oenesee County, N. Y., as his 
birthplace, while the date of that event was Jan- 
uary 29, 1820, he being tiie second in a family of 
five sons and one daughter, of whom four besides 
him survive, named as follows: Alexander B., a 
farmer of McPherson County. Kan.; Ansel and 
Anson, twins, the latter of whom lives at Batavia, 
Genesee County, N. Y.; and Zilpha, the widow of 
W. Mclntyre, a resident of Orleans County of the 
same state, .loel Mills, the father of our subject, 
was a native of the Green Mountain Slater and by 
occupation a farmer. He served as a soldier in 
the War of 1812, and in lecognilion of hisservices 
was made a pensioner of the Government. In 
politics he was an old-line Whig, and in religious 
belief a Baptist. In 1812 he located in Genesee 
Count}', where his death occurred in 1873. His 
estimable wife, Mercy (Barber) Mills, was a native 
of Barrington, Mass., and when a mi.ss of eleven 
years was brought by her parents to Onondaga 
County, N. Y., where her marriage to Mr. Mills was 
solemnized in Elba, (^enesee Count}-, N. Y. 

S. B. Mills, like a large number of the pioneer 
settlers of Wisconsin, enjoyed very poor educa- 
tional advantages, his knowledge being the lesult 
of personal study, observation and contact with 
the business world. When a young man of nine- 
teen he began the battle of life on his ()wn respon- 
sibility, without capital save the inheritance be- 
([ueathed him by liis sturdy New England ances- 
tors — thrift and enterprise. On the 22d of Au- 
12 



gust, 1843, he wedded Miss Almera Norton, also a 
native of Genesee Count}', born December 19, 1820, 
and a daughter of Locklin and Laura (Clark) Nor- 
ton. Iler father, who was born in Rutland, Vt., 
in 1786, died in Alarch, 1860, in New Y'ork, where 
the larger portion of his life had been spent. 
By trade he was a saddler, but by occupation he 
was a farmer. His wife, who was a native of the 
old Bay State, was also born in 1786, and died at 
their home m New Y'ork in 1859. Mrs. Mills w.as 
one of six children, of whom four are living. Har- 
mon is a farmer of Genesee County, N. Y.; Mrs. 
Mills comes next; Adeliza is the wife of Edwin 
Rosecrans. a farmer of Ogle County, 111.; and Ly- 
man, the youngest, resides in San Diego, Cal. 

Immediately after their marriage Jlr. and Mrs. 
Mills started upon an extended bridal tcjur, their 
destination hci ng the territory of Wisconsin. They 
came uj) the Great Lakes in an old propeller and 
landed at the North Pier iti Milwaukee September 
20, 18-13. That present populous city then con- 
tained less than six thousand people, and of course 
lacked all those advantages it offers to-day — time 
and money must be expended ui)on the natural 
conditions then existing before it could take rank 
as the leading city in the state. Its biidges num- 
bered not more than two, the crossings being made 
by ferrying. Leaving his young bride in Milwau- 
kee Mr. Mills walked across the new country to 
the home of iiis Ijrother-in-law, Harmon Norton, 
on section 31, in [..isbon Township. With an ox 
team he and Mr. Norton returned to Milwaukee 
for the former's wife and merchandise. In Merton 
Township, then known as Warren Township, Mil- 
waukee County, Mr. Mills made a claim of one 
hundred and twenty acres of wild land, lie soon 
erected a cabin, in which a stovc-pipe tlirough the 
roof served as a chimney, while tiie doors were 
hung on wooden liinges of home manufacture. 
Here the young couple began their domestic life, 
and while there was nnu'li hard work to do and 
many privations to endure, they lived most hap- 
pily. For some years after their coming ox teams 
were used for all kinds of work, and as Mrs. Mills 
remarked, they IkkI many times driven theirs to 
church, their conveyance in the summer time not 
seldom being a sled. Mr. Mills used to swing the 



43G 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHJCAJU RECORD. 



old-fashionefl cradle from nioniino: till late at 
night, as for a iiuinher of years all their grain was 
so harvested. Tlic village of ."Merlon did not then 
exist, Harlland was known as Ilorslicyville, and 
Wauk<!slia as Praincviile, that being their nearest 
postotlice. From time to time they increased 
their possessions until they owned one hundred 
and ninety-four acres of land. However their 
estate now comprises one hundred and seventy- 
four acres and lies in the towns of Merton and 
Lisbon. 

Mr. and .Airs. Mills became the parents of seven 
children, three .sons and four daughters, three of 
whom only are now living. Mercy L., who was one 
of Waukesha County's successful teachers, became 
the wife of Edgar Grover, of Delafield Township, 
and died in Ajjril, 1870, after a wedded life of live 
short months; Zilpha died at the age of fifteen 
months; Frank N., born October 14, 1848, died in 
March, 1882, at the age of thirty-live years. He was 
a man of liberal attainments, liavingbeen asludent 
at Carroll College for some time, a teacher for sev- 
eral terms, and a student in .lefferson. Wis. He was 
preparing to enter the medical profession. He 
had learned the art of telegraphy, and held po- 
sitions at Doylestown and I'ortage, Columbia 
County, Wis., going thence to St. Paulasan extra. 
From there he went lo Belle Plaine, Minn., and 
died in Minnea|)olis. He married Miss Addie Allen, 
a native of this county, who with their son, Percy, 
resides in Harlland. An infant, born April 1, 
IS.OO, who died the .same month, is the next child in 
Mr. Mills' family. Fred L. is one of the leading 
business men of Harlland. He wedded Miss Stella 
Pynn, by whom he has four children, Ethel, Edwin, 
Gilbert and Mercy Belle. Monty, who manages 
the homestead, chose Miss Edith, daughter of David 
H. and Margaret A. (Dillon) Wolff, for a wife, lo 
whom he was united December 13, 1882. Mrs. 
Mills was born in Ohio April 20, 1862. They have 
two children. Forest and llatlie. Florence, the 
youngest, is the wife of Orion BMnch, a gardener 
and fruit-grf)wer of llarthind. Their children are 
named as follows: Perley, Frank, Wayne and Al- 
mera. 

In political sentiment, Mr. Mills was at first a 
Whig, but on the organization of the Republican 



party became a follower of it, being, as are his 
sons,an uncompromising Republican. Asan ollicial. 
he has served his town as Assessor and Supervisor. 
Their beautiful and comfortable residence stands 
in the midst of well cultivated fields on section 
36, in the town of Merton. Mr. Mills and wife 
are classed among the early pioneers and leading 
citizens of their town. Everything that promises 
to be of benefit to their community is sure to find 
in them hearty support and encouragement. 



JAMES B. NOBLE has resided in Waukesha 
County since an earlv day, and has therefore 
obsei ved and aided in its material growth 
and jirogress, having become a citizen while 
it w.as still under territorial government. His 
parents, Elisha and Candace (Beach) Noble, were 
pujueers of ]>ivingston County, N. Y. The for- 
mer was a native of .Sullield. Conn., and when 
still a young man emigrated to New York, where 
his marriage with Miss Beach was solemnized. 
His father, the grandfather of our subject, Enticli 
Noble, was a Scotchman, while his inotlier was an 
English lady. Elisha Noble and wife were the 
parents of six children, all of whom were natives 
of Livingston Count}-, N. Y. Named in order of 
birth they are as follows: .James B. is the eldest; 
,Iolin A. died at his home in Livingston County, 
Mich., in 1888; William H. died many years ago 
in Oregon; Mary is the widow of Thomas J. 
Robinson, of Wyoming County, N. Y.; Harriet A. 
is the wife of .Sylvester Shaw, of Lee County, III.; 
and Elizabeth is the widow of Henry Avells, who 
was killed in the late war. 

James B. Noble was born in Livingston County, 
N. Y., December 20, 181 1, and grew to manhood 
on his father's farm, where he early learned those 
lessons of thrift and economy that have been of 
untold worth to him in after years. His educa- 
tional advantages were such as the youth of his 
native state enjo^'ed at that time in the common 
schools. When twenty years of age he began an 
apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, which 
occupation he pursued successfully for a score of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



437 



years. On the 17tli ol December, 1843, lie 
wedded Miss Caroline Daggett, who died on the 
27th of Dcceniher, 184.'), leavinjj one child, 
William II., who resides in Pierce County, Wis., 
where he is engaged in agricultural ])ursuits. Kor 
a second wife Mr. Noble chose Miss Ellen E. 
Iliggins, to whom he was united in marriage on 
the lOlh of May, 1846. Mrs. Noble was a daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Lelliia (Peabody) Iliggins, and 
was born on the 2d of September, 1827. To this 
union three children were born, two sons and a 
daughter, namely': Carlisle became the wife of 
John C. Wheeler, a farmer of Pierce Count}', this 
state; Thomas J. has charge of his father's estate. 
He is a young man of sterling worth and is 
respected for his integrity. For a helpmate he 
chose Miss Ida, daughter of Frank and Amelia 
(Steiukraus) Ilartwich, who was born in Prussia, 
Germany. Their son, Harold, was born on the 
17th of January, 1894. Frank J., the youngest 
of Mv. Noble's children, resides lu Buffalo, N. Y., 
being a well known painter of that city. Mrs. 
Noble passed from the scenes of this life October 
31, 1854. July 2, 18,5.'), Mr. Noble married Miss 
Mahaia E. Iliggins, a sister of the preceding wife. 

In the fall of 1847, Mr. Noble removed with his 
family to the territory of Wisconsin, making the 
journey by way of the (ireat Lakes to Milwaukee, 
where he landed on the 15th of .September. A 
few days later he proceeded to the town of Brook- 
field, where he has since resided. He soon resumed 
work at his trade, and few men have done more 
for the material growth of this section of the 
count}' than he. Many of the most substantial 
dwellings throughout the country have been 
erected under his personal supervision, and 
among the stone buildings may be mentioned the 
residence of A. W. Griswold of the town of 
Pewaukee. 

Mr. Noble votes with the Republican party in 
national affairs, but in local politics is not strictly 
partisan. By his fellow-townsmen he has been 
elected to various positions, having served as 
Town Treasurer one term, .lustice of the Peace 
three years, and in the capacitj' of School Clerk 
many yeai-s. The public school system has always 
found him a warm advocate and ever readv to 



promote its welfare. Though in his eighty-third 
year, Mr. Noble still retains the use of his faculties 
and is remarkably well preserved. His good wife, 
who has walked at his side for many years, is still 
quite robust. Of a genial temperament, she has 
been a source of great comfort to her husband. 
Both are devoted members of the Methodist Epis- 
c(>i)al Cliurch. Honorable and industrious, Mr. 
Noble's career has been one of winch he need 
never be ashamed. 



JOHN .SCHLICHER, now one of the leading 
farmers of Lisbon Township, residing on 
section 18, entered the harbor of New Yoik 
on the 12lh of April, 1862. On the 16th of 
March he had sailed from Havre, France, to South- 
ampton, England, where he took passage on the 
"Bavaria," bound for the I'nited States. In this 
country he has become widely and favorably 
known and we feel assured that the record of his 
life will prove of interest to many of our readers. 
Mr. Schlichcr was born in Prussia, January 28, 
1844, and is a son of John J. and Susan (Porr) 
Schliclier. The father was born in Rhenish Prus- 
sia, June 30, 1813, and became a stone cutter, 
dresser and contractor. He whs extensively en- 
gaged in government work and did a large and 
lucrative business. For six years he served in the 
German Arm}', and his father was an otlieer under 
Marsliall Davoust for eleven years in Spain and 
Russia. In 1862 lie came to America, and located 
in Waukesha County, where he spent his remain- 
ing days, his death occurring May 24, 1890. In 
politics he was a Republican, and he and his wife 
were members of the (ieiman Hcfunncd Church. 
The lady is still living at the .age of eighty-four 
and makes her home with her son John. In the 
family were two sons and a daughter, namely: 
John, of this sketch; Jacob, a retired farmer of 
Merton, Wis.; and Susan, deceased. 

Our subject was a young man of eighteen when 
he came to America. He acquired an excellent 
education in the gymnasium of his native land 
ond is quite proficient in the French and Latin 



438 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lano;u.ij;res. It was liis desire to enter one of the 
learned professions, but eircunistant'es have altered 
this determination. When lie reached America he 
was *()0 in debt and in order to pay this amount 
he worked as a farm hand for six months at 810 [ 
per month. About tliis time his father came to i 
the Inited States and purchased eiiihty acres of ! 
land in the southcMstern part of Menomonee 
Townshii), where to<;ether they carried on agricul- 
tural pursuits for live years, when a farm of one 
hunflri'd and seventy-six acres on section 18, 
LisboD Township, was purchased. 

On the 8tli of February, 1868, Mr. Schlicher 
wedded Caroline Haass, and they have six chil- 
dren, .lohn .1.. the eldest child, graduated with 
the degree of H. A. from tiie Mission School of 
Sheboygan County, and then took a four years' 
course in the State I'niversily at Madison, gradu- 
ating with honor from that institution. For two 
years he has lilled the chair of languages in Mt. 
Morris College of Mt. Morris, 111., and is very profi- 
cient in German, Greek, Latin, Ilcbiew and Sanscrit, 
lie also possesses consideralile musical abiliti', and 
it is his desire now to take a thorough course of 
study in the Universily of Chicago. In his politi- 
cal views he isa Kcpniiiican. .lacob, who acquired 
a good education and is a (ierman student, is also 
an ailvocate of Hcpublican i)rinciples. Peter and 
William aid their fatlier in carrying on the home 
farm. Lizzie Is still with her (jareuts, and Henry 
completes the family. Mr. and Mrs. Schlicher are 
justly proud of their children and to them they 
have given good educational privileges, sparing 
neither labor nor expense in thus (itting them for 
the duties of life. Mrs. Schlicher was born in 
Bavaria, March 18, 1819, and is a daughter of 
Jacob and Charlotte (Zink) Haass, who came to 
America in 1870, but are now deceased. 

Our subject cast his first Presidential vote for 
General Grant and the Hcpublican party has since 
found in him one of its stanch and earnest sup- 
porters. He has been honored with several public 
offices, was several times elected Supervisor of 
Lisbon Township, and was selected as a juror of 
the United States Court at Milwaukee in 1889. 
His public duties have ever been discharged with 
a promptness and fidelity that have won him the 



commendation of all concerned. He and his wife 
are leading members of the Evangelical Church of 
Mcrtoii, cnniribuling liberally to its support, and 
Mr. Sehlicher has been President, Secretary and 
Trustee of tlie Cliurch Board. He was also Superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school for some years, and 
in 1882 drew the jilans for the erection of the 
house of worship. His farm comprises two hun- 
dred and fifty-six acics of valuable land on sec- 
tions 18 and 19, Lisbon Townsliip, where lie has 
resided since 186.5. lie has made it one of the 
best improved farms in the locality and has erected 
one of tlie largest barns, its dimensions being 
36x110 feet, with eighteen foot posts and a nine 
foot b.asement. He has also erected another barn 
36x60 feel, and a third 10x34 feet. The improve- 
ments upon the place and its ncatand thrifty appear- 
ance well indicate the careful supervision of tlie 
owner, who is regarded as one of the most practical 
and progressive (Jerman agriculturists of Waukesha 
County. His possessions liave all been acquired 
since his arrival here and liis success comes as the 
crown of earnest labor. 

HENRV INI. HORNING, the most promi- 
nent hardware merchant of Waukesha 
County, was born in Norristown, Mont- 
gomery County, Pa.. .Inly 11,1852. His ances- 
tors on his father's side were of Dutch extraction, 
and on his mother's, of French. His parents, .lolm 
and Harriet ( Levan) Horning, were also natives 
of Pennsylvauia. Wliile living in the east the 
father was superintendent in a rolling mill, but 
after coining west followed the trade of a mill- 
wright. The year 1857 witnessed his arrival in 
Brookfleld Township, of this county, .\ftcr mak- 
ing that his home for a number of jears, he re- 
moved to Milwaukee, and was in the employ of 
E. P. Allis it Co., the largest mill furnishing firm 
in the world. As a inechaiiic Mr. Horning was a 
genius; the whole bent of his mind seemed turned 
in that direction. His attitude, when not at work, 
was that of one in deep study. In politics he was 
a Republican, but had no aspirations for official 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



439 



positions. His death occurred in Milwaukee, Au- 
gust 10, 18(!7, at tlie nge of (ifty-sfeven years. 
Many years Ixifore be li.id heen injuied while at 
work, from the effects of wiiich ho finally- died, 
llis widow makes her home in tlie C'leam City. 
The3- had six children, but only three are living, 
as follows: .1. L. is a banker in S.nn Diego, Cal.; 
Mrs. O. II. I'ierce resides in Milwaukee; and the 
subject of this sketch is the youngest. 

Henry M. Horning was but five years old when 
he tiisl became a resident of Waukesha County. 
His education was acquired in the district schools 
and in tlie First Ward School of Milwaukee. At 
the age of thirteen lie was employed as a cash 
l)oy for Ciiapman it Endicott. He was next em- 
ployed by Sexton Bros. A Co., a large jobbing 
house of Milwaukee. With the latter he began as 
general liel])('r. and arose step by step to stock 
clerk, receiving clerk, general stock keeper on the 
first and second Ihxirs, general lloor salesman, trav- 
eling salesman, and for the last five j'ears that lie 
remained in their employ did the buying for four 
departments. g'>ing to New York and Philadel- 
phia three or four times a year. Desirous of reap- 
ing tlie full fruits of his industry and ability, he 
determined to engage in business on his own ac- 
count. Coming to Waukesha in 1880, he pur- 
cli.ased the hardware stock of K. C. Beggs A: Co. 
At that time the business, from lack of attention, 
had considerably run down, but tiirough the push 
and enterprise of Mr. Horning it has been increased 
until he does by far the largest business in that 
line ill the county. On the 1st of March. 18',)1, 
the business was converted into a co-partnership, 
and preparations are now being made to incorpo- 
rate as the II. M. Horning Hardware Company. 
The establishment will then be carried on much 
like department stores in the city, and will in- 
clude not only hardware in general, but also plumb- 
ing, gasfitting and other kindred lines. 

At Elm (irove, this count}', Mr. Horning was 
married, November 23, 1876, to Miss Martha M. 
Brown, a native of the town of .Summit, and a 
daughter of Sylvester Brown, one of the pioneers 
of this county. Of this marriage two children 
have been born, Harr\' L. and Maltie. Mrs. Horn- 
ing is an active worker in the Episcopal Church. 



Socially, Mr. Horning is a member of the Knights 
of Pythi.as, having passed all the chairs to Chan- 
cellor Commander, and is a thirty-second degree 
Mason, belonging to Waukesha Lodge No. 37, A. V. 
& A. M.; Waukesha Cliapter No. 37, R. A. M.; 
Waukesha Commandery No. 23, K. T.; and Wis- 
consin Consistory, of Milwaukee, which includes 
the section of masonry. Lodge of Perfection, Coun- 
cil of Jerusalem, Wisconsin Chapter of Rose Croix, 
Consistory and Mystic Shrine. Politically Mr. 
Horning is an uncompromising Republican. He 
has served as a member of the Vill.age Board, 
though farther than that he has declined to take 
part in piililic affairs. 

.Since thirteen years of age our subject has de- 
voted himself exclusively to business. He has in 
his po.s.session the first money he ever earned, 
which is two cents that he received for running 
an errand. No financial assistance has been ren- 
dered him, hence his accumulations are the reward 
of perseverance and the following out of correct 
business principles. IJesidcs the interests he has at 
Waukesha, lie is a Director of the Downer it Roach 
Land Syndicate, of Milwaukee. 



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k^^ X ANIEL AVILLIAMS is numbered among 
I I the earlier settlers of the town of .Suinmit, 
of which lie has been a resident since 1859. 
He is a native of the Empire State, born in the 
town of Exeter, Otsego County, June 22, 1829. 
His father, Sherman Williams, was born on the 
same farm as his son, ( )ctt)ber 19, 1797. The pa- 
ternal grandfather of our subject was Asahel Wil- 
liams, a native of Connecticut, where his birth oc- 
curred on tlie 2d of September, 1754. He was for 
three years a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and 
fought under General Washington at the cele- 
brated battle of Trenton, also participating in other 
important events in the struggle of the American 
Colonics for independence. After the close of the 
Revolution he married and settled in (Jtsego Coun- 
ty, where he passed the remainder of his life. 



440 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The original ancestors of the Williams family in 
America emigrated from Wales in early Colonial 
times. 

Sherman Williams was the youngest of five 
brothers. Named in order they are Asahel, Daniel, 
.Solomon, Joseph and Sherman. The on ly daughter, 
Esther, was the youngest member of the family. 
All of that generation have passed away. Sher- 
man Williams married Esther Curtis, who was 
also descended from earl,v Connecticut ancestors. 
lie and his wife continued to live in the place 
where he was born until their deaths. The hus- 
band passed away on the UHh of November, 1857. 
They were the parents of eight children, six of 
whom grew to mature years and four are still 
living. 

Daniel Williams was the eldest in his father's 
family, and the only one who became a resident 
of Wisconsin. He received a good English educa- 
tion, and for several terms was engaged in the 
profession of teaching. For a number of years he 
was employed in the sale of books, and especially' 
in the introduction of text books into .schools. In 
1857 he came to Waukesha County and purchased 
his present farm of one hundred and seventy acres 
on section 27, but did not locate permanently until 
1859. 

In 1857 Mr. Williams was married to Lucy Beach, 
who died in 1869. On the llthof .lune, 1879, he 
was united to his present wife, Lovina Thornton, 
a daughter of O. W. Thornton, of Dane County, 
Wis. Mr. Williams had three daughters by his 
first marriage: Esther, who became the wife of 
Wade Clark, of New Lisbon, Wis.; Amanda, who 
dierl at the age of twenty-three years, and Mary, 
who wedded Frank Denton, of Ocononiowoc. By 
the Last union he had a son, I'ercy, who died, aged 
eight months. 

Mr. Williams is one of the representative men 
of his town and county, and is held in high esteem 
by his fellow-citiztns. His home and farm in all 
their appointments and surroundings are charac- 
terized by most excellent laste and system. He 
has long taken a dee|) interest in both the agricul- 
tural and horticultural interests of Wisconsin, and 
has a state reputation in that respect. He is a life 
member of the State Agricultural .Society and a 



member of the Wisconsin State Horticultural So- 
ciety, being on the Committee of Observation of the 
latter. He gives special attention to the growing 
of small fruits on a scientific basis and h.as attained 
to success in that direction. 

Probably no other man is so well informed on 
matters pertaining to the town of Summit as Mr. 
Williams, and in this respect he is the recognized 
authority. He has been constantly kept in official 
positions since he became a resident of the town- 
ship, including Town Superintendent of Schools 
in the earlier days; member of the Town Board, 
and Chairman of the same, and also Chairman of 
the County Board in 1889; Town Clerk for many 
years, and Assessor and Justice of the Peace for 
many years. He has also been Secretary and 
Treasurer of the Town of Summit Insurance Com- 
pany since its organization in 1874. 

He is esteemed by his fellow-men for his unques- 
tioned integrity and as an enterprising and pro- 
gressive citizen. In politics be is a Republican, 
liaving e.vercised his right of franchise for the first 
Presidential candidate of that party, John C. Fre- 
mont, in 1856, that being his maiden vote. 



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iT^ UGUST C. HENK, proi)rietor of the Henk 
A ~A Mineral Spring Water and Bottling Com- 
pany, of Waukesha, was born in Milwau- 
kee, October 7, 1818, being a son of Matthew J. 
and Maggie (Prior) Henk, both of whom were na- 
tives of Germany. In early life Matthew Henk 
came with his father, who was a prominent con- 
tractor in the Old Country, to the United States 
and located at Detroit, Mich. Soon after they 
came to Milwaukee, where the former was engaged 
in the wholesah' and retail grocery business. In 
the latter place Matthew Henk and wife spent the 
rest of their lives. Of their family there are three 
children living: Mr. Henk whose name heads this 
sketch, a brother, who lives in St. Louis, Mfi., and 
a sister, who resides in Appleton, Wis. 

August C. Henk, who is the eldest child, re- 
ceived his education in ))rivate and public schools 
of Milwaukee. When about sixteen years old, he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



441 



comnienced to learn thecaipentev's Inide. Tliougli 
lie worked only a year, the knowledge acquired in 
that time has enal)le(l him to put up all of his 
buildin,u;s. Me had grown up in his father's store, 
and there learned many jirnclical lessons in regard 
to conducting business. When eighteen years of 
age, he embarked in the oyster trade as a jobber, 
in wliich he was engaged almost continuously until 
his removal to Waukesha. 

Our subject's marriage with Miss Maggie K. 
Danibruch, vvas celebrated in Milwaukee June 1.'5, 
1877. Mrs. Ilenk is a native of that city, and a 
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Danibruch, who 
emigrated from Germany many years ago, and lo- 
cated in Milwaukee, where her father became a 
well known musi<uan. In 1881 Mr. Henk pur- 
chased a lot 62x325 feet at No. 406 West Avenue, 
Waukesha, on which an old residence stood, and 
upon which was situated a line mineral spring. 
The house has been replaced by a comfortable 
home; the spring has been improved and bottling 
works erected. Mr. Henk finds a large sale for 
the water from his spring, and is doing a prosper- 
ous business. He also owns a strip of land on the 
St. Paul Railroad, where he has a warehouse, and 
proposes to erect more extensive works. Besides 
shipping water to many different states in the 
rnion, he has sent it to Chili, South America. 
Mr. Ilenk is a wide-awake business man, and takes 
a deep interest in anything that |)romises to ad- 
vance the growth of Waukesha. ToJSIr. and Mrs. 
Ilenk have been born seven children, as follows: 
Arthur W., Edward P., William A., Emma. Alice. 
Clarence and Mabel. 



^mr 



HENRY AUGUSTUS YOUMANS, M. D., 
was born May 22. 1816, at Coeymans, a 
town on the Hudson River, from which 
his parents removed a few years later to a farm m 
western New York near the present city of War- 
saw, where he grew to manhood and |)erformed 
the usual agricultural work of farmers' boys. At 
the same time he felt that he was better littefl for 
other pursuits, and on arriving at \ears of discre- 
tion became a teacher in the public schools of the 



vicinity while preparing for a medical education. 
What is now Ilobart College at (Tcneva, N. Y., was 
known half a century ago as (ieneva College and 
had a Medical Department e(iual to any in that 
part of the country. 

The young man therefore looked to Geneva as 
the object of his educational aspirations, and as 
soon as he had accumulated enough money to de- 
fray his moderate expenses was matriculated there 
and graduated in the winter of 1842-43. On se- 
curing his diploma he thought of the west as the 
most promising field for work and came to Wis- 
consin early in the summer of 1843, spending sev- 
eral weeks in looking for a suitable location be- 
tween Milwaukee and Janesville, and at one time 
earning a little money by superintending the work 
of framing and putting up a new building in the 
town of Vernon. 

He finally decided to make Mukwonago his 
home and began practice there in August, 1843, 
in the midst of an epidemic of low fever, the fatal 
results of which taxed all his energies to with- 
stand. His devotion to his work, and the tact 
and skill with which he did battle against the ei)i- 
demic insured his success as a practitioner at the 
very outset, however, and from that time until 
the end of his forty-nine years of active endeavor 
in the cause of good health, the confidence of the 
people in his medical and surgical ability never 
wavered. Nor was such confidence often as well 
l)laced. Though freiiuently unable to catch more 
than an hour's sleep at a time for several daj'S to- 
gether, he never neglected a call where his servicfes 
were really needed, and there are hundreds now 
living who feel that to him they owe the prolonga- 
tion of their lives. In an emergency his boldness 
of action often bordered on the sublime, as in an 
instance where he was called to a patient almost 
dead from osteo-myelitis, and being unprovided 
with suitable surgical instruments, he performed 
the necessary opera! inn with a common carpenter's 
mallei and chisel, an<l so saved the patient's limb 
and life, wliich would botii have been imperiled 
by an hour's delay. 

As a citizen he was no less active and energetic 
in all that he considered to be for the public inter- 
est and welfare. In polities he believed the Demo- 



442 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cratic part}', except in one instance, to be hope- 
lessly wrong in all its views and pinposes, and 
accordingly made it one of tlie great objects of 
his life to oppose the success of tliat party with 
the same vigor tliat he used in opposing the prog- 
ress of disease. The single instance in wliich he 
felt that Democratic success was preferable to that 
of the Republicans was in the campaign of 1872, 
when hisold iflol.IIorace Oreeley, was the standard 
bearer of the Democracy in the interest of a re- 
united North and South. As soon as the election 
returns showed him that the rank and file of the 
party could not be held to act in furtherance of the 
ideas represented by Mr. Greeley, he resumed his 
allegiance to the Republican party and never after- 
wards ceased to adhere to it. Of course, with his 
mental peculiarities he could never be a seeker for 
office, and whenever he was elected to any i)osition 
it was because his fellow-citizens desired his serv- 
ices, and not of his own choice. For many years 
he was a member of tlic Rlukwonago School Board, 
and under the town system was sometimes Super- 
intendent of Schools. The last time that he held 
any public otfice of importance was at the outbreak 
of the Rebellion, when he was a member of that 
Legislature which placed the military affairs of 
Wisconsin on such a footing as to render the 
state one of the most ellicient of all the northern 
common wealths in suppressing the great insurrec- 
tion. Mis eldest son, Augustus, went into the 
army in 18G4,at the age of seventeen, and died 
from the results of exposure before the end of the 
year. Dr. You mans' grief at this loss was most 
intense, and its poignancy was never entirely' over- 
come by time. Indeed in his affections as well as 
in the duties of life, the subject of thissketch was 
never half-hearted. To those whom he believed 
to be his friends his hand and heart were ever 
open, and they could draw upon his services at 
will. Although himself taking little, if any, inter- 
est in religious doctrinal distinctions, he was by 
far the largest contributor to the building of a 
Baptist church at Mukwonago, because his wife 
was a member of that denomination. When the 
credit of the country was at its lowest ebb he lent 
the Government all the money he had saved u]) 
to that time, and as much more as he thought him- 



self entitled to obtain on his own personal credit. 
With similar enthusiasm he addressed himself to 
the work of securing railwaj' privileges for his 
adopted town, and later to that of establishing a 
summer resort hotel of high character — The Phan- 
tom Lake Inn — in the immediate vicinity of the 
village. Brietly, it was his habit always to help 
witii all his might any (iroject which commended 
itself to his judgment as being of a worthy char- 
acter, and any person whose character ap|)eared 
to him deserving. 

To take long rides over rough and unfrequented 
roads, through winter storms or drenching rains, 
he was called, and to his credit may it be said he 
never refused, be the summons from the poor- 
est of the poor. The thought of "will they pay," 
did not enter his mind. He was, we may say, a 
successful physician, and had accumulated a good 
deal of |)roperty. He w.as a public spirited man, 
a loyal citizen, a kind neighbor, an honest man, 
an affectionate father and husband, a warm friend 
and one who was ever ready to aid those whom he 
deemed worthy. 

The incidents of Dr. Youmans' life after his 
settlement in Wisconsin were not generally such 
as to be of great interest outside the circle of his 
acquaintance. In 1846 he married Miss Lucy S. 
Andrews, a young lady of charming person and 
character and of purest New England ancestry, 
who proved an ideal wife and mother. Tiieir 
family consisted of five children, all still living 
except the young soldier spoken of above. They 
are Henry M., the present editor of The Freeman; 
Dr. Laurel E., of Mukwonago; Annie, wife of T. 
W. llaight, of Waukesha, and Mabel, wife of Dr. 
S. G. West, of Chicago. Mrs. Youmans died in 
1885 and the loss was the deepest sorrow of her 
husband's existence. Although strongly' — almost 
niassivel}' — constituted. Dr. Youmans suffered 
during the last fifteen years of his life from mal- 
adies engendered by long periods of extraordinary 
physical exertion. First an aneurism of one of 
the principal arteries, and afterwards a violent 
form of rheumatism produced a series of sufferings 
which would have long before proved fatal to a 
weaker system. The attack under which he finally 
succumbed became noticeable last December, and 




JUDGE D. W. SMALL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



445 



after tliat time he saw no day of freedom from in- 
tense pain. As soon as the weather pennitted, 
last .June, he was brought to Waukesha and all 
the resources of medical science were drawn upon 
for his restoration to health without avail. He 
himself perceived the hopelessness of the struggle 
months ago and expressed his willingness to die, 
but niacJe an effort to live rather to please his 
children than himself. Karly in September it be- 
came a|>parent to all that he was dying, and on 
the 4th of October, at eight o'clock in the even- 
ing, he passed away very peacefully and without 
a struggle. It can he said i>f him that the world 
is better for his having lived in it, and his mem- 
ory will be treasured by very many beyond his 
family and more intimate friends. 



JUDGE DAVID WILSON SMALL, of Ocono- 
mowoc, one of the pioneer lawyers of Wau- 
kesha County, was born near Frankfort, Pa., 
December 28, 1827, and is ason of .Tonah and 
Anna (Wilson) Small. On his father'sside .iudge 
Small is descended from Scotch ancestry. Tlie 
American genealogy of the Small family is traced 
back to I(i80, when the progenitors became iden- 
tified with the history of New England, that being 
the year of their emigration from Scotland. The 
grandfather of .Judge Small emigrated from New 
England to New Jersey, and there Jonah Small was 
born and grew to manhood. When a young man 
he went to Philadelphia Cf)unty, Pa., where he met 
and married Anna Wilson, a Quakeress, whose 
ancestors came to America from England with 
William Penn. All their married life was spent in 
Philadelphia County. The husband died of yel- 
low fever in .lune, 1828, and his wife's death, 
which w.as the result of an accident, occurred soon 
after. Nine children, three sons and six daugh- 
ters, were born to them, eight of whom grew to 
mature years. The subject of this record and three 
sisters are all of the family that now survive. The 
eldest of the latter is Mrs. Rebecca Livosy.of Bucks 
County, Pa. She has now (1894) attained to the 
age of eighty-five years. The next is Mrs. Mary 



Paxson, widow of Howard Paxson, who resides in 
Lumberville, Bucks County, near the home of her 
sister. Mrs. Eineiine Armitage, the youngest of 
the three, lives in the same town as her sisters. 
Only one of the six sisters died in early life, all 
of the others living to cclcbiate their golden wed- 
dings. Anna and Caroline are Ihe names of the 
sisters that have passed away. T!ie two brothers 
were Jahez and Charles, the latter dying in 1869 
and the former in 18,i4. 

As has been seen, the subject of this record was 
but a small child when his ])arents departed this 
life. After their demise he lived with a maternal 
uncle, Mardon Wilson, in Bucks County until he 
was sixteen .years of age, attending for ac(jnsidera- 
ble time the Attleborough High School. From the 
age of sixteen to eighteen he lived at the home of 
his sister, Mrs. Armitage, in Soleburv, of the same 
county. At the latter age he taught a term of 
school, then entered as a student the Moravian 
School at Nazareth, Pa., where he continued a 
year. After leaving that institution he engaged 
in teaching in Soleburv Township, and also began 
the study of law. At the close of his term of 
school .Judge Small entered the law ollice of 
George Lear, at Doylestown, Bucks County, where 
he continued a year anr) w.as admitted to the Bar. 
However, he soon afterward located in Oconomo- 
woc, the date of his arrival being May 12, 1851. 

The duties of his profession demanding but a 
portion of his time in the earlier years, when the 
inhabitants were comparatively few in numbers, 
Judije Small devoted some time to surveying, witfi 
which he had become familiar in his school days. 
However, it was not long before the duties of his 
profession demanded all his attention, and he was 
soon in possession of a large and lucrative prac- 
tice. In 1862 he was elected District Attorney for 
Waukesha County and in 1867 was re-elected to 
that otlice. In 1861) he was elected Circuit Judge 
of the Second .ludicial Circuit of Wisconsin, com- 
prising the counties of Milwaukee and Waukesha. 
He was re-elected in 1875, serving two terms, or 
in all twelve years, ending January 1, 1882. Dur- 
ing his long term of service on the Bench Judge 
Small's rulings and decisions were such as to be 
almost universally allirmed by the higher courts; 



446 



PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL RECORD. 



in fact his record stands unique in this state in 
that regard. While atrial was in progress he gave 
close attention to the evidence, and when it was 
all in his decision was immediate, never taking tlie 
case under advisement so as to weigh the evidence 
and apply the law. His thorough mastery of 
Blackstone in early life gave him a i)road legal 
vision and a familiarity with the fundamental 
l)rinciples of law that have serv('<l him well both 
on the Heneh and at the I5ar. 

On tli(! :51st of .January, 1851, Judge Small 
married in New Hope, Bucks County, Pa., Susanna, 
daughter of .Iose|ih and Anna Ely. He and his 
wife have three children, one son and two daugh- 
ters. The former, George \V., is a mining engin- 
eer and resides at Visalia, Tulare County, Cal. 
Flora is at home, and Eva, the youngest, is the 
wife of .lames G. Weart, of Chicago. In politics 
.Iiidge Small has atlilialed with the Democratic 
party since 1852. 

Mrs. Small, like her hushand, comes from Quaker 
ancestry, and though she and her daughters are 
members of the Episcopal Church, the speech 
which characterizes the Society of Friends prevails 
in their household, and thus do they res|)ect the 
memory and religion of their ancestors. .Judge 
Small has retired to his home in Oconomowoc, on 
the shore of Lake La Belle, which comprises fifty 
acres and is one of the most beautiful spots in 
Wisconsin. 



MRS. ELIZABPyni ELI AS, well known as 
the "Mother of Wales," is a native of 
Llangerstolis, a village in the northern 
partof Wales, born on the ]2ihof December, 1826. 
Her parents were John and Catherine (Jones) 
.lones, who were natives of the same vill.age. The 
ff)rmer was reared to farm life, which occupation he 
followed. He was an aggressive Welshman, and 
was esteemed for his honesty and integrity. Their 
children numbered seven, a son and six daughters, 
and are named in order of their l)irth, as fol- 
lows: Jane became the wife of Hugh Jones, a 
farmer of Wales; Maggie wedded Owen Jones, 
also of Wales; John died in Peru, South America; 



Mary is the wife of John Jones, a prominent 
farmer near Columbus, Wis.: Ann became the wife 
of Owen Thomas, both of whom are deceased; 
Ellen has also passed away; the next and youngest 
is the subject of this sketch. 

Elizabeth Jones was reared in her native coun- 
try, and on reaching womanhood became the wife 
of Edward Williams, also of Wales. To them 
were born two daughters, Elizabeth and Kate. 
The former died in Wales, while the latter came 
to this country and is now the wife of Richard 
Jones, a farmer residing near Columbus. Wis. In 
1854 our subject was deprived, by death, of her 
husband, who was buried in the village cemetery. 
In 1858 Mrs. Williams with her daughter set 
sail on the "Lucy Thomi)soir' from Liverpool, and 
five weeks thereafter dropped anchor in the harbor 
of New York, the i)assage having been a very 
pleasant one. They came by rail direct to 
Columbus, AVis., to the home of Mary .lones, a 
sister of the mother. Soon after her arrival there, 
Mrs. Williams engaged as house-keeper for Euriali 
Davis, where she remained about a year. At the 
end of that time she w.as married in Mr. Davis' 
home, October 25, 1859, to Hugh Elias, who was 
born in Wales in 1810. 

Mr. Elias was reared on his father's farm, where 
he remained until he was thirty years old, then 
came to this country, embarking aboard a sailing- 
vessel at Liverpool for New York. From the 
latter port he went to Rome, N. Y., where he en- 
gaged in the lime and stone business, remaining 
at that place three years. In 184.3 he came to 
(ienesee Townshi]) and iiought one hundred and 
eighty acres of land, one hundred and sixty being 
Government land for which he paid §1.25 per 
acre, while the remaining twenty were purchased 
for S40 from Griff Roberts. Not an acre of this 
tract had been cultivated, so the first thing Mr. 
Elias did was to clear a space, perhaps about an 
acre, and erect a log house. Thus he began the 
improvement of a farm that is now one of the 
most valuable in the town of Genesee. 

On the r2th of July, 1844, he was united in 
marriage with Ann Jarmon, a native of South 
Wales, who died September 24, 1858, while on a 
visit to that country, from injuries received in a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



447 



runaway-. Mr. Elias returned to America, where 

lie resided on liis farm until his dcatii .hine 1.3, 
1871, his in.irriuge to Mrs. Williams being cele- 
brated as above stated. 

Mr. and Mrs. Klias were the jiarents of two 
children, William II. and Hannah, the latter hav- 
ing jia.ssed to the s|)irit world. William II., who 
manages his mother's farm, was married January 
23, 188'.), to Miss Mary Roderick, the only child 
of John and Mary Roderick, a native of (lenesee, 
where the ceremODj' was solemnized. The young 
couple have one child, Elizabeth Ilannah, a win- 
some little liiss. 

Mrs. Elias, of this biography, is a hale, hearty 
woman of sixty-eight years, who during the many 
years that her home has been in this county has 
bravely done her part. She enjoys an extended 
acquaintance, and is widely known as the "Mother 
of Wales." When the Chicago iV Northwestern 
Railroad wanted to extend their line through this 
county she oppesed it, but finally sold twenty acres 
of land to the railroad compan3' for ^2,500, and 
there the village of Wales was established; this is 
how Mrs. Eli.as was called the "Mother of Wales." 



PHILANDER K. Tl'CKER, who resides on 
section 30, in the town of .Summit, is an 
early settler and a veteran soldier of the 
War of the Rebellion. He was born in the town 
of Ilunt.sburg, Geauga County, Ohio, April 20, 
1834, and is a son of Horace and Philena (Kile) 
Tucker. His parents were natives of the state of 
New York; the father was born in the town of 
Plotterkiln, and the mother in Ilarpersfield. They 
went to Ohio with their parents when 3'oung, 
there grew to manhood and womanhood, and were 
married in the town of Iluntsburg, (leauga Coun- 
ty, on the 27th of June, 1833. The father con- 
tinued to live in that county until his death, which 
occurred M.a^- 2, 1886, but his wife, who still sur- 
vives, is now living at Collin wood, near Cleveland. 
They were the parents of live children, four sons 
and one daughter. The latter died on the 8th of 
February', 1855, at the age of eighteen ^-eai-s. The 



brothers are as follows: Edward Horace, of Collin- 
wood, Ohio; George Wilbur, of Voungstown, Ohio; 
Frank Cl.ayton, of Paiiiesville, Ohio, and Philander 
K., of this article. 

Our subject is the eldest of Ins father's family, 
and was born in Iluntsburg, Ohio, as were all the 
rest of the brothers and the sister. He grew to 
manhood in his native place, and was married on 
the 2()th of November, 1851, to Miss Lucretia 
Multer. Mrs. Tucker was also a native of Ilunts- 
burg, where her birth occurred April 2, 183G. Her 
parents were .loliii and Sarah (Cole) Multer, who 
were born, grew to mature years, and were mar- 
ried in the state of New York. They removed 
from Wooster, Otsego County, N. Y., to Ilunts- 
burg, CJeauga County, Ohio, where they settled. 
and where the mother died on the 3d of April, 
1852; later the father moved to Painesville, where 
his death occurred in March, 1887. Of their eleven 
(■hildren, comprising three sons and eight daugh- 
ters, one of the former and six of the latter are 
now living. I^ydia is the wife of Wheeler Town- 
send, of Mt. Hope, Grant County, Wis.; Betsey 
is the widow of Reuben Looniis, of Aladison, Ohio; 
Philip Henry is a resident of Exeter, (Jreen Coun- 
ty, Wis.; Sarah J. is the widow of Mark Proctor, 
of Geneva, Ohio; Alyda C. became the wife of 
William Proctor, of Mt. Hoiie, Grant County, 
AV'is.; Mrs. Tucker is the next in order of birth, and 
Dora is the widow of Charles Shepherd, of Cleve- 
land, Ohio. The dece.ased were Catherine, who 
married Edwin Bradley, and die<I at Trumbull, 
Ashtabula Count}', Ohio; Peter, who died at the 
same place in 1855; Adeline, who became the wife 
of Henr}- Farnsworth, and died at Mt. Hope, 
Wis.; and John, a soldier in an Ohio regiment in 
the late war, who died while in the service at Alex- 
andria, Va. 

Mr. and Mrs. Philander K. Tucker came to Wau- 
kesha County in 1851I, and located where they 
now live. Mr. Tucker enlisted on the 14th of Au- 
gust, 18()2, in Company C, Twenty-eighth Wiscon- 
sin Infantry, and served as Orderly Sergeant until 
the close of the war. With his regiment he par- 
ticipated in the various events incident to soldier 
life until the spring of 1865, when, owing to ill- 
ness, he was obliged to retire from actual service. 



448 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



From that time he remained in tlie hospital until 
mustered out at Brownsville, Tex., and with his 
regiment disehariicd at Madison. Mr. Tucker was 
not wounded while in the service, but his health 
was miiclibroiien and he has never fully recovered. 
But like many other worthy soldiers, he has thus 
far failed to secure from tlie Government a pen- 
sion, to which he is evidently entitled. 

Mr. and Mrs. Tucker still reside at the home- 
stead where they settled in 1859. They have eight 
children, four sons and four daughters, born as 
follows: Orson P.,.Iune 24, 18.56; Charles H., June 

11, 18r)8; Caroline P., November 5, 185!); Philan- 
der K., April 2, 1802; Nettie L., November 19, 
1800; Dora I., March 13, 187.3; Laura E., February 

12, 1876, and Frank L., January 5, 1883. 

When Mr. Tucker entered the service of his 
country, he left his wife to care for their four chil- 
dren, the youngest of whom was but six months 
old. The duties devolving upon her were dis- 
charged with patience and faithfulness, and thus 
did the mothers of the land do their duty in those 
sad and gloomy days. Mr. Tucker was a faithful 
soldier, and is a worthy and respected citizen. His 
maiden vole for President was for Gen. John C. 
Fremont, and he has always sujiported the Repub- 
lican party. 

■ ^ a P ' ■ 



r~y EORGE BROWN, Ju. The year 1854 wil- 
^ T nessed the arrival of Mr. Brown in the 
town of Lisbon, Waukesha County, Wis. 
lie is a native of Kent County, England, born 
January 29, 1835, and the third in a family com- 
prising seven sons and three daughteis, whose par- 
ents were (ieorge and Catharine (Hopkins) Brown. 
Of llieir childien five are yet living. The father 
was also a native of Kentshire and spent his entire 
life as a farmer, lie had scarcely any advantages 
for educating himself, and all that he acquired was 
picked up at intei'vals. Jn 1854, accompanied by 
his family, he sailed from the port of Liverpool in 
one of the old sailing-vessels bound for the haven 
of New Yoik. They were ten weeks crossing the 
Atlantic, the trip l)eing made perilous by many 
severe storms, and many times was a silent prayer 



sent heavenward for the safe arrival of the ship in 
the western harbor. W^hen the Brown family landed 
at Castle Garden, in New York, the whole sum of 
their cash possessions amounted to 4S2,000. They 
had come to a distant land to lay the foundation 
and build their fortunes, but lacking the pecuniarj' 
means with which to make a beginning, they were 
dependent upon their pluck antl determination, 
which have brought success. For three years the 
family remained in New York in order to earn 
sullicient means to carr}' them farther westward, 
Wisconsin being tlie desired point. At the end of 
that time they resumed their journey, coming b}' 
way of the lakes to Milwaukee, thence to Lisbon 
Township, where they worked land on shares. 

The lirst work which the father of our subject 
did after arriving in the town of Lisbon was the 
digging of a ditch for Hon. James AVeaver, near 
Templeton. The boys worked out by the month, 
and Mr. Brown of this biography informed the 
writer that his first wages were a bushel of wheat 
per week, which shows that he began his life in 
Wisconsin at the lowest round of the ladder, but 
backed by his English grit and tenacity of purpose 
he has made his career a successful one. The 
father's first purchase of real estate was of forty 
acres of unimproved land. Their home was a log 
cabin, and to carry on the work of improving and 
cultivating the land they were aided by an ox 
team. All their grain was cut with the old fash- 
ioned cradle, which our subject has swung many 
a day from daylight till dark. Deer were often 
seen on the premises, and throughout the country 
were other indications of the primitive condition 
that prevailed here. 

In political faith the father was a sui)porter of 
the l\cpul)lican party and princii)les, and in relig- 
ion he and his wife were members of the Episcopal 
Church of Sussex, Wis. The former died in 1884 
and the latter in 1891. Side by side they rest in 
the Episcopal cemetery at Sussex, where a suitable 
monument stands at their heads. 

(ieorge Brown, Jr., was reared to hard work, 
which he has continued all his life. He received a 
limited education, as in those early days it was 
considered more profitable to improve and develop 
a farm than to spend time in accpiiring book 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



419 



knowledge. He remained with his parents till the 
age of twenty-three years, giving- them the benefit 
of iiis hibor. When he i)egan life on iiis own re- 
sponsibility lie liad not a smpliis dollar to liis 
name, and at the time of his marriage could not ex- 
hibit >!l(). ]\Ir. Brown wedded Miss Kleanor I\us- 
sell, also a native of Kent County, England, their 
marriage oecnrring on Ihi' 17tli of August,, 1857. 
Of this union live children, two sons and three 
daughters, were born; all are deceased but one son, 
Alfred G. His birth occurred in Waukesha Coun- 
ty in 185!>. His education was obtained in the 
common schools, and thus far he has devoted his 
time to agricultural pursuits, making his home 
with his i)arents. He is a Republican in politics, 
and voted first for the lamented .lames A. Gar- 
field. Mrs. Brown was a maiden of sixteen 3'cars 
when she came .\merica,and consequently .acquired 
her education in the land of her birth. 

In politics our subject is a Republican, and by 
that party was elected .Side-Supervisor of the town 
of Lisbon. lie has been connected with the pub- 
lic schools of his district as an ofHcial for a number 
of years. lie and his wife are inembeis of the 
Episcopal Church, in which he is .luiiior Warden. 
The eigiity .acres which Mr. l'>rf)wn owns is one 
of the beautiful tracts t)f land in Lisbon Township, 
and his comfortable country home is ever open to 
his friends. Ills large barn, erected in 1893, is 
(idx.'il feet in dimoiisioiis, with eighteen fool posts 
and having an eight foot stone basement. His tool 
sheds, new granaries and other iinprovemenls have 
all been made by him and are the results of hard 
toil and economy. Mr. lirowii may well be proud 
of ills achievements .as a successful farmer; he com- 
menced life with nothing and in debt at that, but 
by industry and frugality he has. with the aid of 
his wife, made for himself, an honorable pl.ace 
among his fellow-men, and is esteemed an upright 
and industrious citizen. 



E++++.5^-H-E 



/^^ EORGE M. -S. .lEWET r, .Justice of the Peace 
V T of the village of Waukesha, and Town 
Clerk, has been a resident of Waukesha 
County since August, IS.'iO, and of the village 
since 1857. He was born in the town of Kendall, 



Orleans Count3',N. Y., August 26, 1846, and is the 
older of two sons, the only children of .John E. 
and Mary (Cady) .Jewctt. His father, who was 
born in East lladdam. Conn., on the 6th of .lune, 
1803, was descended from an old New England 
family of English origin. The first resident Amer- 
ican ancestor of our subject was an English sur- 
geon, who located in this country in Colonial 
times. The paternal gi-andfallier of G. M. S. .lew- 
ett removed with his family to Parma, Monroe 
County, N. Y., in 1807. There .John E. Jewett 
was reared and married, making his home at 
Clarkson's Corners, Kendall, Albion and Carroll- 
ton until the summer of 1850, when he removed 
Willi his wife and one child (our subject) to Wau- 
kesha County, Wis. The younger son, .1. Ernst, 
the present Deputy' Postmaster of Waukesha, was 
born in their new home in the west. 

Mr. .Tewett, Sr., was a Republican in politics, and 
in his religious views favored Univcrsalisni. In 
18.')7 he w.as elected Clerk of the County Board of 
.Supervisors, in which capacity he served two terms. 
In 1879 he received the nomination for, and was 
elected to, the office of Clerk of the town of Wau- 
kesha; was re-elected »le.ach succeeding annual elec- 
tion and served until his death, which occurred on 
the 25th of May, 1884. Mrs. .lewett, his wife, was 
born in Monroe County-, N. Y., October 14, 1811. 
She is a daughter of Rufus M. and Sarah (Tamp- 
lin) Cady, who were natives respectively of M.assji- 
chusetts and England, but became residents of the 
Flmpire State. Mrs. Jewett survives her husband 
and resides with her son, George M. .S., in Wau- 
kesha, where she is highly respected. 

The gentleman whose name heads this article, 
was but four years of age when he came with his 
parents to Waukesha County. His education was. 
obtained in the public schools and at Carroll Col- 
lege. At the .age of twenty he adopted the musi- 
cal profession as an occupation, and became leader 
of an orchestra. In 1881 Mr Jewett entered upon 
the study of law, which ho iiursued for some yeai-s, 
but has not as yet ajiplied for admission to the 
Bar. He was elected Town Clerk in 1884, to fill 
the vacancy caused by the death of his father, and 
has been re-elected to that office at each succeed- 
ing election. In the spring of 1893 he was elected 



450 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Village Justice, and is tlie present incumbent. Po- 
litically Mr. .Jewell is .1 Hepulilican, and socially is 
a nieiiiber of Prairie I^odge No. 23, I. (). (). F., of 
Waukesha, being V. O. 



(^ 



<-/;7^' 



L-T- 



^ 



=^ 



DAVID NORHIK, a rei)resentalive citizen, 
and an eai iy selllcr of Waukeblia Countyi 
has been a resident here since 1848. He is 
a native of Tain, Rossliire, Scotland, horn Decem- 
ber 18, 1818, being the seventh m a family num- 
bering nine children, five sons and four daugh- 
ters, of whom he is the only survivor. His fa- 
tlici', .lames Norrie, who was reared and educa- 
ted in Scotland, was a drover by occupation, an<l 
bought and sold cattle. 

David Norrie, of this record, was reared to farm 
life, which vocation he has thus far followed. In 
1812 lie bade adieu to his home and country, and 
sailed fiom (ilasgow for New York. The voyage 
consumed forty-five days, the vessel losing her 
bearings during a dense fog, however, the passen- 
gers were landed in safety at the desired port. 
Upon his arrival in this country, Mr. Norrie had 
scarcely any capital, but backed by that tenacity 
of purpose peculiar to his countrymen, he has 
made of his life a s\iccess. From the city of New 
York he went to Caledonia, in the same stale, 
where he remained two years. Proceeding thence 
to Cleveland, Ohio, he engaged as a woodman, 
but noli tiiiding his emplojer very agreeable, he 
came on to the territory ()f Wisconsin, landing in 
.IMilwaukee when it was but a small village, whose 
surroundings were anything but inviting, and on 
the whole, was a ''miserable place." Continuing 
his journey westward, he came to the town of I'e- 
waukee, where he engaged as a thresher, following 
that occupation for three years. At the time of 
his coming, Waukesha County was yet a part of 
^Milwaukee County, while the village numbered 
but a few homes and was known as Prairieville. 

In .Iinie, 1814, Mr. Nonie wedded Miss Mary 
A. Watson, a native of Cattaraugus County, N. 



Y., born September 3, 1818, near Lake Erie. Mrs. 
Norrie is a daughter of Rufus and Elizabeth 
(Southworth) Watson. Some of her ancestors 
.served in the Revolutionary AVar, while her fatlier 
was a soldier in the War of 1X12. She was edu- 
cated in the common schools of her native state, 
and was a successful teacher in that state, and 
also in Wisconsin. At the present time Mrs. Nor- 
rie is a bright, cheerful old lady, and is still pos- 
sessed of her faculties, both physical and mental. 
In the fall of 1843, she accompanied her parents 
to Wisconsin, locating in Genesee Township, 
where her father purchased eighty acres of timber 
land and erected a house, which still stands, and 
is now a part of the present home of Mrs. Norrie. 

Mr. and Mrs. Norrie have four children living, 
one son and three daughters, namel}': Amelia is 
the wife of Aldon Jackson, a teacher of this 
county; Linda wedded Burr Balcom, of Milwau- 
kee; George A. carries on his father's farm; and 
Lillie became the wife of George Weston, a mil- 
ler of Genesee. 

When our subject and his wife came to their 
present home, their capital was very meager in- 
deed, but by industrj', thrift and careful manage- 
ment they have Ijecome quite well-to-do. Their 
homestead comprises one huiuhcd and tweiity-two 
.acres in the town of Genesee, upon which a com- 
fortable home has been erected, and other im- 
provements made. 

In politics Mr. Norrie has always been a Re|)ub- 
lican, though he has never had any oflicial aspira- 
tions. He and his wife, in religious belief, are 
spiritualists, having been prontuinced in their 
views since the '•Rochester and llydeville Rap- 
pings in 1849." They have attended some noted 
seanctes at Darien and Milwaukee, Wis., and also 
at Rockford, 111. At various times the>- have ex- 
perienced some remarkable manifestations, and 
have many times held communion with the spirits 
of their dejiarted friends. Also in their home 
they have entertained, at investigations, such per- 
sons as Mrs. Mary ILayes Chynoweth, Mrs. Ph(vbe 
Colton, .lames Peebles and J. O. Barrett, reputed 
mediums. At these meetings "rappings," "table 
tappings" and "communications" were consid- 
ered. Mr. Norrie and John Wagner are consid- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1 .') 1 



ered the most i)n)iK)uiice(l .spiritual i.s(,s in Wau- 
kesha County. 

Mr. and Mr!«. Norrie are kind, hospitable people, 
and their home is always open to their friends, 
and especially are tlicy pleased to entertain those 
who wish to investigate the wonderful mysteries 
connected with the science of spiritualism. 

TIIOIMAS QUINLAN, President of the Vil- 
las;e Board of Pewaukee, is one of the 
well known citizens of that place, having 
made it Ins home for nearly thirty years. Mr. 
Quinlan was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, 
being a sou of William and ]M:iry (Juinlan, who 
were also natives of the Emerald Isle, where the 
latter died. William (Quinlan followed the trade 
of blacksmith for a livelihood. In 18()4 he emi- 
grated to America, sailing from Qneenstown to 
New York. Coming direct to Wisconsin, he lo- 
cated in Pewaukee Township, where he resided 
until 1868. He was a devout member of the 
Catholic Church, and at his death was interred in 
the Catholic cemetery in the town of Menomonee. 
On coming to this country he became identified 
with the Democratic part^-, to the principles of 
which he gave iiiKiualilied allegiance. Of the 
children of William Quinlan only three crossed 
the ocean: Mary, now Mrs. Kusick, came to the 
United States in 18a2 and located in Pewaukee 
Township; Thomas came next, and Bridget fol- 
lowed some five years later. 

Thomas (Quinlan was left motherless when a 
small boy, and consequently much of the private 
instruction which only a mother can give, was 
wanting in his case. However, he received a com- 
mon school education, but as soon as old enough 
he was taught the trade of blacksmith in his 
father's shop. Having mastered his trade he de- 
cided to try his fortune in the New World, and in 
18()0 set sail from lyiverpool for New York, t.'iking 
thirty-seven days to make the voyage. Coming 
direct to Pewaukee he made a short stop, and 
then engaged at his trade with William IJlair, of 
Waukesha, where he worked for some three years. 
The next two years he spent in Milwaukee plying 



his trade. In 1805 he set up shop for himself in the 
town of Lisbon, where he continued a 3'ear, after 
this buying the shop of .S. T. Bolles in the vil- 
lage of Pevvaukee; he has since carried on a pros- 
perous business, covering a period of twenty- 
eight years. Mr. Quinlan is recognized as one of 
the best workmen in the county, as is attested 
by the liberal patron.age he receives. 

While in Waukesha Mr. (Quinlan was married to 
Miss Ann Coleman, who was born in Ireland, and 
when young came to the United States. This 
union has been blessed with four children: Char- 
les H., Thomas E., William B., and .John J. The 
first named is in the lumber business at Pembine, 
Wis., and the second keeps hotel in the same 
place. William took a law course in the State 
University, graduating in the Class of '94, and is 
now practicing law in Marinette, Wis. John .1., 
who was educated in the public schools of Pewau- 
kee, has been assisting his father in the shop since 
seventeen years of age. Mr. Quinlan was called 
upon to mourn the loss of his wife in 1880. She 
was an active member of the Catholic Church, as 
is also Mr. Quinlan. 

In politics our subject is a stanch Democrat. 
For some seven or eight ^-ears he has been a mem- 
ber of the Village Board, and is now serving as 
its President. He has been Town Treasurer one 
year and now holds the olHce of Supervisor in 
his town. Mr. (Juinlan is an industrious worker, 
having for twenty-eight years liammered out an 
honest living at the old shop, where the ring of 
his anvil ma^' ^et be heard. 



^ "\ ^ILLIAMH. SLEEP, Vice-President of 
V/ V/ the National Exchange Bank of Wau- 
kesha, has been a resident of this coun- 
ty since 18,'')7. He is a native of England, born 
in Cornwall County July 18, 1848, and is a son of 
.loliri and .\nn Sleep, who were also natives of 
England, and were descended from old families of 
Cornwall. Mr. Sleep received his piimary educa- 
tion in his native country, and in 1857, being 
then nine years of age, accompanied his parents to 
the United States. The family came direct to 
Wisconsin and settled in Waukesha, where the 



452 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



molher, a brother and two sisters still reside, and 
where the deatli of the father occurred in January, 
1882, at the age of sixt3'-nine years. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this article acquired his education in 
the public schools at Waukesha. In 1870 he was 
ajipointed to a subordinate position in the State 
Industrial .School located here, but by capable and 
faithful discharge of duty won promotion in Jan- 
uary, 1878, to the position of Assistant Superin- 
tendent, and for the same reason was advanced to 
the Superintendency on the ir)th of December, 
187'.). He continued to discharge the duties of 
that important ollice for over eleven years, or un- 
til a change of state administration caused his re- 
tirement July 20, 1891, for political reasons. Dur- 
ing his term of ollice the school prospered and 
many improved methods were introduced. The 
children under his care sometimes numbered over 
four hundred, whicii made the duties of the position 
arduous, requiring of the head of the institution 
good executive ability, great patience, firmness 
and unremitting attention. Mr. Sleep's successful 
management of the school for such a long period 
proved his possession of these (pialities in a marked 
degree. On his retirement from the management 
of the Industrial School, Mr. Sleep became con- 
nected with the National I^xchange Bank in the 
capacity of a stockholder and Director, and later 
as second Vice-President. He is actively identi- 
fied with the management of the bank, and with 
others had charge of the erection of the new bank 
building at No. 407 Main Street. 

On the 7th of May, 1873, Mr. Sleej) was united 
in marriage at Waukesha with Miss Ilattie A. 
Bennett, a native of Rutland, Vt., and a daughter 
of Albert and Hopse\ Bennett. Her family is de- 
scended from old New England ancestry. In 18.5.') 
her parents came to Waukesha, where her father 
passed the remainder of his life and where her 
mother still resides. ISIr. and Mrs. Sleep have 
ft)ur children, two sons and two daughters, name- 
ly: Alice Mabel, Ilatlic Maud, Walter Irving and 
LeRoy William, all of whom were born in Wauke- 
sha. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sleep and their children attend 
the Congregational Church, with which several 



members of the family are connected. In politics 
he is a Republican, and by his fellow-citizens has 
been chosen to fill a number of official positions: 
for the term of 18'J2-93 he served as President of 
the village, and for a number of terms has been 
chosen a member of the Board of Trustees. He 
was one of the incorporators of the Ken il worth 
Real-estate & l^oan Company, of whicli he is Presi- 
dent. Socially he is a Knight Templar Mason, 
belonging to Waukesha Lodge No. 37; Waukesha 
Chapter No. 37 and Waukesha Commandery No. 
23. 

In every position to which Mr. Sleep has been 
called he has exliibited that determination and 
thoroughness characteristic of tlie people from 
whom he comes. His administration at the In- 
dustrial School was the longest, as well as one of 
the most successful and satisfactory, that institu- 
tion has ever had. 



^P 



T7> RNST JIKRTON, of the firm of Ryan & 
I Cy Merton, lawyers of Waukesha, lias been a 
resident of AVisconsin since 18.5(), and of 
Waukesha since thesummerof 1889. He was born 
near Berlin, Prussia, Germany, August 9, 1848, 
and is a son of Joachim and Jane (Braun) Mer- 
ton. In 18,56 he came to the United States with 
his parents, who settled in Milwaukee, Wis. His 
mother's death occurred in that city, while his fa- 
ther is still a resident there. 

Our subject attended the Lutheran parochial 
school of Milwaukee until fourteen years of age, 
when he left home to make liis own wa3- in the 
world. He began working as a farm hand near 
the Cream City, but later removed to Walworth 
County, where he pursued the same line of work. 
Hoping to get into something more congenial to 
his tastes, he entered upon the study of law in the 
ottice of James Merrill, of East Troy, Walworth 
County, and was admitted to the Bar in 1877. He 
at once opened an ollice in Builiiigton, Racine 
County, and entered upon the ])ractice of his pro- 
fession. Mr. INIerton was successful from the start 
and soon built up a large and lucrative practice. 




GEORGE W. WILLIAMS. 




NANCY A. WIIJJAMS. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



457 



In 1883 he was admitted to practice in the Supreme 
Court of Wisconsin. In political affairs lie is a 
Democrat, :ind lias taiicn an active part in state 
and national politics. The citizens of Burlington 
showed their appreciation of the young lawyer bj' 
electing him President of tlieir village, and re- 
elected him until lie resigned the otiice when he 
removed to Waukesha in the summer of 1889. In 
1884 he was the candidate of his party for Con- 
gress in the First Wisconsin Congressional Dis- 
trict, but was defeated as the district was hope- 
lessly Republican when that parly was united, as 
it was on that occasion. The Re[)ublican major- 
ity in the district usually ran from four to six 
thousand. 

On the 2d of February, 1808, Mr. Merlon was 
married in East Troy, Wis., to Miss Evlyn Adams. 
Mrs. Merton was born in Schoharie County. N. Y., 
and is a daughter of Henry and Catherine Adams. 
When two years of age she came to Walworth 
County with her parents, and was reared and edu- 
cated in East Troy. Mr. and Mrs. Merton have 
three children living, and have lost one. Belle, 
the eldest, is the wife of II. N. Cliesley, of Wau- 
kesha, and is the mother of one child. Henrietta 
the next in order of birth, died at the age of two 
years. Lillian is third in the family, and Ernst 
Hal is the youngest and the 011I3' son. Mrs. Mer- 
ton is a member of the Congregational Church, 
while her husband and daughters are Baptists. 
.Socially he is a member of Waukesha Lodge No. 
46, K. P., and of Prairie Lodge No. 23, I. O. O. F. 

On coming to Waukesha, Mr. Merton formed 
the existing law partnership with T. E. Ryan. 
The firm has done a large and coiislanll3' increas- 
ing business, and is now acknowledged to rank as 
one of the foremost law firms in tliecouiily. Prior 
to and since locating at Waukesha, Mr. Merton 
has, by his ability and industry, alwa3'S commanded 
and enjoyed a large practice, and has been emi- 
nently successful ill his profession. He has ac- 
cumulated a valuable property in real estate, both 
in the country and vill.age, and outside of his law 
piaclice does quite an extensive business in real 
estate, buying and .selling for himself. 

Mr. Merlon has been the architect of his own 
fortune, and lias good reason to be satisOed with 
13 



the result of his labors. While a mere boy, hav- 
ing had but meager opportunities for securing an 
education, he set out for himself as a farm laborer, 
and by his own efforts unaided, and by strict in- 
tegrity, has arisen to an honorable and responsible 
position in the worhi. 



/^ EORGE W. WILLIAMS (deceased) was 
Vj ^ born in the town of Russell, Hampden 
County, Mass., on the 5tli of March, 1810. 
The family is of Welsh origin. When Mr. Will- 
iams was ten years of age, his parents, Dudley and 
Mary (Yale) Williams, removed to Portage County, 
Ohio. On the 21st of April, 1833, he was married 
to Miss Nancy A. Ferr}', who was born in Amherst, 
Hampshire County, Mass., March 11), 1817, and 
was a daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth (Gilbert) 
Ferr3'. In the fall of 1832, Mr. Ferry removed to 
Portage County, Ohio, where Mr. and Mrs. Will- 
iams (irst met. In May, 1841, with their only 
child, Mr. Williams and wife started from tlieir 
old home in Ohio, in a one-horse wagon, and came 
all the way to Oconomowoc by that conveyance, 
such household goods as they possessed having 
been shipped by lake to Milwaukee. The family of 
three arrived where is now located the city of 
Oconomowoc, on the 22d of May, 1841. Here 
Mr. Williams exchanged his horse and wagon for 
a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land 
on section 28, and erecting a cabin, settled with 
his family fifty-three years ago. I'pon this prop- 
erty he resided until his death, which occurred April 
17, 1893. 

Mr. Williams and wife became the parents of 
seven children, six of whom died in early child- 
hood; only one, Mar3' Elizabeth, survives the death 
of her father. She was the second in order of 
birth, and is a native of the Buckeye State. She 
now resides with her mother at the old homestead. 
She has been twice married and has two sons, 
George W. Muiiger and Dr. Dudley A. lladlcy, of 
Oconomowoc. 

Mr. Williams was a most exemplary and re- 
spected citizen. He was one of the prominent 



458 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



founders of the Methodist Episcopal Ciuiich of 
Oconomowoc, and was ever one of its liberal sup- 
porters. A man of strong convictions, lie was 
by nature afifeetionate and kind hearted, comin.ind- 
ing the respect of all wlio knew him. 

In his political connections Mr. Williams was a 
Republican, but he never sought oflicc at the hands 
of his party, preferring the quiet walks of life and 
the society of his friends and family to all other 
enjoyments. He and his worthy and faithful wife 
journeyed through life together for the long period 
of sixty years. Mrs. Williams and their daughter 
reside at the old homestead, a jileasant place ad- 
joining the city limits of Oconomowoc on the 
north and near the north liaiik nf Fowler Lake. 



.aj^ ..vg^ >3;<^ vMA.-. ^Ji^>\l<^ J 



. ^M«^ ^^U^ ^«^ v»lg^ •^'f^ 

T'^/iv^ tglc* ^it* >5ic* ^Jie* 



HON. KLISH A I'K.VKL. For lifty-lwo years 
has this sterling old gentleman been an 
honored citizen of Waukesha County, 
having located in this part of Wisconsin in the 
spring of 1812. Mr. Pearl is a native of Windham 
County, Conn., where his birth dccuired March 
7, 1819, he being the third in a family com[)i-ising 
two sons and a daughter born nnlo Kufus and Ab- 
igail (Hyles) Pearl. Of this family our subject is 
the only survivor. His father, who was a native 
of Windham County, Conn., was born in 1787 and 
died on the '22d of June, 1819. He received such 
educational advantages as the times of his youth 
afforded, and on reaching maturity engaged in the 
manufacture and sale of cotton goods, being one 
of the first to embark in that business in this coun- 
try, to which occuiialion he devoted his entire 
life, lie was a Christian gentleman and often ex- 
horted in public. His wife, who was a native of 
the .same county as her husband, was born on the 
14th of January, 1799, and died on the 13th of 
February, 1894, at the advanced age of ninety- 
five years and one month, her death occurring in 
Ashford, Conn. 

Elisha Pearl grew to manhood in the New Eng- 
land States and there received an academic educa- 
tion. He learned the trade of cabinet maker in 
Brookfield, Mass., though he well remembers the 



old mills in which his father carried on business. 
At the age of twenty-one years he began life on 
his own responsibility with a cai)ital of *2,(I(I0. In 
181 1 Blr. Pearl and Mr. Richmond came tv> the west 
on a prospecting tour, their destination being Wis- 
consin, while the object of the trip was twofold, 
namely: to secure for the former a promising field 
in which to locale and to recuperate the hitter's 
health. Tliey landed in Milwaukee in the spring, 
from which place they went overland to Prairie 
du Chieii, thence by boat to St. Louis, and from 
there to Cincinnati, where a few days were spent. 
From the (Jueen City the journey was continued 
by canal to Cleveland, thence by the lake to their 
home in the east. However, this was not the first 
visit Mr. Pearl had made to the territory f)f Wis- 
consin, having made a trip west in lf<;i9. 

In 1842 iMr. Pearl bade adieu to his New Eng- 
land home and emigrated to Wisconsin. (Joing 
to New York City he took a steamer on the Hud- 
son River to Albany, thence to P>uffalo by way of 
the Erie Canal. From that city he shipped on a 
side wheeler bound for Milwaukee, and on arriving 
at the latter port was taken .ashore on a "lighter." 
There were not more than one hundred houses in 
Milwaukee at that time and they were poor at that. 
There were |)eilia|)s twelve stores in the place, one 
of which was carried on by SoUmion .hineau, who 
was a conspicuous person in the hamlet. There 
was not a railroad in the present state of Wiscon- 
sin, nor were there any of the factors of civiliza- 
tion that go to make a great state save in their in- 
fancy. Air. Pearl first stopped at the "Cottage 
Inn," well known to many of the earlier settlers 
of this part of the state, at which he had put up in 
the summer of 18;i9. Where the large depots of 
the different railroads now stand was a swamp, the 
old light house stood near that of the Chicago & 
Northwestern, and in 18.'^9 he said he could have 
gone over the entire Third Ward in a boat. From 
this state he has witnessed the growth of the city 
until it is one of the most prosperous in this sec- 
tion of the country. Coming at once to Wauke- 
sha County, Mr. Pearl located on a claim of three 
hundred and twenty acres of land in the town of 
Lisbon, a part of which forms his present farm. 
His first habitation, which still stands, was a board- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



459 



ed up shanty, and so far in advance of the log 

cabin was it that it was at once conceded by the 
settlers to be tlie home of an aristocrat. Indians 
and deer abounded in the country; tiie former 
often passed by his liome, while he has seen as 
many as fifty of the latter in one drove. Ox teams 
were used in carrying on the work of liie faiinand 
for drawing the grain to market, which, almost 
without exception, meant hauling it to Milwaukee, 
that being the nearest market. The roads were 
what were called corduroy, made of logs and laid 
side by side across the road and were most misera- 
ble. Mr. Pearl was a resident of tiie county when 
it was set off from that of Milwaukee, and has 
tlierefore been identified with it since and before 
it liad an existence as Waukesha County. The 
first school house erected in the town of Lisbon 
W!is built a little northwest of his iiome and was 
known as No. 2, thougii tlie location was afterward 
changed. In the early days tiie settlers met at the 
iioiisc to hold churcli services and their first churcli, 
which was erected by tlie Baptist organization, was 
built at Merton. 

February 22, 18-14, Mr. Pearl married Miss Sarah 
Trowbridge, a native of Asiifoid, Windham Coun- 
ty, Conn. Mrs. Pearl's birth occurred on the 13th 
of January, 1820. She grew to womanhood in 
the "Nutmeg State" and there received a common 
school education. Mr. and Mrs. Pearl became the 
parents of four sons, two of whom are living, 
namely: Edward S., who was educated in the com- 
mon schools, is engaged in agricultural pursuits at 
Merrillon, .lackson County, Wis. He was one of 
the brave boys who went in defense of his country 
and served faithfully as a soldier. For a wife he 
chose Miss Louisa Eastman, by whom lie has tiiree 
dauglilers. Eugene, the youngest of the family, 
is an artist by profession, liis place of residence 
being in the city of New York. His education is 
largely the result of his own exertion. His wife 
was Mrs. Julia (.Sherwood) Saunder. The deceased 
sons are: Pliilip H. and Frank Hichinoud. Philip 
H., the eldest of tiie family, was born Xovember 
17, 1844, and died August 14, 1887. His primary 
education was aciiuired in tlie public schools, after 
which he was a student in Waylaii<l .\cademy at 
Beaver Dam for one year. He also pursued his 



studies in Wesleyan Academy, where he remained 
a year or two, at Wilbraham, Mass. In the latter 
institution he wjis a tutor for some time. He was 
a successful teacher and was employed in the schools 
of Hartford, Conn., for seven years, being Princi- 
pal of the Union Graded School. In ijolitics he 
was a Heiniblican. He married Miss Mary .lane 
Spencer, by whom he had a son and daughter. 

In his political sentiments Mr. Pearl was an ul- 
tra Aliolilionisl, but on the organization of the 
Republican party he espoused the principles advo- 
cated by it, and has ever continued to support its 
men and measures. He has voted for such men as 
John P. Hale, Gen. John C. Fremont, Abraham 
Lincoln, and well remembers the Harrison and 
Tyler campaign. As an ollicial Mr. Pearl has been 
a valuable citizen, having served as Chairman of the 
Town Board one year; he was Assessor of his town- 
ship for several terms, and was connected with the 
public schools as an officer. In 1853 he was the 
choice of his district to represent their interests in 
the Assembly, and it was during this session that 
Judge Hubbel was impeached. In religious faith 
Mr. and Mrs. Pearl are members of the Baptist 
Church of Merton, in which he has been a Trustee 
since the organization of the society'. Of their 
means they give liberally to the support of the 
church and its various benevolences. 

The Pearl estate now comprises one hundred and 
seventy-eight acres of the original tract, and lies 
within three miles of Pewaukee. The beautiful 
farm house that adorns it is one of the comforta- 
ble residences in the township, and the family' who 
reside in it are numbered among the honored and 
worthv pioneers of the town of Lisbon. 



«<^ 



HENRY C. MELCHEH resides on section 
5, in the town of Summit, within the cor- 
poration of the city of Oconomowoc, 
where he settled in the spring of 1878. His estate 
comprises forty-three acres, of which some four- 
teen lie within the city limits. Mr. Melcher has 
made all the impiovements on this property, 
which is now very valuable, and has a pleasant 



460 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



liome and other substantial buildings. He was 
liorn in Greene County, N. Y., on tlie lOtli of Octo- 
bcT, 18.50. In 1H,')3, his fatiiei-. Chistoplier Melcher, 
emigrated to Wisconsin, :ind settled in the town 
of Rubicon, Dodge County. At the time of his 
coming to tliis stale, the famil}' consisted of par- 
ents and three cliiidren, and since becoming resi- 
dents of Wisconsin, foiir children have been born. 
Christopher Melcher removed from Dodge County 
to Washington Ct)unty in 1871, and later moved 
to the town of Siininiil. lie resides williiu the 
city limits of ()ct)nom()woc. where he has made a 
pleasant home, having twent, -three acres of land, 
which has greatly increased in value since he pur- 
chased it. Of the seven children born unto Mr. 
and Mrs. Christoiiher Melcher, four are living. 
Henry C. is the eldest. Augustus, the second in 
order of birth, is a resident of Sprague, Wash., 
where he is engaged in leaching and farming. 
Walter S. is a resident of Hartford, Washington 
County, Wis. Mrs. Cora Nichols, of Milwaukee, 
is the only daughter now living. Those that 
have passed away are Mary, who was the wife of 
Giles Wilcox, born in 1818. and who died in 1876; 
Emma, who died in .lune, 188.'5, at the age of twen- 
ty-six years, and Charles Lewis, who died at the 
age of fifteen years, in October, 1877. 

Christoi)her Melcher vvas a native of Holland, 
and came to the United States at the age of about 
twenty years. For a number of years he lived in 
Greene County, N. Y., and was there married to 
Sophia Horning, a native of the province of Baden. 

Henry C. Melcher was born in Greene County, 
N. Y., and was about three years old when he 
came with his parents to Wisconsin. He remained 
at liome till after his marriage, which was cele- 
brated on the Gtli of April, 1876, the lady of his 
choice being Miss Kittie Parsons, daughter of 
George Parsons. The latter was a native of Corn- 
wall, England, where he grew to manhood and 
married Agnes Hicks. In 1851 they emigrated 
to America and settled in Eagle, Waukesha Coun- 
ty. Mr. Parsons is a Methodist clergyman, and 
now resides in Kenosha County, Wis. Mrs. Mel- 
cher was born in Elkhorn. Walworth County, June 
10, 18,')7, and was one of six children, of whom 
but three are living. Mary, the eldest, is at home; 



Mi*s. Melcher is next in order of birth; and John 
is a resident of Menomonee Falls, Waukesha Coun- 
ty. The deceased were, James, who died at the 
age of nineteen years; George, who passed away 
aged six years; and an infant son. The parents 
were called upon to mourn the loss of the two 
older sons in the same year, 1870. 

Henry C. Melche;- and wife have three children, 
Alberto, fieorge, and a daughter, Marian. Mr. 
Melcher is one of the well known citizens of Ocon- 
omowoc. He is a member of the Board of Alder- 
men, having been elected in 1893. In politics he 
is a Republican, antl cast his maiden vote for Pres- 
ident Cirant. 

^ P • 



\ '\ 4;ILLIAM E. MAYIIEW, a successful 

V/ \ ' farmer of Eagle Township, Waukesha 
County, was born at Port Stanley, 
Canada, on Lake Erie, September 1.5, 184,5, being 
a son of Edwin and Nancy (Burgess) Mayhew. 
Edwin Mayhew's birth occurred in Suffolk, Eng- 
land, on the 16th of .luly, 1816. He received a 
good education, was a great reader and a man of 
superior mental aliility. In 18,'il he came to Can- 
ada, where he learned the trade of blacksuiith. 
There, in 1841, he married Eleanor Chubb, who 
died a year later, leaving an infant child which 
soon after joined her. In 1844 he wedded Nancy 
Burgess, who was born in London, Canada, though 
her parents came from England. From that time 
until 185.5 Mr. Mayhew pursued his trade at differ- 
ent places, then located at Memphis, Mich., where 
he continued for ten years. In 1865 he removed 
to Wayne Township, La Fayette County, Wis., at 
which place his death occurred, April 12, 18'j;{. 
His widow still makes that her home, and now is 
in her sixty-fifth year. Both were identified with 
the Episcopal Church in early life, but later joined 
the Methodists, lie was very fond of music, and 
as he had some talent in that direction was very 
helpful in church work. Of the twelve children 
born to himself and wife nine survive. 

The oldest of the above family is the gentleman 
whose name heads this record. He was but ten 
years of age when he became a resident of Michi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



461 



gan, wlieie he grew toman's estate. His oppor- 
tunities for giiiiiiiiij an education were sucii as tlie 
common schools afforded; in fact he was attending 
school when the war broke out. Fired with the 
patriotism of youth he enlisted in the army, hut 
as he w.as of sucii tender age his father would not 
consent to have him go. After waiting some time 
he again enlisted with a similar result. At last he 
obtained his father's consent and was ready to go, 
but by that time no more soldiers were needed; he 
therefore again devoted his energies to working on 
his father's farm and in his shop. 

Mr. M.ayhew was married in Milwaukee, March 
5, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Robinson, a native of 
Pontiac, Mich., and a daughter of Marshall and 
Mar}' A. (Johnson) Robinson. Mrs. Mayhew was 
but four years of age when she lost her mother and 
was therefore reared by her uncle, Allen .Johnson, 
of Milwaukee. She and one sister are all that re- 
main of her father's family. After their marriage 
Mr. and Mrs. Mayhew began their domestic life 
upon a farm in La Fayette County, Wis., but a 3'ear 
later moved across the state line into Illinois to en- 
gage especially in growing tobacco. He had a fine 
crop but in one night it was cut down by frost 
and so utterly destroyed that he received but $17 
for bis year's work on that crop. In 1874 he re- 
moved to the town of Eagle and purchased eighty 
acres of land, which forms part of his present farm. 
From time to time he has added to his original 
tract until he owns three hundred and sixty acres, 
of which fort}' lie on the beautiful body of water 
known as Eagle Lake. Mr. Mayhew has done much 
to improve his farm, having erected a good farm 
house, barns, and made other substantial improve- 
ments. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Mayhew con- 
sisted of four children, of whom the oldest two, 
Walter and Harrv, went to the Normal School at 
Valparaiso, Ind., but ere the}- had been there a 
week the former was Uiken with scarlet fever and 
the latter a few days afterward. The parents went 
to them and ministered to their wants until they 
were sufiiciently recovered to bring them home. 
Harrj' caught a severe cold which resulted in an ! 
abcess over his right eye, from which he died 
March 23, I8'.t2. His loss was deeply felt in the 
home, as he was a bright boy and a great comfort ) 



to his |)arents. Walter fullj' recovered and is now 
assisting his father on the farm. Arthur E., the 
next child in order of birth, died in his third year. 
Eugene W. completes the family. Mrs. Mayhew 
IS a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
Eagle, where her husband is Superintendent of the 
Sunday-school. 

In his ])olitical preference .Mr. Mayhew was a 
stanch Republican until the rise of the Prohibition 
party. Thoroughly detesting the liquor trallic, 
with all its attendant evils, he espoused the prin- 
ciple of ijrohibition and has since been a leader of 
that party in his community. He is also a mem- 
ber of the CJood Templars Society. In all social 
and mora! (juestions he takes a deep interest, being 
ever found on the side of virtue and sobriety. 



*5^ 



"^^ 



HARRY R. COOPER is a native born citi- 
zen of Waukesha County, and a scion of 
one of the leading families of the town 
of Pewaukee, in which he is a representative and 
prominent farmer and stockman. His birth oc- 
curred on the 2lth of October, 1862, he being the 
youngest in a family of four children, two sons 
and two daughters, born of the union of Jo.seph 
and Eleanor (Roberts) Cooper. The other mem- 
bers of the family are: Lizzie, who is a resident of 
Pewaukee; Mary, who became the wife of Wilson 
Vance, a farmer of the town of Pewaukee; and 
George, who is a clerk in a commission store in 
St. Paul. Minn. The latter was a student at Car- 
roll College. 

Joseph and Eleanor (Roberts) Cooper were na- 
tives of Lincolnshire, England, where they were 
reared, and whore their marriage was celebrated. 
The former was born March 7, 1828, and died 
December 2'J, 1893. The latter, whose birth oc- 
curred May 28, 1827, is living a retired life in the 
village of Pewaukee. In England the husband 
followed the occupation of a farmer. In 18.j2 
he and his wife bade adieu to home and country 
and sailed from Liverpool for the I'nited States. 
The voyage across the ,\tlantlc Ocean consumed 
six weeks. Coming direct to Wisconsin they lo- 



462 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cated in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Count}-, 
where for two years he was employed bj' the year, 

receiving for his services about 4'125 in money 
and his house rent. In 1855 Joseph Cooper and 
George Roberts bought eighty acres of land and 
they have been in i)artnersliip ever since, owning 
at the time of liis death two hundred and ten and 
a-lialf acres of land. The first home is still stand- 
ing, now doing service as a wagon-shed. Indians 
were quite numerous, though they were for the 
most part remnants of the tribe of Winnebagos, 
the others having given way to tlie civilization of 
the white men and removed farther westward. 
Deer and other game could still be found, and oc- 
casionally an elk would be seen. The settlers cut 
their grain with the old-fashioned cradle then 
threshed it out on the floor made for that purpose, 
using oxen to tranip it out or threshing it with a 
flail. P'ather Cooper many times aided his neigh- 
bors in sowing the seed, as he had learned that 
thoroughly in Knghind. Me was industrious and 
frugal and b}' the aid of his estimable wife accum- 
ulated valuable property. The farm is supplied 
with an abundance of spritig water, making it one 
of the uiost desiiable stock farms to be found in 
this section. The}' also owned eight acres in the 
village of Pewaukee. 

Mr. Cooper was a man who devoted his time ex- 
clusively to his farming interests, havingmo aspi- 
rations for positions of honor and trust. One 
thing in which he took great pride was the mak- 
ing of excellent and lasting improvements in the 
highwa3-s, and for twent}' years was connected 
officially with that deiiarlment of the town work. 
In politics he exercised his right of franchise irre- 
spective of party, voting for such men as in his 
judgment seemed best lifted to execute the laws 
of the country. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the head 
of this article is well and favorably knowu in the 
towns of Waukesha and Pewaukee, the latter hav- 
ing been his home during his entire life. Me grew 
to manhood on his father's farm, his youth being 
si)enl in attendance at the public schools of his 
town, where his primary education was obtained. 
A man of exceptionally bright intellect, he has 
supplemented his school training by observation 



and extensive reading, thus becoming a man of 
wide information. On the 25th of June, 1886, 
Mr. Cooper wedded Miss Nellie R. Whitehead, and 
to them have been born five children, two of 
whom are deceased. The living are George and 
Joe, twins, and N. Ruth, the youngest in the 
hfuisehold. Mrs. Cooper is a native of this coun- 
ty, born M.ay 1, 1860, and is a daughter of Thom.as 
and Mary Ann (Iliggins) Whitehead, who were 
natives of the city of London, February 1, 1832, 
marking the date of the former's birth, and March 
18, 1833, that of the latter. Their marriage oc- 
curred on the 14th of February, 18.")6, and a few 
months later witnessed their arrival in Waukesha 
County. They located in the town of Lisbon, 
where they still reside. Of their eleven children 
eight are living. 

In politi'^^'s Mr. Cooper is a Democrat, and takes 
a lively interest in the success of his party. Ills 
first Presidential vote was cast for Grover Cleve- 
land during his first candidacy. His ideas and 
thoughts are sound and logical upon the princi- 
ples of Democracy, as he is a man who keeps well 
posted upon the current topics of the da>-. In 
an official capacity he has been called to serve in 
a number of positions; he was elected Side-Super- 
visor in 181)1, and so faithfully performed the du- 
ties of that otlice that in the spring of 181*.'! he was 
chosen Chairman of the Town Board, being b}' 
virtue of his office a member of the County Board, 
which position he still holds. In the councils of 
that body Mr. Cooper has been one of the most 
active and untiring workers. A special meeting 
w.as called in July, 181)3, its object being to vote 
the bond for paying for the new court house. 
Messrs. McCarthy, Cooper and ShuUis were the 
committee selected to audit the Sheriffs and 
Count}' Clerk's ortices, which necessitated a great 
deal of work. 

Upon the death vi his father Mr. Cooper as- 
sumed complete charge of the homestead, as be- 
fore stated, one of the most valuable stock farms 
in the county. He has brought the water from 
the springs in pipes to his residence, which adds 
greatly to its convenience and comfort. i5esides 
his farming interests Mr. Cooper is a stockholder 
ill the Pewaukee Creamery Company, which was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



463 



iiK'oiporaU'd in l.S'.i.'i, iiiid is in :i lluiirisliing con- 
dition. They ship Uirgely to Milwaukee and 
Chiciigo, the returns each month being very satis- 
factory. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are respecters of all moral 
and religious le.iclungs. At their home, which is 
one mile from Pewaukee, tlieir friends are sure to 
lind a cordial welcome. Though a young man Mr. 
Cooper is prominently identilied with the business 
affairs of liis town and county, and in the truest 
sense is classed among the representative citizens. 



(^ 



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^ 



HON. HENRY CLASKN, one of Brook- 
field's earlj' settlers and leading citizens, 
is ;i native of Mechlenbiirg-.Schwerin, 
Germany, where his birth occurred February 10, 
1829. His i)arents, John and Caroline (Krepline) 
Clasen, were natives of the same province, where 
they spent their entire lives. The former was a 
man of intelligence and education, and for many 
years served as Burgoin .aster. He lived to the ad- 
vanced age of ninety -eight years, dying in 1887. 
His wife, the mother of our subject, died at the 
age of sixty-eight. 

Henry Ciasen enjoyed good educational advan- 
tages in his native land, having attended the com- 
mon schools, and also received private instruction. 
His knowledge of Knglisli, in which he is well 
versed, has been accpiired in business and by read- 
ing. Until ' twenty years of age he remained 
under the parental roof, then, on the 1st of 
June, 1849, he severed home ties and sailed for 
Quebec, reaching that port after an eighty days' 
voyage. The vessel in which he came was a two- 
mast Knglish coaling vessel, which at the best was 
not a very desir.'ible ship in which to put to sea. 
Disaster came near overtaking the one hundred 
and twenty emigrants on board before leaving 
Scotland. Many severe storms were encountered 
and tlic pa.ssengers desi)aired of ever seeing land 
again. On arriving at Quebec, a new but more 
appalling danger confronted them in the form of 



cholera, which was raging in that city. Not one 
of tiie passengers will ever forget his feelings as 
be saw funeral procession after funeral procession 
pass in gloomy array. Mr. Clasen remained there 
but a few days, when he continued his journey 
westward to Milwaukee. For a month he w.as em- 
ployed in a general store in that city, then meet- 
ing a brother-in-law who iiad also conic; from fle'- 
many, he accom|)anied him to llic town of .Menom- 
inee ami remained with him 111! the following 
spring, when he secured employment from Mr. 
Thomas, who later served .is District Attorney 
of Waukesha Count3\ Mr. Clasen helped to put 
up a sawmill at Hrooklield .Junction, the proprie- 
tors of which were Messrs. B.acon and Popel. The 
mill was built for the purpose of getting out tim- 
I bers for the railroad which was being constructed 
westward from Alilwaukee. Having spent the 
fall and winter at the mill, Mr. Clasen purchased, 
in the spring of 1851, forty acres of partially im- 
proved land on section 32, of Menomonee Town- 
ship, remaining there live years. Having dis- 
posed of that i)lace he visited Iowa and Minnesota 
with a view to locating, but liking this counts- 
better, returned and bought eighty acres on sec- 
tion 20, of the same town. In IHGO he secured 
twenty-three acres of timbered land in the town of 
Brookfield, on which he erected a store, residence 
and saloon. Failing health had caused him to em- 
bark in mercantile pursuits, but his success in that 
line has demonstrated the wisdom of his choice. 

In 1861 Mr. Clasen was appointed Postmaster 
atMarcy, the papers being signed by President l^in- 
coln, and he has filled the office acceptably since. 
In March, 18.51, Mr. Cl.a.sen was married in the 
Lutheran Church at West Granville, Milwaukee 
County, to Miss Mary Weis, a daughter of Fred- 
erick Weis. Mrs. Clasen was born June 1.5. 1829, 
in the same neighborhood as her husband, and w.as 
educated in the same school. In company with John 
Bose_v, a brother-in-luw of Mr. Clasen, she came 
to the United States. Of this union were born eight 
children, though only three survive. "iVilliam J., 
who was born in Menomonee Townshi|), April 7. 
1855, is a prosperous farmer of the town of Brook- 
field; Fred J., born on the old homestead in the 
town of Brookfield, November 10, 185C, is a mem- 



464 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ber of the law linn of Caniev, Claseu ik Walsli, of 
Waukesha, Wis.; Cliurlcs P., wlio was also Iwrii on 
the old homestead .June 21, 1869, operates bis 
father's farm. 

Ollicially Mr. Clascn has been one of the most 
prominent men in his township. In 18.58-59 he 
served his town as Assessor, anil in 1801 was 
chosen Treasurer of the same; for three terms he 
was Chairman of his town, and for a number of 
years was Side-Supervisor and Town Clerk three 
years. In 1873 he was honored by election to the 
Legislature, and in 1882 was made County Treas- 
urer. Though he has always been a nominee of 
the Democratic party, his official acts have ever 
been prompted b^' a desire to serve the people 
rather than to advance any party interests. The 
Clasen family is one of prominence in the com- 
munity, and all arc members of the Evengelical 
Association of Urookfield Township. Mr. Clasen 
has no reason t-o regret that he lias become a citi- 
zen of the United States, for here he has met with 
financial success, and has been honored in a marked 
degree by his fellow-citizens. 



REV. RICHARD D. HANISCH, pastor of the 
Reformed Church of New Berlin, is a na- 
tive of Kattowitz, Oppeln hilesia, Ger- 
man\', born December 30, 1863, and was baptized 
in the Catholic faith at Bogutschuet Kreis, Katto- 
witz. His parents are Richaid and Franziska 
(.Vnslikewitz) Hanisch, wlio since their coming to 
Wisconsin have made their home in Milwaukee, 
where the father is a professor of instrumental and 
vocal music and languages, being- a fine classical 
.scholai and a distinguished linguist. 

The subject of this sketch received his primary 
education in the common schools of his native 
village, then took a course in the Elbing High 
School, going next to Muenchen, where he spent 
two years in the high school. After completing 
his studies in the latter city his parents removed 
to Breslau, where he enlisted in a West Prussia 
cavalrj' company, known as the Ulanon, with 
which he served three 3'ears. At the expiration 



of his term of enlistment he decided to come to 
America, and sailed from Bremen to Nevv York, 
where he arrived in 1882. (ioing to Rochester, 
N. v., he took up his residence with his parents, 
wIk) with three children had preceded him to 
that city in 1878. Here he again resumed his 
studies, entering the Rochester German Academy, 
where he pursued a two 3ears' course in the study 
of languages. Two years more were consumed in 
the Rochester Seminary, an institution devoted to 
practical training and the study of languages. 
While a resident of Rochester, Rev. Mr. Hanisch 
made the acquaintance of a pastor of the Reformed 
Church, Rev. Mr. Orundlach, the aciiuaintance 
ripening into a life-long friendship that has played 
an important i)art in the career of the former. 
Through his valuable counsel and the aid of a 
well selected library, the latter led Mr. Hanisch to 
feel that he could best serve his Master as a min- 
ister of the gospel in the Reformed Church. Ac- 
cordingly, through this noble friend's intercession 
this society sent him to the Mission House at 
Franklin, Sheboygan County, Wis., where he took 
a three years' course, graduating with honors. 

During the progress of his studies at this insti- 
tution INIr. Hanisch formed the acquaintance of a 
very lovable lady by the name of Miss Louise Lan- 
genberg, a daughter of Conrad and Louise Lan- 
genberg, natives of Lippe-Detmold, Germany, 
who arc numbered among the early settlers of She- 
boygan County. Mrs. Haniscli is a native of 
Franklin, where she was born Ma>' 5, 1860, being 
the second in a family of five daughters. The 
3'oung couple have two children, Paul E. and 
Norma Pauline, who are natives of the town of 
New Berlin, and the i)ride of the home. 

New Berlin was the first charge held by Mr. 
Hanisch, where he arrived on the I3tli of Novem- 
ber, 1890, accompanied by his bride. He is an 
earnest and enthusiastic worker and justly beloved 
by his congregation. The church over which he 
presides was incorporated .September 7, 1861; the 
society was organized .June 25, 1856, its promoters 
being Abraham lvern,.laeob Wagner, Daniel Schley 
and Philip Streader. The present brick edifice 
was erected in 1865, at a cost of #1,400, a bell be- 
ing added later at a cost of $58. Also $800 were 




S. L. WORTH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



467 



expended in a parsonage and schoolhouse, tlie latter 
being built the same year as the cliuroli. Alxjiit 
forty families are mcnil)crs of the cliurch, whicii 
with the Sabbatli-school, is in ;i most nourishing 
condition. Since tlic incorporation of the chincii 
in 1864, the following p.astors have served: Na- 
thaniel Ruetenilc, II. A. Winter. K. L. Kemni, Au- 
gust Becker, A. G. Gekelcr, II. A. Vriesen, .1. A. 
Schoon,and Rev. Mr. Kocmnicrer, the latter being 
the immediate predecessor of the present pastor, 
Rev. Richard I). Hanisch. 

The gentleman whoso name heads this article is 
the eldest of a family of five children. Edinond, 
the next, is still in the Fatherland, where he is em- 
ployed in the service of the King's Railway of 
Obcrschlesinger as engineer. Otto learned the 
printer's trade, and is now in Salt Lake Cit3', Utah 
Amelia, the oldest sister, became the wife of George 
Wert, a machinist of the same city. Fannie, the 
youngest of the family, resides with her sister, 
Mrs. Weit. The family resided for some twelve 
years in Rochester, N. Y., after coming to this 
counlrv, iirior to their removal to Milwaukee, Wis. 



-f= 



=+ 



ERSOM L. WORTH, though not numbered 
among the earliest pioneers, has been a 
resident of Waukesha County since 18.5."), 
and has taken an active part in its growth and 
develo|)n)onl since that time, lie is a native of 
Greene County, N. Y., born in the village of 
West Catskill, on the banks of the beautiful Hud- 
son, April 9, 18.30, and was the fourth in a family 
of four sf)ns and three daughters whose parents 
were .lohn and Matilda (Anson) Worth. .lohn 
AVorth was a native of New England, and when a 
young man served as a soldier in the Warof 1812, 
being stationed for the most part on Long Island. 
In after years he used to tell his sons how the 
British (leet anclKued in Long Island Sound, liut 
were hidden from the American forces by the 
dense fog that prevailed, and of the formidable 
array that was presented on the rising of the fog. 
In polities he w.os a Democrat, while in religious 



faith he and his wife were members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. Both spent Iheir hast 
days in the Empire State, and were laid to rest 
not far from their old home. Of their children 
there are five now (1894) living. Emma Ann is 
the wife of .lerre Day, a laborer of Coxsackie, N. Y. 
Serson L. is the subject of this sketch. John II. is 
a joiner of Cairo, N. Y. Clarissa J. wedded George 
Benter, of Catskill, of the same state, by occupa- 
tion a boatman on the Hudson River; and Lottie, 
who is the widow of Mr. Patterson, resides in Bos- 
ton, Mass. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this biography grew up in the region 
made famous by the stoiy of Rip N'.an Winkle and 
has many times been on the point called "Rip Van 
Winkle's Nose," the place where the sleep was 
represented as having taken |)l.ace. I'ntil fifteen 
years of age he remained at hoiiie, but at that time 
began a career of which he has no reason to bo 
ashamed. The educational advantages enjf)_yed 
by him were very meagre, .as in the summer his 
services were in demand on the home farm, and in 
winter such heavy snows fell that the children 
could not attend, many times snow falling to such 
a depth that the teams drew the wagons and sleds 
over the tops of fences. The first wages IVIr. Worth 
received wore 8(!..o() per month, being em|)loycd at 
this rate for five months. For a time he boated on 
the Hudson between Catskill and New York, and in 
18.")4 worked on the sloop "Catskill" under Capt. 
,lohn Manning. During this experience he became 
quite familiar with the city of New York, visitinsf 
the various places of interest in it and the sur- 
rounding cities of Brooklyn, Port Jarvis, Hoboken, 
.Jersey City and Newark. In the fall of 185') Mr. 
Worth came to Wisconsin on a prospecting tour, 
and being well pleased with the country, decided 
to make a permanent location. He worked some 
live months for Hon. .I.N. Cadliy, and received 
iJlO per month. When he came to Wisconsin he 
brought with liiiii xS.'id, whicli constituted his en- 
tile capital. In 18,08 he purchased eighty acres 
of partially improved land on section II, in the 
town of Morton, becoming inilebted ¥l,2()(l for the 
same. By untiring industry and careful manage- 
ment he not only paid for, but added to his acre- 



468 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



age and improved and cultivated his farm. In 
1866 Mr. Worth disiio.sed of one hundred and 
twenty acres on section 11, and bought an equal 
amount on section 13, wliicli forms a part of his 
present homestead. The log house upon it stood 
uiilil 1893, though his present residence was erected 
in ISTfi. Ili.s |)l.ni-o is known as the Hickory Grove 
Farm and comprises one iiundred and seventy 
acres of vuluahlc land. Besides carrying on his 
farming inlere.-.ts Mr. Worth w.is engaged in the 
season in thieshiiig; beginning in 1858 he con- 
tinued in tlial line niilil 1891, and had the repu- 
tation of being one of Hie best threshers intlie 
county. 

On the -llh of .Inly, 18.59, Mr. Worth wedded 
Miss .Josephine Molster, a native of Portsmouth, 
Oiiio. Mrs. Worth was born on the loth of .June, 
1838, and was a daughter of .lohn C. and Sarah A. 
(Lewis) Molster. Mr. and Mrs. Wortii became the 
parents of tliree sons and a daughter. William ,1., 
who was educated at Wayland Academy at Beaver 
Dam and at llie Milwaidcee Business College, as- 
sists in operating ins father's farm; Martin L.,vvho 
is also at liome, was cduc-ated in tlie common 
.scliools; and Louis, who is the youngest, is at 
liome. Tillie, the only daughter, was a student in 
Carroll College for alioul two years. She was a 
young lady of many graces and beauties of char- 
acter, and her dcatli, wliich occurred on the 17th 
of May, 1891, robbed her social circle of one of 
its brightest members and the home of one of its 
most precious treasures. Mr. and Mrs. Wortli have 
shared the ))leasures and sorrows of life for a pe- 
riod of tiiirty-six years, and they hope to pass the 
remainder of their lives in tlieir comfortable home 
in peace and contentment. 

Mr. W^orlh has always supi)orted the measures 
of the Democratic p.arty, voting lirsl for Franklin 
Pierce, who vvas the Presidential candidate of that 
liarty. lie has been selected by liis fellow-ttjwns- 
meii to represent their interests in both county 
and state conventions at different times. As an 
official he possesses tlie full conlidence of his con- 
stituents. As Assessor he served in 1860, '61 and 
'65, and in 1873 was elected Chairman of the 
Town Hoard. Me is a friend of the public school 
system and believes in increasing its efficiencj- 



wherever possible. As a citizen he stands high in 
the estimation of all who know him, and is re- 
spected for his integrity and honor by a wide cir- 
cle of friends and acquaintances. 



mA 



vb: 



\^ 



©EORGE W. YERKES, lumber dealer of 
Eagle, is a native of Monioe County, 
Mich., where his birth occurred November 
8, 1840. The Yerkes family in America sprang 
from two brothers who emigrated from Germany 
and located in Philadelphia about two hundred 
and forty years ago. One kept hotel, Jtnd the 
other manufactured edged tools. At Honesdale, 
that state, David S. Yerkes, the father of Geoige 
W., was born April 23, 1807. When nineteen years 
of age he married Miss Caroline Calkins, also a 
native of Pennsylvania. In early life the father 
was a pilot on the Susquehanna River, but soon 
after his marriage removed to Michigan, thence to 
Canada, and then back again to Michigan. After 
coming west he was continuously engaged in the 
lumber business .as his father before him had been. 
During the reign of "wildcat money," from which 
Michigan suffered most grievously, Mr. Yerkes 
lost everything, and in 1848 came to Grafton, 
Wis., where for two years he ran a sawmill. For 
three or four years thereafter he ran a sawmill near 
Saukville. He subsecpientl}' moved to Barton, 
AVashington County, wliere he operated a sawmill 
for a time; he also ran one at Young America, which 
burned, being a total loss. After that he rented 
the mill at Barton for a year or so, and then for 
thirteen years did teaming between Barton and 
Richfield Station. Tlie Last twenty years of his 
life he p.assed at the home of his daughter. He 
was a Democrat in politics, and was honored by 
election to various town offices. Though reared 
under the teachings of the Presbyterian Church, 
he became a strong Universalist. His good wife, 
vfho traveled life's rugged road with him for 
forty-five years, passed away on the 6th of June, 
1871, and on the 1st of January, 1894, he joined 
her. The family born to Mr. and Mrs. Yerkes con- 
sisted of seven children. Marion became Mrs. Phil- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



469 



lips, and resides at Amherst, Wis.; tbe second 
daugliter, Mis. Mnrilhi Nelson, lives at tiie same 
place; Oliver canios on fanninu; near Colby, this 
state; Hannah died of sunstroke in Michigan, in 
1844; Mrs, Lucelia Baker makes iier home in Ne- 
braska; (Vorge W. is tiie next, and Sarah is mar- 
ried and lives in Tienton, Wis. 

The gentleman whose name heads this article 
was a lad of ciglit years when lie cime to Wiscon- 
sin. His education was ac(iuirod in the district 
schools, which he attended but little, as since 
twelve years of age he has hatllcd liis own way in 
the world. I'ntil fourteen years of age he worked 
at whatever lie could find to do, then in the Young 
American Mill above spoken of he spent three 
years in learning the miller's trade. For twenty- 
three 3'ears he followed that business in Wisconsin, 
Illinois, Iowa and iMiehigan. In 1868 he and his 
brother-in-law began to erect a mill at Nelsonvillc, 
Wis., but ere it was done Mr. Yerkessold out to his 
partner. After spending some time in Illinois he 
returned and ran the mill for his brother-in-law, 
clearing for him, within twelve months, $12,000. 
Having bought a farm near Ft. Atkinson, Iowa, 
our subject devoted himself to agriculture for 
some four years, then sold his place and clerked in 
a store at Rockvale, Colo., for a time. In 1884 
he came to Eagle, and in partnership with II. E. 
Salsich, purchased the lumber yard of demons & 
Hall, the new linn being George W. Verkes it Co. 
For the past eight years they have also dealt in 
furniture. They keep a well assorted stock of 
lumber, besides coal, lath, shingles, stucco, plaster, 
hair, etc. 

Mr. Yerkes was married in the town of Trenton, 
W.ashington County, December 1, 18()G, to Miss 
Martha Baker, daughter (jf .losepli Baker now of 
Canon City, Colo. Mrs. Yerkes was born in Eng- 
land, and wlien a small girl came to the United 
Slates with her parents. She is a member of the 
Episcopal Church. Mr. Yerkes was made a Mason 
in the spring of 18fi7 at West Bend, Wis., and now 
belongs to Robert Morris Lodge No. 115, of Eagle, 
While Water Chapter No. 60, and Waukesha Com- 
niandery No. 23. Of the former he has been 
Treasurer, .lunior Warden and Senior Warden. 
To that order his father belonged sixty-six years. 



Mr. Yerkes Is a Republican in politics, and when 
the exciting events of the war came on he enlisted 
in the three months' service, but after drilling six 
weeks with handspikes and wooden guns at Wau- 
kesha, orders came to disl)and the company- and 
accept those who would enlist for three years. 



_o?5 



"oi 



ig^i"i^ll^^i= 



WILLIAM B. FAY, who at this writing 
(1894) is Mayor of Oconomowoc, is a 
representative of one of the pioneer 
families of Waukesha County, and is himself a 
native of that city. His father, George W. Fay, 
was born in BriKlilon. Middlesex County, Mass. 
on the 9tli of July, 1811. His parents were Put- 
nam and P'.lizabeth Fay, who came from early New 
England families, (ieorgo W. Fay, being the son 
of a farmer, was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
but quite a portion of his life was spent in mer- 
cantile business. In 1844 he came to Milwaukee 
from Boston, where for two years he had been en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits. In .luly of the same 
year he went to (Jeonomowoc and engaged in mer- 
chandising and farming. In the former he was 
associated with AV. W. Collins for six years. It is 
wortliy of remark that this was the first regular 
store on the site of Oconomowoc, and its estab- 
lishment was an event of considerable importance 
in the history of that enterprising cit}-. After six 
years of merchandising, Mr. Fay removed to a 
farm, but a year and a-half later leturiied to OcfV 
nomowoc. Some time afterward he purchased the 
La Belle House, which be conducted for many 
years. 

Mr. Faj' was three times married: On June 17, 
1834, he was united in marriage at Woburn, Mass., 
to Abhy P. Tuffs, a native of Medford, that state, 
who died on the 22d of September, 1841. By 
this union Mr. Fay had two children: George 
P., born .luly 19, 18.36; and Abby L. P., born 
August 29, 1841. 'i'he latter became the wife of 
E. B. Parsons. August 10, 1843, Mr. Fay wedded 
Abby S. Collins, who died on "the 4tli of .June, 
1846, leaving no children. At Monroe, Wis., 
he was married to Miss Rebecca A. Parsons, Sep- 



470 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tember 30, 1847. Mis. Fay in a native of Bangor, 
Me. Tlu'ir two ciiildreii, William 15.. born Septem- 
ber 19, 1849, and Mary E., born September 14, 
1854, are both residents of the city of Oeononio- 
woc, that lieiiig tiieir native place. 

The death of (leorijc W. Fay occurred at his 
home in the above city, of which he liad been a 
resident for almost a half-eentury, on November 
in, 1891, at the ripe age of a little more than 
eighty- years, lie was ])romineiitly idciitilied with 
the early growth and development of Oconomowoc. 
With W. \\. Collins he was its first merchant and 
to the close of his life was ever solicitous for its 
material welfare. He represented his ward in the 
City Council a number of times, and .as a citizen 
was respected and esteemed. Ills widow and her 
two children still occupy the old home in the city. 

William r>. Fay, who, as before stated, is Mayor 
of Oconomowoc, has served five terms in that 
capacity. All his life has been spent in that city. 
He was educated in the public schools there, and 
at Law^rence University. Since 1871 he has con- 
ducted a large livery and sale stable. Mr. Fay lias 
has been Chief of the Fire Department of his na- 
tive city, of which he was a charter member, for 
twelve years. He is a genial and popular citizen, 
and in politics is a Republican. 



~<g i 



!>-^^<i 



cejs=^ 



LAUREN BARKER, a pioneer of Waukesha 
Cy County and a veteran of the late war, is a 
native of Jefferson County, N. Y., born 
February a. 18.'57, and a son of William S. and 
Abigail ((ileason) Barker. The former's birth oc- 
curred in New Hampshire on the 25tli of July, 
1873, while the latter was born in Vermont, .Iiily 
5, 1791. Jlr. (ileason served as a minute man at 
the battle of Lexington. Their marriage w.is cel- 
ebrated in Vermont and soon afterward they set- 
tled in New York, where their children were born 
and where they continued to reside until their re- 
moval to Wisconsin. The IniNband was a farmer 
by occupation, which he followed throughout life. 
They were the parents of seven children, three 



sons and four daughters. Their eldest son, A. G. 
Barker, Ixirn September 7, 1817, was reared and 
educated in his native state. He held a First Lieu- 
tenant's commission under William H. Seward, of 
New York. In the spring of 1844 he came to Wis- 
consin by way of Buffalo and Milwaukee, his object 
being to locate a home for himself and his father's 
family. Coming to Waukesha County he pur- 
chased eighty acres of timber land on section 17 
in the town of Brookfield, but in 185G he removed 
to Fond du Lac County. In 1845 the family sailed 
on the "Andover" from Oswego, N. Y., for Mil- 
waukee, where they arrived after a voyage of three 
weeks. From the Cream City they were brought 
to Brookfield by some of the early settlers through 
the instrumentality of A. G. Barker, the eldest son, 
who, as stated, had preceded them. Arriving in 
June the family remained at the home of Henry 
Tew, a farmer on section 19, until their own house 
could be erected. In Se|)teinber the log house, 
20x24 feet in dimensions, was comfileted. It was 
covered with oak shingles, had two windows and 
one door, and was divided into rooms by sheets. 
One luxury with which it was furnished was an old 
stove that was bought of a departing settler. This 
was quite a modern home and a decided improve- 
ment mxin the earlier cabins. The other members 
of Mr. and Mrs. Barker's family were: Eraeline M., 
born March 10, 1819, married Jacob Ka3',and with 
her husband accompanied her parents to Wiscon- 
sin. She died November 21, 1845, and was laid 
to rest in Pewaukee cemetery on section 2.'3, this 
being the first burying ground incorporated in 
that town. Sarah, the third child, was born No- 
vember 24, 1821, and became the wife of Valen- 
tine Crossman, who came to Wisconsin but re- 
turned to New York. Her demise occurred on the 
3d of December, 1885. Louisa, born September 
12, 1826, is the widow of James Alexander and 
resides at Rock Elm, Pierce County, Wis. Hannah, 
born October 22, 1828, wedded A. W. Hansen, a 
farmer of Dodge County, Wis., who died in Buf- 
falo County, Nob., while she passed aw.ay at Rock 
Elm. William, born October 7, 1830, is engaged 
in agricultural pursuits near McGregor, Clayton 
County, Iowa. Lauren, the subject of this article, 
is the youngest. The parents were devout mem- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



171 



bers of the Methodist Kpiscopal Church, and in 
politics the father was at lirst a Wlii-^, but after 
the organization of tlie Republican party voted 
for its men antl measures. Tlie niotlier departed 
this life January Ki, IH-Ofi, nnd (lie f:itlier on Uie 
4tii of April, 18GI. 

Lauren Harker lias been a resident of this county 
for almost half a century, and in tliat time has 
witnessed the marvelous change that lias taken 
place in this portion of Wisconsin. Since his com- 
ing it has donned the dignity of statehood, and 
the then heavy forests prevailing here have given 
place to well cultivated farms. Nor has he been 
an observer onl^', but has been a active participant 
in this growth and development. A lad of eight 
years when he came, his boyhood and youth were 
spent in aiding his father in clearing and improv- 
ing his farm. On the 7tli of March, "1864, Mr. 
Barker wedded Miss Isabolle, daughter of Thomas 
and Ann (Balfour) Scott. The parents were na- 
tives of Scotland and emigrated to America in 
May, 1842, sailing from (Glasgow to New York, 
where they arrived after a voyage of six weeks' 
duration. They came west by way of Albany, 
Buffalo and the Lakes to Milwaukee, and in 1843 
located in Brookfield Township. There the father 
died in 1851 and the mother in 1863. After the 
death of her husband the latter w.is married to 
W. T. Donaldson. By these marriages she became 
the mother of eight children, four sons and four 
daughters: David, a farmer of Pierce County, Wis.; 
Mrs. Barker, wife of our subject; Mary E., de- 
ceased, the wife of WMIIiam Tew, of Duiidas, Rice 
County, Minn.; Walter A., of P'erndale, Iluinboldt 
County. Cal., a proiniiii'iil business man and pub- 
lic adminislralor; .le.ssie Ann, the wife of A. F. 
White of section 17, Hrooklield Township, and 
Jane, the wife of Martin Sanders, a commis- 
sion merchant and fruit dealer of San Francisco, 
Cal. The children of the second marriage are 
William T. Donaldson, a hardware merchant of 
East Troy. Walworth County, Wis., and Edwin 
N. Donaldson, a poullryman.of Petaluma. Son(jma 
County, Cal. Mr.s. Barker was born October 14, 
1842, in the town of Pewaukee, near the Wauke- 
sha village line. 

Mr. and Mrs. Barker have two children, Clara 



Isabellc and Jennie Louisa. The latter is the wife 
of R. E. Le Bar, of Waukesha. Both children were 
born in the old log house and were educated in 
the Waukesha High School, Mrs. Le Bar gradu- 
ating in the Class of '87. Each taught successfully 
in the schools of this county. Augustus Barker, 
an adopted son, born February 7, 1878, came into 
their home when eight years old. He is a bright 
and intelligent boy, and like his father's by adop- 
tion his chosen vocation is the life of a farmer. 

Mr. Barker enlisted August 21, 1862, in Com- 
pany A, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and 
served with credit <Uiring the War of llie Rebell- 
ion. The company was raised at Waukesha and 
under command of Capt. John A. Williams, ren- 
dezvoused September 13, at Camp Washburn, 
Milwaukee. They were engaged in quelling draft 
riots in this and Ozaukee Counties until December 
20, 1862, when the regiment left Wisconsin for 
Cairo, 111., thence down the Mississippi to Colum- 
bus, Ky., where they arrived on the 22d. From 
this point the regiment w:is sent forward to meet 
General Forrest at Union City, but failing to find 
him as was expected, it returned to Columbus. 
With his company Mr. Barker [jarticipated in the 
battles at St. Charles and Helena, Ark., and took 
part in the Yazoo Pass Expedition, which was 
fitted out in the latter city. He was promoted 
from the ranks, September 18, 1862, to be Third 
Sergeant, and in November, I86.'5, w.as appointed 
Recruiting Sergeant, spending the winter of 18(;3- 
64 in Wisconsin in that capacity. December 17, 
1864, Mr. Barker was promoted to be Orderly Ser- 
geant, and .luly 2'.i, 186i», was commissioned Sec- 
ond Lieutenant of Company A. He was honora- 
bly discharged September 22, 186;'), at Madison, 
Wis. 

In politics Mr. Barker has always been a Re- 
publican, having cast his first Presidential vote 
for Abraham Lincoln in the year 18('>(). By his 
fellow-townsmen he has been called upon to 
(ill a number of positions, the duties of which 
he has discharged faithfully'. He has served as 
Supervisor one year; was Coroner of the coun- 
ty one term and is the present Assessor. In 
1890 he was appointed Census Enumerator of 
Brookfield Township. As Secretary of the Sol- 



472 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL Rn-CORD. 



diere' Relief Commission he has served continu- 
ouly since 1887 and is t!ie present incumbent. He 
has been Clerk of tlic school district for twelve 
years, and for School District No. 1, has been Di- 
rector and Treasurer for seven years, being a warm 
friend of the public schools. Mr. Barker is a mem- 
ber of tlie Grand Army of the Republic, and also 
of tiie William H. Cusliing Post No. 19, of Wau- 
keslia. 



i^^Cr^ 



cl 



OllN AKK, a representative farmer residing 
on section 5, in the town of Delu field, Wau- 
kesha County, is one of eleven children, six 
boys and live girls, born to Joseph and 
Hannah (Lonsborough) Ake. Joseph Ake and 
wife were born near Hull, Yorkshire, England, and 
passed their entire lives in that country, lie rented 
a farm and worked it until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1861. His uncle, who had adopted him 
in his youth, tilled the same piece of ground for 
years. His wife survived him a number of years, 
passing away in 1881. After her death, her son 
Samuel rented the tarni, and occupies it at the 
present time. 

John Ake was reared in his native country, and 
there married, April 17, 1867, Dina Gibson, also a 
native of Yorkshire, and the only daughter in a 
family of four children, whose parents were George 
and Anna (Johnson) Gibson, who were born in 
the same shire. Mr. Gibson, his wife and familj' 
came to the United States in 1869, and settled on 
section 9, Delatield Township, where the father and 
mother remained till they passed away in death. 

In 1867 Mr. and Mrs. Ake embarked on the 
steamer "Moravin," at Liverpool, England, and 
nine days later landed in (Quebec, Canada. From 
that point they came by rail to Nasliotah, Wis., 
where the husband hired as a farm hand for three 
months. At the end of that time, Mr. Ake bought 
eighty acres of his present farm with the improve- 
ments already on it for **2,,'')00. In 1882 he pur- 
chased an adjoining forty, part of tiie Klchl estate, 
for ii!2,10(i. He has improved and cultivated this 
land, untd it is now one of the most productive 
farms in this section of the county. Besides his 



farming interests Mr. Ake keeps quite a flock of 
sheep. When he and his wife came to this town, 
Indians were encamped about the lakes, and often 
came to their house to beg flour, milk, chickens, 
etc., but were always friendly toward the settlers. 
Deer and wildcats still might be seen roaming 
about the surrounding country. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ake have eight children, four .sons 
and four daughters, .loseph P. is a carpenter and 
joiner; Hannah Georgiana is the eldest daughter; 
George H. now manages his father's farm. These 
weie all educated in the district schools and St. 
John's Military Academy at Delalield. Lillian 
Sarah, the next, is also a graduate of the district 
schools, after which she attended the Rochester 
Summer School in Racine County, and also at Oco- 
nomowoc. Thomas John is working a farm adjoin- 
ing his father's; Mary Agnes is yet a student, and 
is receiving instructions in music; William Ben- 
jamin and Jennie Gertrude are also pursuing their 
studies in the district schools. 

In politics Mr. Ake is a true blue Republican, 
his first Presidential vote being cast for U. S. 
Grant. In an olllcial capacity he is Commissioner 
of Roads, and is now serving his tenth ^ear on the 
School Board of his district. He and his wife are 
members of the Holy Innocent's Church at Nasli- 
otah. 

■ — ^~)m c^ — - 



DR. FRANK F. MACHUS has been a repre- 
sentative of the dental profession in 
Oconomowoc since 1882. Dr. Machushas 
spent the greatest part of his life in that city. He 
was born in Prussia, Germany, December 1, 1860, 
and is a son of Gustav Machus, who emigrated 
from Germany to the United States in 1867. Com- 
ing direct to Oconomowoc the father settled there, 
where he still lives. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the head 
of this biography, grew to manhood in that cit}'. 
He attended the public schools in his boyhood, 
and at the age of twenty years entered the office 
of Dr. Christian Linger, then a well known den- 
tist of Oconomowoc. but now of Milwaukee. He 
remained under the instruction of Dr. Linger three 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



473 



years, two years in the former city, and one in the 
latter, after his removal to that place. 

Dr. Macluis was tiie successor of his preceptor in 
Ocouoniowoc, and at once entered upon a liheral 
and lucrative practice. He aims to keep abreast 
of tlie times in the pursuit of his profession, and is 
recognized as a skillful dentist. 

His family is numbered among the ohJcr resi- 
dents of Oconomowoc, hut not among the pio- 
neers, lie is one of a family of three, comprising 
two sons and one daugliter. The Doctor's only 
brother, Oustav IMachus, Jr., born in 1S52, is a 
niacliinist l)y trade. His only sister is Mrs. Matilda 
Schuelle, of Oconomowoc. 

Dr. Macluis' wife was formerly Mary Jones, who 
is a native of Wales. They have a son, Frank. 
Dr. Macluis is a courteous, well informed gentle- 
man, and !i popular citizen. 



' --V®, 



>^^<^ 



/•^ E. MAT TESO N, llie subject of this bio- 
^^/ graphical sketch, is classed among the ris- 
ing young agriculturists of the town of Lis- 
bon, and in connection with his farming interests 
IS engaged in the poultry business, in which he 
has a most llattering outlook for fiiUire success 
and growth. He is a native of Waukesha County, 
born May Ifi, 18r)9, and is a son of H.N. and 
Eliza J. (Ray) Matteson, who were the parents 
of twelve children, comprising seven sons and 
five daughters, ten of whom are living. Mr. Mat- 
teson 's father was a native of New York, and 
there grew to nianhond. In an early day he emi- 
grated to Wisconsin, in which he settled while it 
was yet a territory. In his political life he was a 
Republican. He died at the age of sixty-live 
years; his wife, who resides in .luiieaii County, 
still survives, being aged sixty-live 3ears. The 
maternal grandfather of Mr. Matte^^on lived to 
the remarkable age of one hundred and four years. 
C. E. Matteson was reared in .hineaii County, 
Wis., that having been his home from the time 
he was six years of age until he w.as sixteen. 
He received a common school education in the 
public schools of that county, his time being di- 



vided between farm duties and the school room. 
At an early age he began laboring on the farm, 
receiving for liis services *1 2 per month, and he 
has been an earnest toiler and tiller of the soil all 
his life. 

November 27, 188L My. Matteson wedded Miss 
Maggie Rigne^-, a native of Waukesha County, 
and a daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Dwyer) 
Rigney. Mr. and Mr.s. RLatteson have two chil- 
dren, a son and a daughter. Mary (Jertrude, the 
elder, is in school, while Charles R., the younger, 
is at home. Mrs. Matteson was reared in this 
county and received her education in the public 
schools. 

In May, 1893, Mr. Matteson located in Lisbon 
Township, where on section 29, he erected a beau- 
tiful frame residence, in every way a model coun- 
try home. As stated, he has embarked in the 
poultry business, his object being to supply, in so 
far as he can, the demands of the neighboring re- 
sorts, and to fficilitate the process as well as in- 
crease the profits therefrom, he uses an incubator. 
He makes a specialty of the well known pure blood 
"Barred Plymouth Rock" (B. P. R.). Mr. Matte- 
son has made a careful study of the business, and 
his ideas on the same are both practicable and 
sensible. His first incubator was set February 1, 
1894, with one hundred and ninety eggs, which 
resulted in a hatch of one hundred and twenty- 
six chicks, which is a good percentage. Fp to 
April 24, 1894, he had set nine hundred and 
ninety eggs. He superintended and constructed 
his entire plant, which is valued at ^2,000. Ttfe 
a model of neatness, and adapted to accomplish 
the best results at the least expenditure. At pres- 
eut Mr. Matteson h.as orders for all his chicks in 
sight, and as his home lies within a short distance 
of Pewaukee, a summer resort, and close to the 
depot of the Chicago, Milwaukee ,^- St. Paul Rail- 
road, he is bound to receive ready sale for all pro- 
ducts when he becomes better known. He also ex- 
pects to merge into the cultivation of small fruit-s, 
such as strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, 
for which he will find a ready market. His farm is 
located in the southwestern part of the town of 
Lisbon, two and a-half miles from .Sussex, two and 
a-half from Pewaukee, a like distance from Mer- 



474 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ton, and twenty miles from the city of Milwau- 
kee. 

Politically Mr. Matteson is a tnie blue Re- 
publican. His first Presidential vote was cast for 
the lamented .lames A. (iarfield. Socially he is a 
member of Merton Camp, M. W. A., at Merton, 
Wis., and in religious faith, he and his wife are 
members of the C'alholic Church of Pcwaukee, of 
whicli Father N. D. Decker is pastor. 

An industrious and energetic young man, Mr. 
Matteson is an honor to his town. Hy untiring 
effort and economy, he has made a commencement 
in life, which if well managed, will place himself 
and family in easy circumstances. Full of busi- 
ness push and energy, he is a man who enjoys the 
good will of all who know him. 



=-^^+^1=- 



FREDERICK PHELPS, like other enterpris- 
ing citizens of Waukesha, has been at- 
tracted to that village by its health-giving 
water. To eulogize that is not the object of this 
article, as Waukesha water already has a world- 
wide reputation, but rather to give something of 
the development of the Arcadian Spring and of 
liim who stands responsible for its management. 
That celebrated spring was opened for the public 
in 1885, and large bottling works, the finest in the 
village, were erected. In tlie spring of 1891 it 
was purchased by Henry Phelps it Co., who made 
additional imi)rovements. That the business might 
be more satisfactorily carried on, the Waukesha 
Arcadian Comijany was incor|)orated in July, 1893, 
with a capital of $5(),()00. The oflieeis are Fred- 
erick Phelps, President, Treasurer and INIanager; 
F. C. Phelps, Vice-President and Secretary. The 
Arcadian water is shipped to all parts of the 
United States and also to London. 

Frederick Phelps, the gentleman wiio has charge 
of this important industry, is a native of Lewis- 
town, III., born .September 4, 186(5, to the marriage 
of Henry and Anna L. (Proctor) Phelps. Henry 
Phelps was also born at l^ewistown, and his father, 
who was a pioneer Indian trader, built the first 
board house in that section. After the departure 



of the Indians, he continued merchandising for 
many years, or until succeeded by his son Henr^' 
When twenty-one years of age the latter became a 
partner of his father, M^'ron Phelps, the style of 
the firm being Myron Phelps & Son. Soon after 
the death of the father the firm name was changed 
to Phelps it Proctor, as it now stands. For many 
years Henr3' Phelps was connected with the banking 
interests of Lewistown, in fact he has been a promi- 
nent factor in the business affairs of his native place. 
The family of Henry Phelps and wife consists 
of two sons: Henry W., formerly a member of 
the firm of H. Phelps & Co., but now conducting a 
tin can factory at Hoopeston, 111., and F'rederick, of 
this sketch. The mother of this family passed 
away in 1878. 

Invents apparently insignificant in themselves 
often determine the character of great results. 
Henry W. Phelps while attending college at Lake 
F^orest, 111., became much attached to one of his 
professors, W. L. Rankin, and when that gentle- 
man was called to Carroll College, young Phelps 
became a student there. The father while visiting 
his son in college became impressed with the 
value of Waukesha water and accordingly invested 
in the Arcadian Spring, as before given. Had 
there not been a warm personal feeling between 
professor and student, in all probability Mr. Phelps 
would never have made investments in the village 
nor would his other son have become one of its 
citizens. 

From a social as well as a business standpoint, 
the gentleman whose name heads this article is a 
valuable acquisition to Waukesha. After attend- 
ing the high school of his native place he entered 
Carroll College, completing the course in 188.5. 
Soon after he entered the University of Woos- 
ter, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1889 with 
the degree of Ph. U. While in school Mr. Phelps 
met Miss Anna M. Lehman, a native of Wooster 
and only child of A. S. Lehman, a prominent fur- 
niture dealer of that place. In 1890 Mr. Phelps 
returned for his intended bride, and on November 
18 their wedding was celebrated. Of this union 
a son, Frederick L., lias been born. 

In religious belief Mr. Phelps is a Presbyterian, 
while his wife is of the Episcopal faith. Polili- 




\vilua:m m. frazier. 




MARTHA M. l-RA/.IiCR. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



479 



cally the former is a standi Repiihlican, tlioiisjli 
lie takes no active part in |)olitics, tlie prosoculioii 
of liis private luisiness being more agreealile to liis 
tastes. However in INIay, IHlll, lie was put forward 
by liis parly as nominee for PiTsidcnt of tlie vil- 
lage and was elected by a safe ni:i joiity. 






i»•^•{••^•^•r 



-< "\ ijILLIAM MKLVILLE FRAZIKR, one 

Y/\/ of the pioneer settlers of 1 8 to, of 
Mukwonago Township, was born in 
the tfiwn of Iloniei', Cortland County, N. Y., Sep- 
tember 11, 181(), beinga son f)f .lohn and Mary 
(Walker) Frazier. John Frazier was born in Wor- 
cester, Mass., while his father, who also bore the 
Christian name of .John, was a nativeof Kdinburg, 
Scotland, and a eoiisin of Brigadier-General Fra- 
zier, who fell in the British service while fighting 
against the Colonics. During the Revolutionary 
War he was pressed into the British service, and 
came to America to fight against the Colonists, 
lie was a member of Burgoyne's army, and with 
that noted general was surrendered. Later he 
went to Worcester County, Mass., where he met 
and married Miss Lovisa Phelps, a lady of Puritan 
stock, whose father was an oflicer in the American 
army in tliat memorable struggle, subsequently 
emigrating to the town of Homer, Cortland Coun- 
ty, N. Y., where botli he and his wife spent their 
last days. He was a weaver by trade, but after 
coming to this country-, found little use for his 
skill, so devoted himself to farming on a small 
scale. 

John Frazier was reared to farm life, and on 
reaching manhood wedded Miss Mary Walker. A 
farmer b}- occupation, he was ever a hard working 
man, who develo|)ed two small farms from heavily 
timbered land. I'nto himself and estimable wife 
were boin five children, one son and four daugh- 
ters, all of whom save the youngest, lived to be- 
come heads of families. Mrs. Sarah Cheney died 
in Pennsylvania at an advanced age; William Mel- 
ville was the only son; Mrs. Elizabeth Mentz died 
in Montgomery County, N. Y.; Mrs. Charlotte 
U 



Howard is a resident of the same county; and Mrs. 
Mary C. Plainer makes her home in the town of 
Mukwonago. In 1815, the parents, Ihcir son and 
one daughter came to this county. However, the 
father <lid not long live to enjoy his western home, 
as he jiassed away on the 15th of September, 1845, 
at the age of sixty-six years and two days. His 
wife, whose father was of English, and her mother 
of Holland extraction, survived him, dying Octo- 
ber 21, 1855, aged sixty-fuur years, seven months 
and twenty days. In politics, Mr. Frazier was a 
Democrat, adhering lirinly to the principles of his 
party. 

W. M. Frazier, as he is familiarly known, w.as 
reared on a timliered farm, and early learned to 
swing the ax, at which few could excel him. His 
education was ac(piiied during the winter seasons 
in the old-time subscription schools. As he was 
the only son, his services were very much in de- 
mand at home. From the time he was about four- 
teen years old, he not only supported himself, but 
assisted his father. Cntil he began to earn his 
own money, he never received, but once, as much 
as twenty-five cents at a time to spend for shows, 
Uli of .luly, etc. It will thus be seen that boys 
did not have money to spend so lavishly as now. 
When he could be spared from the farm, he hired 
out to build stone fences, and by working sixteen 
hours a day, could make *1. By supplementing 
the education he received in the school-room by 
personal reading and study, he prepared himself 
for the profession of teaching, which occiipatiorf 
he followed for five winters. 

In 1845 JIi'. Frazier, acconii)aiiied by his par- 
ents, came to Wisconsin, as stated above. Taking 
the canal at Syracuse, they came to Buffalo, and 
thence by steamer to Milwaukee. He had made a 
visit to this county in 18-10, when Mukwonafo 
was a more important pl.ace than White Water. He 
entered eigiity acres of land four miles north of 
that place, but after his return east, sold it. When 
moving west in 1845, Mr. Frazier had billed their 
goods for Southport, now Kenosha, but on the 
vessel he met Henry M. Ray, who told him of a 
four hundred acre tract he liad near Mukwonago, 
which he would sell at 14 per acre. Our subject 
at once changed the destination of his effects to 



480 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



Milwaukee. The land lay on sections 21 and 25, 
twenty acres of which were lnokeii, though covered 
with girdled burr-oak. It had a line log houi<e 
upon it that had been erected for a hotel at a cost 
of i'iOO, but it was near the river, and conse- 
(juently so sickly that he abandoned it and built 
a log cabin on the site of his present home. Mr. 
Frazier has been a remarkablj- hard-working man, 
and has put upon this farm a substantial residence, 
outbuildings, and other improvetnenls. My untir- 
ing industry, and ably assisted by his good wife, 
the original purchase was increased to five hun- 
dred and forty .acres. 

Mr. Frazier was married February Hi, 184'J, in 
Du Page County, 111., to Miss Martha M. Chaffee, 
a sister of Mrs. .ludge Field. Mrs. Frazier was 
born December 12, 182(), near .Springfield, Mass., 
and when about two years of age, was deprived b}' 
death of her ])arents, Albert and Cliloe M. (Hyde) 
Chaffee. Her mother died when she was about 
two years old, and thereupon her father, with four 
little children, removed to Washington County, 
Mich. All were taken sick, and the twin Ijrother 
of Mrs. Field died. The other three still survive. 
ISIrs. Frazier was adojjted into the family of John 
and Lois Thompson, and with them removed to 
Du Page County about 1835, where she grew to 
womanhood. She was (piite anxious to attend 
select school at Warrenville, and Mrs. Thompson 
also wished her to go, but Mr. Thompson, who 
feared she might get aristocratic ideas in her head, 
consented reluctantly, and that on the condition 
that Martha should wear a homespun dress, which 
she promised to do, and faithfully kept her prom- 
ise. For a number of years Mrs. Frazier was en- 
gaged in the profession of teaching. During her 
first term as a teacher she received $1 per week 
and "boarded round." Having come to visit Mrs. 
Field, she secured a school which she taught for 
!j!1.5() per week, boarding with her patrons. Dur- 
ing the next term she made her home with Mrs. 
Field, and on that consideration the Board paid 
her $2 per week, for which they were severely cen- 
sured. Mrs. Frazier is a woman of superior talents, 
and is well informed. She is an uncompromising 
advocate of prohibition and of equal puritj' for 
naen and women. She is now serving her seventh 



year as a member of the School Board; is Superin- 
1 tendent of Scientific Temperance Instruction; lo- 
cal President of the Woman's Christian Temper- 
ance I'nion, and in 1893 was a member of the 
National Woman's Christitm Temperance Union 
Convention held at Chicago. She is also Presi- 
dent of the Library Association of Mukwonago. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frazier have reared two children. 
The eldest, Lillian May, became the wife of Henry 
R. Adams, who owns part of the old F^'azier home- 
stead. She has two children, William and Flor- 
ence. The second, Martha Wilmina, married Eu- 
gene L. [xibdell. who also owns a part of the Fra- 
zier homestead. They have six children: Harvey 
R., Garth, Pearl, Ruth, Emogene and Lloyd. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Fiazier are Universalists in religious 
belief. Ilis first Presidential vote was cast in 
favor of Martin Van Buren, and from that time 
until the rise of the Republican party, he upheld 
the men and measures of the same. He has been 
a life-long temperance man, and when the Prohi- 
bition party arose embodying his views, he joined 
heartily with that, and is a strong advocate of its 
|)rinciples. He is opposed to the saloon in every 
form and all that pertains to its support. In an 
oHicial caiiacit^- he has served his fellow-townsmen 
as Chairman, and also as Side-Supervisor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frazier arc among the old land- 
marks of Mukwc)nago Township, and by the peo- 
ple who have kuown them for so many years arc 
held in the highest esteem. For nearly a half-cen- 
tury they have lived in this county, and in its 
progress and development have taken an active 
|)art. 



eHARLES FRANCIS SHERMAN is one of 
the oldest settlers of Eagle Township, and 
is a man well known throughout that sec- 
tion. He is a native of Weathersfield, Vt., born 
September 26, 1836. Of the same town his father, 
Leverett Sherman, was also a native, while his 
mother, Sophronia Weld, was born in Reading in 
the same state. As far back as there is any ac- 
count the family has lived in Windsor County, 
Vt. In 1837 this pioneer couple started on their 



PORTllAIT AND BIOGR^VPIUCAL RECORD. 



481 



westward journey, fomin<r hy the Erie Canal and 
tlie lakes In Milwaukee, liienee by ox team to tiie 
town of Eagle, wliere tlie_y arrived on the 2;')tli of 
Oetober. In the sprirnr of tiic same year diaries 
Sherman, a hrotlier of Leverett, and IChenezer V. 
Weld, a l)rother of Mrs. Shciiuaii, liad come to 
AViseonsiii and made a temporary location south 
of Palmyra Pond in Walworth County, while 
they could scour the surrounding country and 
find a desirable location. The former claimed the 
northwest iiuarter of section 7, on winch he and 
Mr. Weld erected a shanty. On the arrival of 
Leverett .Sherman and family tliey found this 
rude home a welcome slieller. The Sherman 
brothers jointly entered the hind from the (tov- 
ernnient, as neither had sutlicienl means to pa}' 
for a quarter-section. Leverett Sherman was a 
man of good business ability-, industrious and en- 
ergetic. To the original purchase lie added from 
time to time until he owned nearly three hundred 
acres. In 1843 he erected a barn which still 
stands and forms a part of the present one, owned 
and used by the subject of this sketch. Later a 
good farm residence was substituted for the 
primitive shanty. In politics Mr. Sherman was 
an old line Whig, and under Territorial (iovern- 
ment served as Justice of the Peace. In religious 
faith he, as well as his wife, was a Spiritualist. 
Both have long since passed to the spirit world; 
the former, September 1, 1854, and the latter, 
A])iil 16, 18G8. Mr. Sherman was one of seven 
children, of whom only two survive, Charles, of 
Watseka, 111., and Mrs. Harriet Leach, of Palmyra, 
Wis. Mrs. Sherman was one of a family of six chil- 
dren, all of whom have passed away. This estima- 
ble couple had but two children, the gentleman 
whose name heads this biogra|)hy, and Laura E., 
who enjoys the old home with him. 

C. F. Sherman Is a gentleman of good attain- 
ments, having been a close observer and student 
all his life. Until eight years old he attended the 
district schools, lioth winter and summer, and 
after that occasionally during the winter. In 
1855 be was a student for a time in the State 
University, then taught two terms, and in 1857 
entered Milton Academy, where he siieiit two 
terms. In 18U0 he conducted the school in the 



district in which A. IJ. ITinkley lives. For some 
twenty years thereafter Mr. Sherman actively en- 
gaged in farming. Asa student and a writer on 
political economy, our subject has gained more 
than local notoriety. Having made a careful 
study of that subject since 1877 he is thoroughly 
conversant with it in ail of its branches, though 
he has given especial attention to the subjects of 
money and labor. In 1802 ho issued a pamphlet 
entitled, " How 1 Kecame a (ireenbacker," and 
ill I8i);i he published another pamphlet entitled, 
" Fiat Money," wliicli was a scries of letters 
on that subject, written for the New York Tn'/)- 
■une by himself and Hon. R. fi. Ilorr, Member 
of Congress, the former arguing for, and the 
latter against, the issuing of such money. Re- 
gardless of one's views, he must admit that Mr. 
Sherman handK'<l the subject in a masterly way. 
He has also delivered lectures and written articles 
oil economic (lueslions for leading journals. 

Mr. Sherman's jjolitics are founded upon Ins 
ideas of the nature of things: that all people have 
eipial lights to the spontaneous productions of the 
earth, as well as to its natural facilities, land, air 
and water; that to settle all differences of opinion 
which might arise as to individual interests, and 
to carry out enterprises too vast for individual 
effort, governments may be formed l)asing their 
foundations upon their principles of justice; that 
the most obvious of these, next to the right of 
life and libert}-, is tlu; right of tlie producer or 
preserver of wealth to enjoy the full value of his 
labor. He holds that while beyond the natural 
products of the earth all increase of wealth is due 
to labor, yet that the forces of nature tend to dis- 
integrate and destroy it, and that its preservation 
even is due to other labor which has the same 
natural right as that of the producer and should 
have the same protection. If the wealth of the 
non-laborer is preserved or increased, it must he 
by the use of others' labor who are defrauded. 
Therefore, usury or intei-est is wrong and ouglit 
to be abolished. For this purpose Mr. Sherman 
advocates secured loans of money by the general 
government for limited terms and in limited 
individual amounts, without interest; and to pre- 
vent too great n volume of inonev from accnau- 



482 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



latino among the people he would iiave govern- 
ment depositories. This system, lie thinks, would 
promote co-operation in ialxir, prevent labor 
troubles, and raise the standard of intelligence 
and virtue. He also advocates a government tax 
upon all excessive fortunes, ranging from one to 
five per cent, per annum; believing that there is a 
greater difference in fortunes than there is in 
men. lie advocates government ownershi)) and 
control of national utilities and corporate control 
of all local public utilities, for the public good 
rather than the upbuilding of vast fortunes; and 
the abolition of the spoils system in office by pay- 
ing no greater salaries for public service than is 
necessary to secure good services. He does not 
believe that an}' permanent improvement can be 
made in the condition of the common people 
under the present financial system. All money of 
whatever material formed is a representative of 
value and of service done by some person to the 
government and made legal tender. A note 
promising to p.\v money which may not be ful- 
filled IS a useless fraud among a civilized people. 
In a state of barbarism, all trade is barter, but 
among an enlightened people where all can read 
there is no excuse for a specie basis except to 
cheat the people with. While he hopes for the 
discovery and use of some better material for 
money, paper with all the safe-guards now known 
is the best we have. Money should not be re- 
deemable but convertible. Its basis is the power 
of the government to collect taxes. When money 
is issued by the government, as all money is so 
issued, service has already been done to the gov- 
ernment. The taxpayer owes service to the pub- 
lic, and the account is adjusted by means of 
money. People pretend that there is such a 
greed for gold ov silver that thev are willing to 
sacrifice much for it; it is for raonej' — the repre- 
sentative of all wealth — that we are desirous. 
Free coinage or the placing of a certain money 
value upon some products to the exclusion of all 
others, is class legislation and a wrong to all not 
so favored by the government. 

Mr. Sherman east his first Presidential vote for 
Lincoln and afliliated with the Republicans until 
the rise of the Greenback party. In religious 



thought he is a Spiritualist. lie is one of the 
very few surviving pioneers; lie has seen tliis 
country in its wildest condition; when more 
squaws were in the neighborhood than white 
wonieii and when his chililliood sjjorts were par- 
ticipated in hy the Indian children. How 
marked the changcl the wigwam has vanished, 
the hunting ground has forever been destroyed, 
and nothing remains to tell that the redman was 
a sojourner here save the names he bequeatlied to 
our cities, towns and streams. The question of 
the possession of his country is settled, but the 
question of justly distril)uting its products is tlie 
all important one, and as yet tlio one unsolved. 
To this Mr. Sherman lias given his best thought 
for years, and is an entertaining and instructive 
talker. 



r~y EORGE E. ROBINSON, residing in Ocon- 
V T oinowoc, has been a member of the Bar of 
Waukesha County since 1883. He was 
for three years associated in the practice of law 
with the Hon. Edwin Ilurlbut, after which lie 
practiced alone for a time, then became associated 
with Col. Warliam Parks, this partnership contin- 
uing two years. 

Mr. Robinson was born in Kendall County, 111., 
March 20, 1855. He e imes from New England 
ancestry; his father, .losiah A. Robinson, was born 
in Massachusetts, and when a young man went to 
the state of New York, where he married Almira 
Russell. Ill about 1815 .losiali A. Robinson emi- 
grated to Kendall Count}', 111., and in 1861 the 
family came to Wisconsin, settling in the town of 
Brookfield, Waukesha County. In 1886 Mr. Rob- 
inson, Sr., sold his possessions in Brookfield Town- 
ship and with his wife removed to Oconomowoc, 
where they still reside. 

The subject of this record is one of three broth- 
ers. The eldest, Alonzo, resides in Brookfield. 
The second in order of birth, Byron, is in Tenn- 
essee. George E. in earl}' boyhood attended the 
public school in Brookfield, and later pursued 
two years of the college course at the State Uni- 
versity. He was also two years a student in the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



483 



Law Department of that institution, from which 
he graduated in the Class of '82. After complet- 
ing his law course at the university, and previous 
to locating at Oconomowoe, he pr.acliced his pro- 
fession in Milwaukee. 

Mr. Robinson has served a number of years as 
Clerk of the School District of Oconomowoe, and 
at tlie spring election in 1893 w;is chosen City 
Clerk, discharging the duties of that oHice in con- 
nection with his |)rofcssional work. He was mar- 
ried in the city of Oconomowoe on September 9, 
I88o, to Miss Lydia Bender, a daughter of John 
Bender, a well known citizen of the town of Ocon- 
omowoe. Their boys are named Kdgar K., Byron 
L. and (ieorge C. 

Our subject is a Democrat in his political faith, 
but not a partisan as that word is usually applied. 
He believes that honest)' and ability should be 
leading recpiisitcs for political preferment. He is 
a popular and public-spirited young man, and pos- 
sesses the confidence and esteem of his fellow- 
townsmen. 



MA1{K II. SHORT. .Since 1842 this ster- 
ling old pioneer has been a resident of 
the state of Wisconsin, and since 1846 
has been a citizen of Waukesha County. At the 
time of his coming Wisconsin was ^ct a territory 
and the 3'earof his ariival in this section witnessed 
the organization of Waukesha County. Mr. Short 
is a native of Ogdensburg, .St. Lawrence County, 
N. Y., where his birth occurred on the 10th of 
October, 1834. He is the eldest and only survivor 
of a family- of five children, four sons and one 
daughter, born to George W. and Martha (McCoy) 
.Short. The father was a native of lltica, N. Y., 
and the mother, of North Ireland. The former 
was born December 19, 1811, and died April 29, 
1882; the latter, who was of Scotch-Irish ])arent- 
age, was born October 29, 1H()7, and died Septem- 
ber 11, 1887. 

George W. .Short was reared to farm life, which 
occupation he followed until Ins majority was 
reached, at that time becoming a .sawyer; later in 
life he was employed as a carpenter and joiner. He 



received only a common-school education, as most 
of his life was spent at manual labor. He resided 
in Utica with his parents until the age of four 
years, when he removed with them to St. Law- 
rence County. There he grew to manhood and 
was married to Martha McCo)', afterward moving 
to Oswego County, thence to Wi.seonsin in 1842, 
where the remainder of his life was passed with 
the exception of two years spent in the west. The 
trip to the territory' of Wisconsin was made by 
way of the Lakes. The family resided in Milwau- 
kee, then a city of two thousand and seven hun- 
dred inhabitants, where the father was employed 
as a carpenter and joiner for four years. In 1846 
they removed to Waukesha County, at that time 
a part of Milwaukee County, but organized as 
Waukesha that year, where Mr. .Short purchased 
fort)- acres of partially improved land. When the 
gold fever broke out he decided to try his fortune 
in California. The journey thither was made by 
teams across the plains and consumed four months. 
The objective point was .Sacramento, where he re- 
mained nearly two years. On the whole the trip 
was reasonably successful. He returned by way 
of the Isthmus. In his political views Mr. Short 
was an old line Wliig, and upon the organization 
of the Republican i)arty espoused the principles 
advocated by it. He and his wife were consistent 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and 
warm friends of the public schools. He was a very 
positive man, not aggressive, giving to others the 
right he claimed for himself, to have his own oiiin- 
ions on all matters. 

The gentleman whose name heads this article 
was a lad of seven years when he arrived in 
Milwaukee, and he has witnessed the wonderful 
transformation that has made of the territorj- of 
Wisconsin one of the first and most wealthy 
states in the Union. His education w.as obtained 
in the early common schools and by a short course 
at Carroll College, which has been supplemented by 
extensive reading and study. Mr. Short is a man 
of more than ordinary intelligence, who has 
largely through his own efforts become well in- 
formed. He has spent twenty-live years as a teacher 
in the public schools, in fact is truly clas.'^cd among 
the |)ioneer teachers of this section of the state 



484 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



who have played an impuitaiit part in the intel- 
lectual and moral development of the country. 
He has served as School Clerk for thirteen years, 
which shows that the people have the utmost con- 
fidence in him and that they realize that he is a 
true friend and supporter of the cause of educa- 
tion. 

Politically Mr. Short is a Kopublioan. having 
cast his first I'residenlial vote for John C. Fre- 
mont. He keeps well posted on the current topi('S 
of the day, but is not a radical party man, rather 
aiming to support those measures calculated to 
advance the best interests of the masses. In 1890 
he was appointed United States enumerator for 
Waukeslia Township, performing the duties in- 
volved in a most satisfactory manner. 

On the 28th of September, 18,58, Mr. Short w.is 
united in marriage with Miss Eveline E. Baldwin. 
Mrs. Short is a native of Montrose, Suscpiehanna 
County, Pa., born August 8, 1841, and a daughter 
of Elder .lohn S. and Polly (West) Baldwin. Iler 
parents were both natives of Pennsylvania. The 
father was born December 8, 1814, and died Sep- 
tember 15, 1884; the mother's birth occui'red April 
23, 1815, and her death July 6, 1888. In their 
family were eight children, five of whom still sur- 
vive. It w.as about 1844 when "Elder" Baldwin, 
as he was familiarly known in Vernon Township, 
also Mukwonago, came to Wisconsin. He was a 
devout member of the Baptist Church and lived 
according to the profession he made. A man of 
firm convictions and a keen sense of right, the 
cause of the oppressed slave found in liim a lieart}'^ 
supporter. 

Mr. and Mrs. Short's family comprised eight 
children, four sons and four daughters, six of 
whom are living and arc named as follows: Martha 
E., who w.as educated in the common schools, has 
been an attendant at the Industrial School in Wau- 
kesha. She is a member of the Methodist Church 
of that village. Susan K., who was for twenty 
terms one of AVaukesha County's successful teach- 
ers, became the wife of Berkley Pierce, a resident 
of Butte City, Mont. Archie M., a carpenter and 
joiner by trade, resides in the same city. .Julia A. 
is an attendant in the Protestant Orphan Asylum 
at Milwaukee. John L., who is engaged in farm- 



ing, is at borne. Laura, the youngest, was a stu- 
dent at Carroll College and has completed the 
course of stenograiihy. .She is a bright 3'oung 
Lady, a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Short are members of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church of Waukesha, of which he is 
the oldest living member, having been connected 
continuously with it for forty-six years, almost a 
half-century. They are good Christian people 
who have led an e.xem|)lary life and are esteemed 
hy a large circle of friends and ac(|uaintances. 
Their homestead comprises eighty-three acres of 
good land within one mile of the vill.'ige limits. 
Their home is located on a natural elevation over- 
looking the surrounding country. 



JOSIAIl A. WELCH has been engaged in 
the livery business in Oeonomowoc since 
1878. He is a native of Steuben County 
N. Y., where his birth occurred June 21, 1843. 
Ills father, Josiah Welch, .Sr., was also a native of 
the Empire State. In 1850 the family emigrated 
to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in the town of 
Sugar Creek, Walworth County, where the parents 
passed tlieir declining years. .Josiah Welch, .Sr., 
and wife were the parents of seven children, four 
of whom are living, namely : Freeborn, a resident 
of Onal.aska, La Crosse County, Wis.; Mrs. Jane 
Smith, a resident of the same county; Mrs. Nancy 
Bentley, of Walworth County, Wis., and Josiah A., 
of this article. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this biography was reared on his fath- 
er's farm in Walworth County, where he continued 
to live until 18G8, when he removed to Johnson 
Countj', Mo. In that state he engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits, remaining there until 1877, when 
he returned to the former county. Soon after his 
return to Walworth County Mj-. Welch formed a 
copartnership in the livery business in Oeonomo- 
woc with A. Kinney. The following year he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



485 



bought his partner's interest and has since con- 
ducted the business alone. 

Mr. Welch was maiTJed on New Year's Day. 
1861, to Miss Luc^- A. Ik-nlley, daughter of Rol)- 
ert Beutley, an early settler of La Kayette Town- 
ship, Walwoilh County. Mr. and Mrs. Welch's 
children are Ilalherl K., Hoyston and Lyie. 

In 188.') Mr. Welch erected a brick stable on Mil- 
waukee Street, 10x132 feet in size. He receives a 
liberal share of the public patronage. Honorable 
and upright in his business and social relations Mr. 
Welch has the esteem and respect of all who know 
him. Politically he is a Republican, though he has 
never sought nor accepted any olliciai distinction. 
Socially he is a member of the Kniglits of Pythias. 
For seven years, or since its organization, Mr. Welch 
has been Treasurer of the city of Oconomowoc 
Mutual Fire Insurance Company. 



1®L 



_^ 



i^^OW 11. SMI 
I 1 woe, at thi« 



1 I'll, City Clerk of Oconomo- 
this writing, 1894, is a well known 
citizen of Waukesha Cf)unty, and was one 
of the leading educators of this part of the state 
for many j'eai-s. Besides performing the duties of 
City Clerk, Mr. Smith also conducts a general in- 
surance business, in which he h.as been engaged for 
a number of years. He is also a Notary Public. 
His birth occ\irred in the town of Wolcott, Wayne 
County, N. Y., March 3, 1836. His father, Thomas 
Jefferson Smith, was born in Windham County, 
Vt., in 1804, and removed with his parents to 
Schoharie County, N. Y., when a boy. There he 
grew to manhood and married Agnes Vanden- 
bergh. Mrs. Smith was a native of that state, 
born in Otsego County, April 16, 1808, and was 
descended from Dutch ancestry. About 1830, 
they removed to the town of Wolcott, Wayne 
Country, where they resided for some fifteen years. 
In May, 1845, with their family' they removed to 
Rochester, and a year later, 1816, came tn Mil- 
waukee, when that city was but a hamlet and NVis- 
consin was still a territory. In the fall of 184G, 



the family settled in the town of Wauwatosa, Mil- 
waukee County, but later removed to Cooksville, 
Rock County, where the father died March 24, 
1873, at the age of sixty-nine years. The mother 
survived her husband many years, passing away 
in Oconomowoc, at the home of her son, Dow B. 
Smith, on the 10th of August, 1893, at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-six years. 

The subject of this sketch wjis the only son in a 
family- of six, of whom he and one sister are the 
onl3' survivors. The latter, .hilia, is the wife of 
Willi.'im Van Nortwick. of Rock Kim Center, 
Pierce County, Wis. Mr. Smith grew to manhood 
in Wauwatosa, and in 1«60 went to Rock County. 
He had received a good Knglish education in the 
public schools and at a select school, and began 
teaching at the age of nineteen yeare. In the 
summer of 1864, he entered the army of the 
I'nion .as a member of Company A, Forty-third 
Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry. Mr. Smith was 
made Sergeant of his company, and served as 
such till the close of the war, and was then mus- 
tered out of the United States' service at Nash- 
ville, Tenn., .June 24, 1865. On entering the 
Held the regiment went directly from Milwaukee 
to Nashville, and joined the Army of the Ten- 
nessee. Mr. Smitii, with his command, took part 
in a severe battle at .lohnsonville, where the 
Union troops were opposed by the famous Con- 
federate (ieneral, Forrest. Soon after this, our sub- 
ject was taken sick and was sent to the general 
hospital at Nashville. In December, 1864, he 
came home on a sick leave, and in February, 18S5, 
rejoined his regiment at Declierd, Tenn., whither 
it had gone in the meantime. Subsequent to this 
he was on detached duty at Block House No. 16, 
near Tullahfima, remaining there till the close of 
his term of service. 

Mr. Smitli now determined to qualify himself 
more thoroughly for the profession of teaching, 
and accordingly went to Milton, where he re- 
mained as a student for a time, then resumed 
teaching at Wauwatosa, at which place he re- 
mained until 1868, going thence to Oconomowoc 
as a teacher. From that time till March, lH8;i, a 
period of more than twenty years, he was identi- 
fied, as teacher, Principal and Superintfendent 



486 



PORTRAIT AND BTOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



with some of the best schools in this part of the 
state. In 1868 he established and conducted the 
Oconomowoc Academy, and in 1869 was elected 
Principal of the public schools of the city, con- 
tinuing in that capacity until 1875. Subsequently 
he was Principal of schools at Pewaukee, Merton 
and Menonionee Falls. In the sprin<^ of 1880, 
Mr. Smith became a teacher in tlie Twelfth Dis- 
trict school of the city of Milwaukee, in which 
city he remained more than five years as teacher. 
As before stated, he continued teaching till 1889, 
when he resigned his position at Menonionee 
Falls, on account of failing health, and .soon after 
was elected City Clerk of Oconomowoc. By vir- 
tue of re-election he held that olllce until the 
spring of 1893, and after an interval of one year 
was again elected to that position. 

He is a man of strong convictions, and what- 
ever he believes to be right he will adhere to 
though he stand alone. He was a successful edu- 
cator, and during his long career as teacher was 
the instructor of a large number of pupils, many 
of whom have now, not onl3' attained to manhood 
and womanhood, but even reached the middle 
period of life, and include some well known busi- 
ness and professional citizens. He carried with 
him to his official position the same degree of sys- 
tem and thoroughness that characterized his pro- 
fessional career; and his several re-elections are evi- 
dence that his labors in the interest of the public 
are appreciated. 

On April Id, 1869, Mr. Sniilli was married to 
his pre.senl wife, whose maiden name was Eliza A. 
Bradley, a daughter of W. B. Bradley of the town 
of Menonionee, Waukesha County, Wis. Mr. 
Bradley was a pioneer of the town of Menonio- 
nee, where he still resides on land entered by him 
from the Government, and his daughter, Mrs. 
Smith, was born there on the 25th of Novemberj 
1846. By a former marriage Mr. Smith was the 
father of three children, of whom Addie, wife of 
Charles B. Dockum, of Belton, Tex., is the only 
one living. A daughter, Lizzie, who was a finely 
educated and accomplished young l:i(l\, died in 
Oconomowoc, at the age of twenty-two j'ears, and 
another in Hock County, Wis., when an infant. 

Mr. Smith is prominently connected with the 



Ma.sonic order, being a Royal Arch Mason, and a 
member of Olivet Commandery at Watertown. 

He is also a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, F^astern Star, and Grand Arm^^ of 
the Republic. Mr. Smith and wife have a pleasant 
home on West Avenue, which was purchased in 
1870. 



^^*^i= 



eIIARLF;S SECOR resides on section 20, in 
the town of Oconomowoc, where he set- 
tled in 1854. But little improvement had 
been made on the place when purchased by him. 
Mr. Secor was l)orn in Orange County, N. Y., April 
25, 1818, and was a son of .lames Secor, who was 
also a native of that county. The great-grand- 
father of our subject was a native of F' ranee, and 
an early settler of Westchester County, N. Y. His 
grandfather served in the Revolutionary War, and 
his father in the War of 1812. Mr. Seeor's mother 
before her marriage was Rebecca Lewis, daughter 
of Isaac Lewis, who was also a soldier in the War 
of the Revolution. When Charles Secor was eleven 
years old, his parents removed to Steuben County-, 
in his native state, and settled near the beautiful 
body of water known as Seneca Lake. Later they 
removed to Yates County, where they passed the 
remainder of their lives. They were the parents 
of eight children, all of whom grew to manhood 
and womanhood, and five were living in 1894. 
The eldest is the subject of this biography; the. 
second is Mrs. Hannah Disbrow, of .Jackson, Mich.; 
the next is Aniasa Secor, of Scliu3ier County, 
N. Y.; Mrs. Elizabeth Ensley, of Yates County, in 
the same state, is the next in order of age, and 
Robert F. resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. The de- 
ceased were, .lames Madison, Peter and Mrs. Anna 
Maria Thayer. 

Charles Secor grew to manhood in his native 
state, and on the 23d of M.\y, 1854, was married to 
Miss Cornelia Potter, a daughter of Joel C. and 
Louisa (Randall) Potter. The former was a na- 
tive of New Jersey, and the hitter of the Empire 
Slate. Mrs. Seeor's parents removed from tlie 
state of New York, where she was born, to Illinois, 
and settled near Peoria, where they passed the re- 



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HON. M. S. GRISWOLD. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



489 



mainder of their lives. Of their five children, but 
Mrs. Secoi' aix) an older sister survive. The latter 
is Mrs. Pliu'he Pollisoii, of Illinois. The deceased 
were, fSabra, liarreland an infant son. 

Mr. Secor came to the town of Oconomowoc in 
April, 18r)4, and purchased his present farm, and 
in June of the same year, almost immediately 
after their marriage, lie and his wife settled on the 
place where they have sinee lived. 'I'lieir route to 
Wisconsin was around the Lakes from I$uffalo to 
Milwaukee, and from the latter port to the place 
of their destination by team. 

Mr. and Mrs. Secor have three children, of whoux 
Newton is the oldest; the next is Mrs. Ida M. 
Oourlie. of the town of Asliippun, Dodge County, 
AV^is., and Frank IL, at home. The^" lost a son, 
Willie, at the age of four months. They have 
seven grandchildren, and their daughter, Mrs. 
Gourlie, lost a son, Willie Secor, who was horn at 
the home of her parents on the "iOth of December, 
1881. He was an unusually bright and promising 
child, and his early death, which occurred Decem- 
ber 29, 1893, was greatly lamented. 

Mr. Secor and wife have lived in their present 
home for forty years. Their farm, containing 
ninety acres, is pleasantly located on Lake La 
Belle, and their residence, which is situated on an 
elevation on the north shore of the lake, com- 
mands a tine view of that beautiful body of water. 









HO N. M I LTON 8. GKISWULD, County 
Judge of Waukesha County and one of 
its very earliest settlers, is a native of the 
Empire State born in the town of Rockwood, Ful- 
ton County, March 23, 1839. He is the eldest of 
three sons born to Amos W. and Elizabeth (Coe) 
Griswold, a record of whom may be found on an- 
other page. 

Our subject came to what is now Waukesha 
Count3', then Milwaukee, with his parents in May, 
1844. The family settled in the town of Pewau- 
kee, where his father entered a tract of (Govern- 
ment land on section 12, and he still resides. 
Judge Griswold's early education was obtained in 



the public schools of the pioneer days of Wauke- 
sha County, which afforded but limited advantages. 
He continued to reside on the home farm until 
twenty years of age, when he entered Wiscon- 
sin State University at Madison. Being depend- 
ent upon his own resources, he made a successful 
effort and took the full classical course of study 
and graduated in the Class of '63. After complet- 
ing his university course he read law in the otlJce 
of (iregor}- ct I'inney, of Madison, and was admit- 
ted to the Bar at the June term of 1864 of the Su- 
preme Court. In September, ISfio, he formed a 
law partnership with K. J. Chase, at Madison, 
and entered upon the practice of his profession. 
One year later he was compelled to suspend l)usi- 
ness in conseiiuence of a severe allliction in the 
form of granular opthalmia, which seriously im- 
|)aired his sight for some five years. About IH67 
he moved to Menomonec Falls, where he spent three 
years, and in December, 1870, located in Wauke- 
sha, where he assumed charge of the ollice of Reg- 
ister of Deeds. He occupied that position until 
elected County Judge, entering upon the duties of 
tiiat office January 1, 1874. He served as Probate 
or County Judge four years, and then declined a 
re-nomination. At the close of his term of oltice 
Judge Griswold resumed the active practice of his 
profession, which he continued until 1893, when he 
was again elected County Juilge for the term be- 
ginning .lanuary 1, 1894. 

Judge Griswold was married to his present wife 
June 28, 1882. Mrs. Griswold's maiden name was 
Miss .Sara Weed; she was born in Heaver DaTn, 
Wis., and is a daughter of William Weed, who 
died some years ago. Previous to her marriage 
she was a teacher in the public schools of Wau- 
kesha. Two children, sons, were born of this 
union, Willard S., aged ten years, and Chester A., 
aged six years. Judge and Mrs. (Jriswold are 
members of the Congregational Church, he having 
been connected with that society for the past twen- 
ty vears. He is a Knight Teniplnr Mason, a mem- 
ber of Waukesha Lodge No. 37, A. F. iV A. M.; of 
Waukesha Chapter No. 37, R. A. M., and of Wau- 
kesha Commaudery No. 23, K. T. For eight years 
he has served .is High Priest in the chapter and 
has also held an oHice in the commandery. He 



490 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIHCAL RECORD. 



lias always taken a warm interest in tiie orrtcr since 
lie lias been connected with it. 

While recognized as a Republican in politics, 
Judge Griswold has a strong following among the 
Democrats, who appreciate his ability and sterling 
integrity. The election to the ollice of (bounty 
•Tudge last sjiring on the Republican ticket in a 
county that is generally held to be Democratic, and 
in an election following such a sweeping Demo- 
cratic victory as swept over the country in the fall 
of 1H!)2, is an evidence of personal popularity that 
should be gratifying to the .Judge. The following 
extract from the columns of the Freeman, written 
during the campaign of the spring of 181)3, repre- 
sents the views of a fellow-townsman who h.as 
known him nearly all his life, and is conceded by 
his neighbors and fellow-citizens to be but justand 
true. 

"The selection made for County .Tudge by the 
Republi(\ans of this county is so good that even 
tlie Democrats can tind no fault with it. .Tudge 
(rriswold belongs to that class of men who are 
called 'self-made,' because beginning early to de- 
pend upon his own resources, he succeeded in work- 
ing his way through the university classical course, 
and thrf)ugh a thorough course in the study of law 
by his own unaided labor, and that in spite of a 
concurrent affection of the eyes which at that time 
threatened very serious results. Beginning in 1870 
he had charge of the office of Register of Deeds of 
the county for three jears, and thus became the 
best posted lawyer of Waukesha County in the 
matter of local knowledge of real estate. 

"In 187)5, just twenty years ago, he was elected 
County .Judge at the age of thirty-four, and con- 
ducted the business of that office most satisfactori- 
ly for the four years beginning with .January, 1874. 
At the end of his term, having declined to be a 
candidate for a second term, he entered into active 
praeticte of the law at Waukesha, and has ever since 
held the leading place here in those departments 
of the profession relating to real estate and pro- 
bate matters, while in the other branches his stand- 
ing has been above the general average. At the 
same time he has kept up his general literary stud- 
ies, and is probably the most accomplished linguist 
in this vicinity, besides holding high rank as an 



authority on various scientific and philosophical 
subjects. 

"With all this -Judge Griswold has always re- 
tained an enviable reputation as an honest lawyer, 
as a man who would not give an opinion at vari- 
ance with what he believed to be the truth for any 
amount of fees, and as keeping his head level in 
the midst of an}' degree of excitement and tumult. 
In fact, his judicial temperament, which is the most 
valuable quality of a judge, has been the only 
source of criticism in regard to his work as an ad- 
vocate. Having that temperament he was unable 
to render himself blind and deaf to the good points 
in his opponent's case, if they had any, as clients 
almost always desire their attorneys to do." 



=1-^^-^!=- 



JOHN HENRY FORSTER, dealer in feed. Hour 
and coal, of Menomonee Falls, was born 
about four miles from Schleiz. Germany, 
January 2,'), 1888, beinga son of John Henry 
and Mary (Reisner) Forster, who were natives of 
the same place. The father was a weaver by trade, 
which occupation he followed as long as he lived 
in Germany. In 1852, with his family, he sailed 
from Bremen for New York, arriving after a voy- 
age of some seven weeks. As his destination w.as 
farther westward, Mr. Forster continued the jour- 
ney from the city of New York by way of the 
Hudson River to Albany, thence by rail to Buffalo, 
where he took passage on a steamer for Toledo, 
Ohio. From that point he brought his family b)' 
rail to Chicago, where the}' again took a steamer, 
and a few days later landed in Milwaukee, thence 
by team to the town of Menomonee, where he pur- 
chased twenty acres of land (m which but little 
improvement had been made. Here ended the 
long and tiresome journey begun across the sea. 
To the task of improving this place Mr. Forster 
betook himself with great zeal; by untiring efforts 
and economy he was enabled to increase his acre- 
age, until be became well-to-do. In political faith 
he was a Re|)ublican, while he and his wife were 
members of the Evangelical Association. Mr. For- 
ster passed away aged about seventy years, and 



PORTRAIT AND HlOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



491 



his good wife, who still survives and makes her 
home in Wasiiingtoii County, lias rc-aclii'd the ad- 
vanced age of four-score and two years. Of the 
ten ciiildren, seven boys and three girls, born to 
this worthy couple, six are living, namely: John 
Henr}', of this sketch; Herman, a mechanic of Eau 
Claire. Wis.; August C. in tiie insurance business 
in Milwaukee; ISIrs. Fredericka Held, in Washing- 
ton (bounty; William, a farmer of Dunn County, 
and Mary, who is married and lives in Dorchester, 
Wis. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the head 
of this biography was a lad of fourteen years when 
he came with his parents to the United States. He 
was educated in the German language, but after 
coming to this countrj' picked up the English. He 
worked for his father until his majority was at- 
tained, then was employed at farm labor, receiving 
wages for his services. The first real estate he 
possessed was twenty acres situated near his fa- 
ther's home, which he later sold and invested the 
proceeds in an eighty-acre tract on section 6. 

When the late war broke over the countrj', Mr. 
Forster w.as one of the man}' who gave their sup- 
port, and if need be, their lives, in order to per- 
petuate the Union. In November of the year 
1861, he enlisted in Company- B, Sixteenth Wis- 
consin Infantry-, serving in the Army of the 
Tennessee. With his regiment he participated in 
the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and many skir- 
mishes and other engagements. He w.as never 
wounded or taken prisoner, but w.as disabled on 
account of sickness, and was honorably discharged 
on a surgeon's certificate of disability in .January, 
1863. Returning to his home he engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits. 

Mr. Forster's marriage to Miss Henrietta .Schu- 
mann was celebrated in the town of Menomonee. 
February, 1866. Mrs. P'orster, who was a native 
of Saxony, (Jermany, died in October, 1891, leav- 
ing live children, namely: Charles A., who operates 
a bakery in Menomonee Falls; Edward E., who car- 
ries on the home farm; Anson A., who is a student 
in Moody's Hilde .School of Chicago; Alma C, who 
is the wife of William .Steinmann of Menomonee 
Falls, and Gilbert A., who is employed on a farm. 
The father was again married in December, 1892, 



Caroline Stepler becoming his wife, by whom he 
has one little daughter, Lucinda. Mr. and Mrs. 
Forster are members of the Evangelical Associa- 
tion, as was also his first wife. 

In 1891 Mr. Forster left the farm and located 
in the village of Menomonee Falls, where he 
erected his own residence. A Republican in poli- 
tics, he has always been too much occupied with 
his business and personal affairs to devote time or 
energ3' to political matters. He belongs to W. 15. 
Cushing Post No. 115,0. A. 1{. A f.iithful sol- 
dier and an honorable citizen, he enjoys the esteem 
of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. 



HON. NORMAN SHULTIS,a retired farmer 
of Waukesha, is one of the well known 
pioneers of the county. His father, Adam 
Sliultis, was born in Columbia County. N. Y., 
March 4, 1792. being of German extraction. He 
was reared as a farmer and ever made that calling 
his life work. Ere leaving his native county, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Clara Williams, 
who was born in the same county .June 17, 1798, 
and was of Welsh descent. In 184 1, Mr. Shultis 
emigrated to AVaukeslia County, and procuring a 
tract of land in the town of Mukwonago, made 
arrangements to have a frame house erected and 
returned to his eastern home. That was the first 
frame house, and also was the first house painted 
in that vicinity. He moreover built the first frame 
barn in that section. On account of the superior- 
ity of the buildings his place became known far 
and wide. By subsequent purchase he added to 
his possessions till he became one of the well-to-do 
farmers of the county. On that farm both he and 
his wife passed their declining years. His death 
occurred November 19, 1871, and her"!, March 2, 
1872. Mr. Shultis helped to hay out the roads, es- 
tablish schools, and in other ways improve the 
country. From the time he began to vote until 
the rise of the Republican party, .\dam Shultis was 
a strong Whig. He ever took an interest in the 
triumphs of the principles of the Republican party, 
but never sought oflice for himself. He was a 



492 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



F.ililc ro.irter, a strict observer of tlie Sabliatli and 
a I'liitariaii. Nine of the ten cliiidreii, eiglit sons 
and two daughters, of tbis pioneer couple accom- 
panic'i Uieir parents to tliis county. Tlie boysare 
all living, but the girls are deceased. 

Norman Shullis is the oldest child in his father's 
family, having been born April 19, 1819, in the 
town of Copake, Columbia County, N. Y. His 
early life was divided between farm wori< and at- 
tendance at the old subscription school. Having 
worked for his father until about twenty-two 
years of age, he began a business career on his own 
account, and for three seasons worked for wages 
on a farm. He also taught school during one win- 
ter. Just before leaving his native state he was mar- 
ried August 28, 1841, to Miss Caroline Lampnian, 
who was born in the same town as her husband 
December 8, 1822. Her father, David Lampnian, 
was also born in Columbia County, and his mother, 
Mary .Simmons, was of lloUand extraction. His 
wife, Christina Wolcott, was a native of Salisbury, 
Litchfield County, Conn., and was descended fr(mi 
the same family as Gov. Wolcott of that state. 
Having farmed in New York until late in life, 
Mr. and Mrs. Lamiiman came to this county, and 
are buried at North Prairie. Mrs. Shullis is the 
only daughter aud is the eldest of four children 
of whom two are now living. 

In 1842 Mr. Sliultis, whose name heads this 
article, came to this county, and the following 
year moved his family. His lirst home here was 
a box house which still stands and is occupied, 
though it has been measurably enlarged. His 
farm originally consisted of eighty acres in the 
town of Ottawa, to which additions were made 
from time to time, until he owned 290 acres. In 
1891, he left the farm and located in Waukesha, 
where he and his good wife are spending the 
evening of life in comfort and repo.se. 

By his friends and admirers, Mr. Sliultis has 
been elected to various ollices. Besides filling the 
position of chairman of his town, and other minor 
offices, he was elected to reiiresent his district in 
the Legislature in 18(i2 and 18();!. He has the dis- 
tinction of having been juryman in the lirst court 
held in Waukesha County after it was set off from 
Milwaukee County. In the days ol Whigs and 



Democrats he was a warm supporter of the former 
party, and cast his first Presidential vote for Will- 
iam H. Harrison. As a no less ardent Republican 
he exercised his right of franchise in support of 
the grandson of tlie"IIero of Tippecanoe." Mrs. 
Shultis is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

Unto onr subject and wife were born six children, 
of whom two died in childhood. The living are 
as follows: Franklin is a farmer of the town of 
Waukesha, and is the. present etflcient chairman of 
the ISoard of Supervisors of that town. Clara ni.ar- 
ried .John P. Chafin, Cashier of the East Troy Bank 
of East Troy, Wis.; Mary married William K. 
.Johnston, a retired citizen of Genesee Township; 
and the youngest, David, carries on a milk busi- 
ness in Milvvaukee. 






J\ 



SA M. COLE, of Oconomowoc; is a son of 
Asa Cole, one of the pioneers of Dodge 
County, Wis. Asa Cole, whose grand- 
father was a native of the Colony of Connecticut 
and removed thence to New Hampshire, was born 
in Cornish, N. IL, September 14, 1799. The fath- 
er of Asa Cole also bore the name of Asa. Two 
elder brothers of the latter, .lohn and Daniel Cole, 
served in the War of the Revolution, and both 
served seven years or during the the entire strug- 
gle for independence. They participated in many 
of the most imjiortant events of the war, having 
been jiresent at the surrender lioth of Burgoyne 
and Coniwallis. They also wintered at Valley 
Forge with Washington in 1778-79. Neither of 
them were wounded while serving in this long 
struggle. Men of great physical frames and powers 
of endurance, they lived to a vei^- advanced age. 
Asa Cole, the father of Asa M. Cole, w.as one ,of 
a family of six, four sons and two daughters, but all 
of that generation have passed away. Asa was the 
only one of them who removed to the west, the others 
living all their lives in their native state. He was 
reared to the occupation of farming, but learned the 
trade of shoemaker, wh icli he followed in the state of 
Vermont for man}- years. His marriage to Ruth 
IL Mason, a native of Vermont, was celebrated 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



493 



on the 18th of Mnrch, 1828. Mrs. Cole belonged 
to an early Massacliiisults family. Ilcr father, 
Wyrani Mason, emigrated to Vermont in his early 
married life. Her grandfather was a captain in the 
Revuhitionar3- War. The fainily was of Knglish ori- 
gin, and according to its genealogy three brothers 
came from Kngland, two of whom settled in Massa- 
chusetts and tlic other in ("onneclictit. The famous 
Captain Mason, who was prominently identified 
witli the early Indian wars of New England, was 
the latter. Thus it will he seen that the family 
that is the subject of consideration is descended 
on both sides from Revolutionary ancestry. 

In 1847 Asa Cole emigrated west with his fam- 
ily, consisting of his wife and Asa M., who was 
their only child. They landed in Milwaukee on 
the 15th of .June, but their destination being 
Dodge County, they at once proceeded thither and 
located in the town of Ilustisford. The family set- 
tled on a new farm which was heavily timbered, 
and of this place they maile a homestead. There 
the father died on the (>lh of April, 1883, at the 
age of eighty-four years. The mother died at the 
home of her son in Oconomowoc May 12, 188',), 
.igcd eiglity-three years. 

Asa Cole was a well known and respected citi- 
zen. He possessed the industry that is character- 
istic of the Now Englander, and was governed in 
all his dealings with his fellow men by the strictest 
rules of integrity. He and his wife were f;iilhful 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
in political views he was a Republican. 

Asa M. Cole, the only child of his parents, was 
born in Vermont .\pril 10, 18'2;j, having been eigh- 
teen years old when he came with his parents to 
the territory of Wisconsin. He always remained 
at home with his father and mother, and resi<led 
at his old home in Dodge County till his removal 
to Oconomowoc in 1884. Mr. Cole w.as married 
November 29, 18.")1, in the town of IIiLslisford, to 
Miss Susan Spear, daughter of .lames and Susan 
(Merrill) Spear, who emigrated from the state of 
Maine to Dodge County, Wis., in the fall of 1847, 
the family consisting then of parents and seven 
children. Four years later they removed to Wau- 
shara County, where the father died in 18.'>8. Mrs. 
Cole's own mother died in the state of Maine when 



the former was an infant of but three months. Her 
step-mother, who was a sister of the latter, died 
Jtil3' 24, 18.53. John, the oldest of the famil3', re- 
sides in Maine, having never come west; Mrs. Han- 
nah Thurston, the second in order vf birth, resides 
in Pipestone County, Minn.; Mrs. Rachacl McRae 
lives in Oconomowoc, as does Ea\-ette, the next in 
order of birth; Mrs. Cole is the ne.\t younger of 
her father's famil}-; James is a resident of Wau- 
shara County Wis.; Samuel died in the service of 
his country during the late war; Alma died in 
Iowa a number of 3'ears ago; Elizabeth died at the 
age of four years; the next brother, Marshall D., 
lives in the state of Georgia; William is a resident 
of Fremont, Neb.; and Mary Elizabeth, the young- 
est of James Spear's family, lives in Oconomowoc, 
being unmarried. Four of the brothers above men- 
tioned served their country in the War of the Re- 
bellion, one of whom, as stated, dic<l in the 
service. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cole have been blessed with seven 
children, two sons and five daughters, one of the 
former being deceased. John Asa, the eldest of 
the familj' and only surviving son, resides in Em- 
met County, Iowa; Susan Ruth, the eldest daugh- 
ter, is the wife of William Salisbury-, of the same 
county; Alma May is the wife of Charles S. Pick- 
ering, of Ramsey County, N. Dak.; Jennie became 
the wife of .hiines Hall, of Salem, Oregon; Ardell 
K. wedded N. Arthur Lawrence, of Emmet Count}', 
Iowa; James Milo, the next in order of birth, died 
at the age of two years; Mary M., the younge^ of 
the family-, is at home. 

Asa M. Cole, the record of whose family, with 
that of his wife, is given above, was a youth of 
eighteen years when he came with his parents to 
the territory of Wisconsin. That was more than 
forty -seven years ago. In the almost half a cen- 
tury which has since elapsed Wisconsin has passed 
from a coinlition largely a state of nature to the 
front rank of the sisterhood of states. Mr. Ciile, as a 
pioneer, has witnes.'^ed this growth and develop- 
ment, and as a puldic spirited and progressive citi- 
zen h.as ever given encouragement to whatever 
tends to promote the moral and material growtli 
of the coininunity. What advantjiges for scliool 
education Mr. Cole possessed in his youth termi- 



494 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



iiated when the familj- came to Wisconsin. But 
life witii liim lias been a bcliooi, the chief in- 
structors of which have been experience, observa- 
tion and reading. Few men are better informed 
on the geiieiui i.^^sues of the day tiian he. In liis 
political allilialions he is an earnest Republican, 
not in a partisan sense, for lie does not seek the 
honors or eiiiulunu'iils of otHce, but because he be- 
lieves the principles of that party are intended to 
promote the best interests of the country. 

For the last ten years Mr. and Mrs. Cole have 
resided in the pleasant city of Oconomowoc. They 
have ever borne the respect and esteem of all who 
know them. 



^1 



++++**+**+*-r++++ 



f®^" 



THOMAS GILL, whose name is prominently 
connected with Ihe development and up- 
building of this conuminity, well deserves 
menliiin among the honored pioneers who were 
the founders of the county and to whom the pros- 
perit}- and present advancement of the county is 
largely due. He now resides on section 20, Men- 
oinonee Township. He was horn in County Ros- 
common, Ireland, December 21, 1816, and is a son 
of Patrick and Catherine (Curley) (iill. Their 
family numbered five sons and four daughters, of 
whom he was third in order of birth. Four of 
the number are yet living, namely: INIary, wife of 
Michael Handle^', a resident of Oshkosh; Thomas, 
of this sketch; I'atriek, who is engaged in farming 
in Portland, Oregon, and Matthew who operates 
the old home farm in Ireland. The father was 
born in County Uosconimoii and reached the 
allotted age of tiiree-score years and ten, as did 
his wife. Both spent their lives in the Emerald 
Isle. 

Under the parental roof Thomas Gill spent the 
days of his boyhood, and in the common schools 
ac<iuiied his education. To his father he gave the 
benefit of his services until twenty-five years of 



age, when he bade adieu to home and friends 
and on a three-mast sailing-vessel crossed the 
brin3' deep from Liverpool to New York, wliere 
he arrived after a vo^'age of thirty-eight days. 
Taking up his residence on Long Island, he se- 
cured work as a farm hand, being thus employed 
for five 3-ears, when with the tide of emigration 
which was steadily drifting westward he came to 
the territory of Wisconsin, reaching Milwaukee on 
the 6th of May, 1847. A few days later he came 
to Menoinonee Township on foot, walking through 
timber belts and crossing some prairies, but often 
following the route marked out by blazed trees. 
He then purchased forty acres of timber land on 
which not a tree had been cut. He erected his log 
house, covered it with a roof of oak shingles, and 
began clearing and devcloi)ing the farm. 

On the 10th of January, 1847, Mr. Gill married 
Miss Catherine, daughter of Hugh and Mary 
(Wade) Curley. She was born in County Ros- 
common, Ireland, November 25, 1819, and is one 
of four daughters and three sons. The 3'oung 
couple began life in [donecr style, but as time 
passed the comforts and luxuries of civilization 
were added to their home. At one time Mr. Gill 
owned six hundred and twenty' acres of valuable 
land, and in 1870 purchased a half-section in Clay- 
County, S. Dak., which is now owned by his son 
Matthew. Henowowusa viduable Ir.actof twenty 
acres on section 2',). He gave two acres of land 
for twenty years for the erection of a steam saw 
mill, which was erected in the 'uOs by Nickerson 
Bros. His life has been a busy and useful one, and 
his well directed efforts have brought him pros- 
perity. To Mr. and Mrs. Gill were born nine chil- 
dren, six sons and three daughters: Michael, who 
for fifteen years has been a lumberman of Clii|)- 
pewa Falls, Wis.; Matthew, who is a farmer and 
stock-raiser of Clay County, S. Dak.; .James, who 
carries on the old home farm; Mary, who is with 
her parents; Thomas and Henry, who are both of 
MilwauKee; Margaret, who is at home; Andrew, who 
is in Chicago, and Eugenie, who died at the age- of 
fifteen years, lies buried in the Catholic Cemetery 
of Menomonee Township. The family belong to 
St. James' Catholic Church, and in politics Mr. 
Gill is a Democrat. He has ever labored for the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



495 



best interests of the community and is both widely 
and favorably known in the county wliere lie liiis 
so long made his home. 



E^ DWIN .1. I'VNN, Sic, a representative 
Cy farmer of Delafield Township, residing on 
section 11, is a son of Kdward and Ann 
H. (Karney) Pynn, and is the second in a family 
of twelve children, named as follows: Matthew is 
a farmer of Jackson County, Wis.; Kdwiu .1. is 
next; Angelina is tiie wife of diaries .Mount, of 
Hartland; Augustus resides on section 1 in the 
town of Delalield; George is a millwright of 
Appleton, Wis.; Mary is the wife of I. L. Richard- 
son, of Waukesha; Edward died in the service 
during the war; Arnold is engaged in llie lumber 
business at Merrill, Wis.; Frances wedded Charles 
Kopp and resides in Waukesha; Julia is deceased; 
Catharine is the wife of Harvey Wells, of Milwau- 
kee, and Anna M. wedded Hugh lilair, and resides 
in Jackson County, Wis. P'.dward Pynn and wife 
were both natives of New Fouiidland. The father 
of the former was born in the city of Cowes, on the 
Isle of Wight, and after moving to Newfound- 
land owned two schooners, which he used in cod 
and seal catching. The son was reared to the life 
of a lisherman, which business he followed until 
forty years of age. He received but a common 
school education in his native pl.ace, the major 
part of his time being devoted to the occupation 
of fishing, as from early boyhood he would ac- 
company- his father on his trips. He owned sev- 
eral business blocks and a dock, the income of 
which supported himself and family. In 1841 all 
the buildings were destroyed by fire, and there 
being no insurance Mr. Pynn lost everything. 
After this misfortune he worked on a small farm 
and did general teaming until 184i). That year 
witnessed his arrival in Wisconsin. Landing at 
Milwaukee he proceeded by wagon to the town of 
Delafield, where for ?!70(l he bought one hundred 
and ninety-four acres of land on section 12. This 
propertj- is now known as Lake Side, but at that 
time onl}- fifteen acres liad been plowed. How- 
ever, there was quite a good bouse and two barns 



upon it. Indians were numerous and often paid 
friendly visits to the homes of the settlers. Wild 
game was abundant, and Snail Lake, but a short 

i distance aw.t^-, abounded in (isli. In 18.54 Mr. 

j Pynn purchased twenty acres on section 1 in the 
town of Delalield. In 1871 he sold his farm to 
C. 1). Nash, the well known Milwaukee banker, 

, for *6,000, then bought forty acres on section 1, 
which was improved with a (pleasant home and 
good outbuildings. Here he spent the remainder 

, of his life, his death occurring on the 6th of June, 
1882. His good wife, who survived liim, passed 
away October 9, 188.5. IJoth were laid to rest in 
the Episcopal Cemetery in Delafield. 

Edwin J. Pynn, 8r., was born in Harbor Grace, 
Newfoundland, on the 7th of November, 1827. 
Like his father, he was reared as a fisherman and 
sailor. He received but a limited education, ac- 
quiring his scholastic training before fourteen 
years of age. He followed a seafaring life until 
his emigration to Wisconsin in 1849, where he 
continued to work for his father,giving his serv- 
ices in carrying on the farm. On the 23d day of 
March, 18.51, w.as celebrated his marriage to Miss 
Caroline Mucke3-, a native of the town of Lyon, 
Judson Count3', N. Y. Mrs. Pynn was one of a 
family comprising thirteen children, whose parents 
were Peter and Catherine Muckey, both of whom 
were born in the same county as the daughter. 
Mr. and Mrs. Pynn began their domestic life on a 
rented farm on section 11, of Delalield Township. 
There they remained two yeai-s, at the end of 
which time they rented a farm in the town of 
Muskego on which they lived some eight years, 
then purchased the property. In 1865 Mr. Pynn 
sold his farm to Abraham Hlott and returned to 
the town of Delafield, where he bought a hundred 
and three acres on section 11. I'pon this he has 
erected a beautiful home and good out-buildmgs, 
and to-day has one of the best farms m this part 
of the county. He disposed of some twenty-three 
acres which fronted on Pewaukee Lake a few years 
ago. His son-in-law, Louis Larson, has charge of 
and superintends the farm for him. Mr. and Mrs. 
Pynn had one son, George, who is now deceased. In 
1853 Mrs. Pynn passed to the spirit world. 
May 30, 1855, .Mr. Pynn was again nmrned, the 



496 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lady of his choice being Miss Henrietta Muckey, a 
sister of his former wife. To tiiis union seven 
cliildren were born, namely: Alfreda, who became 
the wife of Robert Seaborn; Anna, who is the 
widow of Eben L. Batt; Edwin Jr., wlio is a farmer 
of tiietown of DelafieldjOrpiia, who wedded Cyrus 
.1. Wait, of Cheboygan, Midi.; Estelle, who became 
the wifeof E. L. Mills, of llarlland; Emma wedded 
Louis Larson, who superintends the Pynn home- 
stead, and Orvillc, who resides in Merlon Town- 
ship. The mother of this family died on the 27th 
of June, 1893. 

In politics Mr. Pynn is an Independent, though 
his first vote was given in support of John C. 
Fremont, the Republican candidate. He has served 
one term as Side Supervisor, was Deputy Sheriff, 
and is now (.'lerk of the School Board in his dis- 
trict. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
belonging to Bark River Lodge, No. 122, of Hart- 
land. Li religious faith Mr. Pynn is identified 
with the Episcopal Church of Hartland, to the 
support of which he gives liberally. A man of 
honor and integrity, he enjoys the full confidence 
of all who know him. 



"02- 



55- 



MHS. ELIZABP:TH IL CARNEY, of Wau- 
kesha, has been intimately identified with 
the business interests of thai village for 
man}' years. She is a daughter of William and 
Belinda (Uourke) Clarke. Her father was reared 
to raereanlile pursuits. In 1815',) lie, with his fam- 
ily, emigrated to the city of New York, where he 
was engaged in merchandising. In 1846 the fam- 
ily came to Waukesha, where Mr. Clarke became 
one of the early merchants of the village, carrying 
on a very successful business. His death occurred 
in 18G2 at the age of sixty-nine years; his wife 
survived him a number years, d^ing in 1868. 

Mr. and Mis. Clarke were accompanied to Amer- 
ica bj' their seven childien, all of whom were 
grown to manhood and womanhood. John, the 
eldest of the sons, was for many years a successful 
merchant in Charlestown, S. C., where his death 
occurred many years since. Edward and Patrick 



were the next in order of birth. Both enlisted in 
the American army at the beginning of the Mexi- 
can War and served under Gen. Zachary Taylor. 
They were killed at the celebrated battle of Buena 
Vista. Eugene, the fourth and youngest brother, 
remained in Waukesha with his father, where he 
was actively engaged in business for many years, 
but is now deceased. Mrs. Carney, the eldest of 
the sisters, has been a resident of Waukesha since 
1846. Mrs. Catherine Dunbar, wife of Col. Rich- 
ard Dunbar, died a number of years ago in France, 
where she was living with her daughter. Mrs. 
Bridget Newton is the youngest of the sisters. 
She was married in New York City, in 1844, to 
Michael Newton and later removed to Waukesha, 
where Mr. Newton was a merchant for many years. 
Afterward the family removed to Seattle. Wash. 
In the latter city Mr. Newton died February 2(), 
1888, at the age of sixty-five years, leaving Mrs. 
Newton, a son and a daughter. The son. John 
Newton, is now F"irst Lieutenant in the Sixteenth 
Regiment, United Stales Infantry. The daughter, 
Mrs. Theresa Beebe, resides in Seattle. Since the 
death of her husband Mrs. Newton has lived with 
her sister, Mrs. Carney, in Waukesha. 

Mrs. E. H. Carnej-, whose name appears at the 
beginning of this sketch, was for many years in 
active business in Waukesha, both before and after 
her father's death. She has done much toward the 
upbuilding of the village, including the erection 
of the Commercial Block, which she still owns. 
Mrs. Carney was at one time the owner of the 
famous Bethesda Spring at Waukesha. She pur- 
chased the land on which the spring is situated 
as a • pasture for stock, which she was f<jnd of 
keeping, without any knowledge of the medicinal 
pro|)erties of the water or a thought that Be- 
thesda Spring was soon to become far famed. 

In the 3'ear 1868, while out riding with her 
brother-in-law. Col. Richard Dunbar, who was then 
an invalid, attlicted with Bright's disease, the latter, 
almost providentially it would seem, called for a 
drink of water. He was thirsty and feverish and 
drank not less than six glasses of the water. He 
was greatly refreshed and continued to diiiik of 
the water until a complete cure of his disease was 
effected. Others afflicted in a like manner were 




SARAH ANDREWS. 



PORTRAIT AND lUOGKAl'IlICAL RIX'ORD. 



499 



cured of their [ihysical ills by usinff the water of this 
spring, and in tliis way Hethesda water and WauiiC- 
siiasoon bci-aTni' famous. Mis. Canioy inliorilcd hor 
excellent business capaeity and jud<;nient from her 
father. She is a woman of more than average 
natural ahility. 



<X »-H"H"H"»»»'H' ^ <"H"t"H"i"5'-H--H' » 

MRS. SAK.MI ANDHKWS, one of the old- 
est persons of the town of \'eriion, 
though not one of the earliest pioneei-s, 
was horn in Andover, Windsor County. A't., on 
the 24th of November, 1K()9, and was the seventh 
in a family comprising four sons and live daugh- 
ters whose parents were Cyrus and Sibyl (Whit- 
ney) Smith. Of these brothers and sisters but one 
other survives, Relief, who is the widow of ,1. (). 
Mason, of Greenwich, N. Y. Mr. Mason was a 
Bai)tist missionary among the Indians, but for 
thirty years was the able pastor of the Raplist 
Church at Greenwich. Five membei-s of the fam- 
ily died in Wisconsin: Cyrus and Mrs. Polly Man- 
sure, who were early settlers of Necnah; Sewall, 
who was for many years engaged in mercantile 
pursuits in Kast Troy; and Jesse, who was one 
of the pioneers of the town of Vernon. Of the 
others, Elvira Putnam was' one of the early set- 
tlers of the Vermont Colony, in this county, be- 
coming a resident there in the year 1836. Iler 
death occurred in 1894. Rebecca Craig died in 
Albanj' County, N. Y., near Troy. Thomas Jef- 
ferson, who taught school in the city of Now York 
in 1828, died in that city at the age of Iwenty-lwo 
years. 

Mrs. Andrews grew to womanhood in her native 
place. She was liberally educated for those times. 
After leaving the district schools, she took a course 
in (Jranville College at Granville, N. Y. She 
then entered the teacher's profession, and for sev- 
eral years taught successfully in the schools of that 
state. On the 9th of December, 1830, she became 
the wife of Leonard Andrews, a son of Nathan 
and Abigail (Somes) Andrews. lie was the second 
in a family consisting of three boys and f)ne giri, 
all of whom have long since passed away. Mr, 
15 



Andrews was also a native of Andover, his birth 
occurring January 27, 1H02. Shortly after their 
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews located on the 
farm of Nathan Andrews near Andover, where 
they lived for two years, at the end of that time 
going to New York City to engage with his brother 
Nathan in mercantile pursuits. In the year 1834 
tlii'V came west, settling in La Grange County, 
Ind., wheie Mr. Andrews carried on farming and 
stock-raising. Hesides his farming interests he had 
:i large nursery. It was there that his death oc- 
curred, .lanuary 19, 1847. Mrs. Andrews con- 
tinued to reside on the farm until 1852, when she 
removed to Wisconsin, locating at Kast Troy, Wal- 
worth County. Some four years later she came 
to Waukesha County, and has since made her 
home on the |)roperty that came into her posses- 
sion many years ago. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were born two daugh- 
ters, Sarah Jane and Helen L. The former, whose 
birth occurred in the city of New York on the 19th 
of April, 1833, was married August 12, 1851, to 
Asa G. Davis, a farmer of J>a Grange County, Ind., 
though now of Tekamah, Neb. Mrs. Davis was 
called from the scenes of this life on the 22d of 
February, 1853. She left one son, L. A. Davis, 
who was iHirn in Vernf)n Township, January 3, 
1853. He was reared to farm life, and received 
his primary education in the common schools, af- 
terward taking a commercial course at Cincinnati, 
Ohio. On the 24tli of M.iy, 1876, he married 
Florence D., daughter of Harvey and Delight ( Hab- 
cock) Rose. Mrs. Davis was born on the 12th of 
November, 1859, and died May 19. 1893. In Jan- 
uary, 1894. Mr. Davis wedded Miss Kate, daughter 
of Samuel and Frances (Thomas) Smith. 

In 1885 Mr. Davis oi-ganized a slock company 
known as the Big Rend Dairymen 's Association, 
and in 1890 became sole owner of the plant, and a 
year later disposed of the .<ame. In .lune, 1K92, 
under the lirm name of Davis ,V McKenzie he en- 
gaged in the Hour and .saw mill business at Big 
Bend. He is a progressive man, and is esteemed 
for his many sterling (jualities. The second daugh- 
ter, Helen L., who was born July 4, 1841, in La 
Grange County, Ind., was married December 10, 
1858, to Frank E. Nevins. Mr. Nevius was a na- 



500 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



live of Cliautauqua County, N. Y., born January 
7, 183i), and is a son of Mortimer aiui I.aura Ann 
(Palmer) Nevins. He was one of llie boys who 
offered his service to his country when the Rebellion 
threatened its existence. Kniisling at Hig Bend, 
in Burden's Sharp Shooters he went to the front; 
the first battle in which he participated was that 
of Mt. Zion, Mo., where the command captured 
prisoners and various articles, among the latter be- 
ing a printing press that was taken by Mr. Nevins. 
Being both a writer and a rejjortcr, he was per- 
fectly at home, and at once set to work to issue a 
paper, sending his wife a number of copies printed 
upon this outfit captured at Mt. Zion. He also 
took part in the l)attles of Pittsburg Landing, Ft. 
Douelson, Mobile, etc. Mr. Nevins was promoted 
froni a private, and when discharged was serving 
as Adjutant. Since the war he has been a reporter; 
for some two years he was Judicial Reporter of the 
ILighth Judicial Circuit, and has been reporter of the 
Legislature both in Illinois and this state. In 1868 
the Chicago Tribune sent him to Ireland, and his 
letters were full of information and interest. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Nevins were born eight chil- 
dren: Stella F., born in Peoria, 111., April 9, 18fil, 
is the widow of Albert M. Hubbard, of Chicago; 
Edith May, born in MinneaiKjlis, Minn., Septem- 
ber 29, 1 865, is the wife of C. J. Bartlett, of V.i\- 
glewood. 111.; Walter L., born January 27, 1867, 
in Milwaukee, Wis., died in April, 1870, in Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio; Laura A., born in Madison, Wis., 
November 21, 1868, became the wife of Joseph 
Kaher, a merchant of Englewood, 111.; Clarence 
M-., born February 2, 1871, at Westwood, Ohio, is 
also in Knglewood; Sarah E., born January .30, 
1872, is a teacher in Chicago; Francis E., born in 
Irving Park, a suburb of Chicago, February 22, 
1875, is engaged in mercantile pursuits in Engle- 
wood; Helen L., born August 10, 1876, at Big 
Bend, this county, is a student in the Cook Coun- 
ty Normal, from which institution her sisters, 
Edith, Laura and Sarah graduated. 

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Andrews 
was again married, becoming the wife of Joiin An- 
drews, of Mukwonago, Waukesha County. Their 
marri.ige w.as celebrated at Watcrford, Racine 
County, April 9, 1860. Mr. Andrews, who was 



born in November, 1798, died in the spring of 
1892. He was an old and esteemed settler of this 
county, having been a resident of Wisconsin iu 
1836. Mrs. Andrews resides in her comft)rtable 
home in Vernon Township, and notwithstanding 
the fact that she is in her eighty-fifth 3'ear, is well 
preserved. She is surrounded by a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances, and with her daughter 
for a companion, hopes to spend her rcuiainiiig 
days in the community which has been her home 
for so many years. 



JOHN (;. HL'EBNER, a member of the firm of 
Schlafer, Iluebiier A* Co., is a native of Wau- 
kesha County, born in the town of Oconoino- 
woc on the 16th of July, 1862, and a son of 
(Jottlieb and Fredericka (Leutke) Iluebner. The 
parents were natives of Prussia, Geiinany. where 
they grew up and were married. In the Father- 
land Gottlieb Huebner was a tailor by occupation. 
In an early day he and his family emigrated to 
the [Tnited States. On landing in this country 
they continued liieir journey to Jlilwaukee, thence 
to Oconomowoc Township, where a ijuarter section 
of unimproved land was purchased. Mr. Huebner 
had to cut a road to his property, and the first 
night of occupancy he slept under the friendly 
shelter of a tree. He and his wife were members 
of the German ]\Ietliodist Episcopal Church, and 
in politics he was a Republican. His death oc- 
curred at his homestead in 1867, but his wife still 
survives and has now reached the advanced age of 
seventy-eight years. She makes her home with 
her son Charles, at Beaver Dam. Mr. and Mrs. 
Huebner were the parents of twelve children, com- 
prising three sons and nine daugiilers, seven of 
whom are living, as follows: Mrs. Augusta Boomer, 
of Monterey, Wis.; Mrs. Carolina (iage, of New 
Lisbon, Juneau County; Mrs. Hiinnah Schimmelp- 
fenning, of the town of Oconomowoc; Mrs. Yette 
Graper, of Rome, Jefferson County, Wis.; Charles, 
of Beaver Dam; William, of Bird Island, Minn.; 
and the subject of this sketch. 

John G. Iluebner was reared as a farmer boy, 
and acquired his education iu the schools of his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD, 



501 



town. At the age oT nineteen years lie left home 
and worked for wages sonic two years. At the 
end of that period he began to ham the trade of 
miller with Koth A- Denton of Monterey, where he 
remained two years. In IfSHl, he came to IMc- 
nonionec Falls, where he remained in the eni|iliiy 
ofLepperA' Seldafer about five years, and in 1 S'.M , 
became a member of tlie i)resent lirm. 

In Menomonec Falls, on the SOtli of September, 
1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. lluebner 
and Miss Fmnia, daughter of Noah and Sarah K. 
(Nehs) Leister. Mrs. lluebner was born in the 
town of Granville, Milwaukee County, Wis., March 
30, 1860. This union has lieen Idcssed by one 
child, \"iola. Uoth husb;uid and wife belong to 
the Kvaiigelical Association. 

Politically, Mr. lluebner is a l\epul)lican. lie 
has been a member of the \'illage Board for two 
years, and is the present eflicient President, lie 
is one of the enterprising citizens of the village of 
Menomonee Falls, and is identified with all iiiove- 
menl-s that promise to benefit his town or county. 



DANIEL .1. IIKMLOCK, .\ttorney-at-law, 
Waukesha, has been an active member of 
the Waukesha Bar since 1888. Mr. Hem- 
lock is a native of Wisconsin, his birth occurring 
at Cedarl)urg, U/.aukee County, .Xugust 6, 18.54, 
and is a son of William and Kllen (Lynch) Hem- 
lock. His parents were natives of Ireland and 
emigrated to America in 1816. On reaching the 
United States, the}' came at once to Wisconsin 
and settled in Cedarburg, OzKukee County, where 
they continued to make their home. The father 
died May 12, 1892, at the age of ninety-three. The 
mother survives and still makes her home in that 
town. 

Mr. Hemlock, of this article, received a good 
English education and began teaching .school when 
eighteen years of age. In order to perfect himself 
in the higher branches and in the art of teaching, 
he attended the White Water Normal School; con- 
tinuing to teach in all for six winters. Later he 
entered upon the study of law at AVisconsin State 



University, graduating from that institution in the 
Class of '82. 

After com|)leting his I'niversity course Mr. 
IIeinl<»ck, in company with I). S. Tullar. opened a 
law oflice at Poit Washington. Ozaukee County, 
which connectiDii continued until .lune, 1883, when 
they removeil to ^^'aukcsha and became associated 
with Hon. I). II. Sumner, practicing under the (irni 
name of Sunnier, Tullai- A- Hemlock. Two years 
later Mr. Hemlock withdrew from tlu^ coniiecliKii 
and formed a law partnership with .Mr. T. W. 
Ilaight, under the firm name of Haiglit A- Hem- 
lock. One year afterward the p;irtiieisliip was 
dissolved by mutual consent, and since August, 
18H(;, .Mr. Hemlock has been conductinga success- 
ful practice alone. 

In his political sentiiiients Mr. Hemlock is a Dem- 
ocrat, and by that parly has been elected to vari- 
ous olliccs of honor and trust. In 1887, he was 
elected a member of the Waukesha N'illage Board, 
and \illage Attorney. Ileserved as Justice of the 
Peace from 1887 to l.s'.il.and has held the posi- 
tion of Court Commissioner since 1888, ct>vering 
a [jeriod of five years. 

On the 1th of .•September, 1888, Mr. Hemlock 
w.as married in Milwaukee to Miss Mabel F. Kerin. 
Mrs. Hemlock was born in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee 
County, and is a daughter of .lohn A. and Mary 
(Carney) Kerin. One child, a son, Allan H. Hem- 
lock, whose biilh occurred March 4, 1890, has 
blessed their uniiin. Both husband and wife are 
members of the Catholic Chinch. ' 

Mr. Hemlock has been in the active practice of 
his professicui in Waukesha for ten years, and is 
recognized as a successful and rising member of 
the Waukesha County Bar. 



<C ^^^^•^^t^^•^•^^^^^•n•^^^^ jg^ ^^•^^^^n•^•^•^^^^••^••^••^^ :x> 

F*^ rtJKNK W. CHAFIN, son of .Samuel K. 
C^ Chafin, was born on his farm two miles 
southwest of Mukwonago, Wis., Novem- 
ber 1, 1852, and was one of thirteen children. 
November 24, 1881, lie married Carrie A., daugh- 
ter of H. H. Ilunkins. They have one daughter. 
Desdeniona, born March 17, 1893. Mr. Cliafin 



502 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



worked on the farm and attended district school 
until he was twenty-one years old. lie i^raduated 
from the Law School of the State University of 
Wisconsin .Iiinc 17, 1875, receiving the degree of 
LFi. 15. and has since practiced law in Waukesha, 
and is now a member of the firin of Chalin A Park- 
inson. Wlu^n the Wisconsin Central Railroad was 
built through Waukesha to Chicago, he was one 
of the incorporators and was local attorney for said 
road for seven years. He has served eight years 
as Justice of the Peace and three years as a mem- 
ber of the School Hoanl. 

He has always taken mueli interest in agricul- 
tural pursuits and is now serving his second term 
as President of the Waukesha County Agricultural 
Society, and is also Secretary and Treasurer of the 
Wisconsin Milk Shippers' Association and Vice- 
President of the Agricultural Pair Association of 
Wisconsin. 

In 1867 he became a Good Templar, m 1885 was 
elected Grand Counselor, and in the year 1886 
Grand Chief Templar of Wisconsin, holding the 
last named office four years; he was a delegate to 
the Right Worthy* (irand Lodge at the Saratoga 
session in the year 1887, and at the Chicago ses- 
sion in the year 1889. At jiresent he is Grand 
Electoral Superintendent ol the (irand Lodge of 
Wisconsin and President (if llie Good Templar 
Training .School of this state. He has also been a 
member of the Sons of Tempei'ance since the year 
1875. He is a member of the 1 ndependent Order of 
Odd Fellows and has several limes represented his 
lodge in the (!rand Lodgeof the state. lie is also 
a member of tlie Independent Order of Foresters, 
and is at the inesent time Past High Chief Ranger 
of the High Court of Wisconsin, and was a lejire- 
sentative to the Supreme Court at the Chicago 
session in 1893. 

Mr. Chatin is a Methodist, has served three years 
as Sunday-school Superintendent, and is at present 
a member of the Ofllcial Board and State President 
of the Kpworlh League of Wisconsin, lie has also 
served two years as President of the Waukesha 
County Bible Society. 

In polities our suliject has been a Prohiliilionist 
since the year 1881, and a delegate to every state 
convention since that time, and was a delegate to 



the National conventions of that party in 1884, 
1888 and 1892; he is now serving his second term 
as a member of tlie National Committee. In 1882 
he was the candidate of his party for Congress and 
in 1886 for Attorney-CJeneral of the state. He is 
the author of "The A'oter's Hand- Book," a small 
volume treating on political subjects, which he 
published in 187C. 

For some time past, he lias been interested in 
bringing Mukwoiiago forward as a summer re- 
sort and is President of the Phant(jm Lake Im- 
provement Company and the Phantom Lake Hotel 
Company of that place, and also owns the farm on 
the south side of Phantom Lake, where he was 
born, a part of which is used as a camp ground and 
known as"ldlewilc Park." 



-m^ 



im- 



FRANKLIN ELY has l)een station agent for 
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Kail- 
road at Pewaiikee f(jr about twenty-one 
jears, which fact proves tli;it his services have 
been (piite acceptable to the company he repre- 
sents, and to the jjcople vvilli whom he has had 
business relations. He is a native of New Hope, 
Bucks County, Penn., where his birth occurred 
August 10, 1840. His father, .loseph Kly, was 
born November 16. 1791, and died March 2,1885. 
Ills mother, who in her maidenhood bore the name 
of Ann Nicholson, was born .laiiuary 1, 1803, and 
died .Inly 29, 1885. Both were natives of the 
Keystone State, and were pious members of that 
church whose members have become noted for 
their honesty and love of peace and righteous- 
ness, commonly c.-illed (Quakers. For a livelihood 
the father followed the (luiet calling of a farmer. 
The family of this vvorthy couple numbered seven 
children, though only four are now living, the 
oldest of whom is the wife of .ludge .Small of 
Oconoinowoc; Mrs. Mary N. Phillips of Somer- 
ville, N. J., is the next; Edward is a farmer of 
Bucks County, Penn., and Franklin is the young- 
est survivor. 

The subject of this biography grew to iii;iiihood 
^in the farm when muscle was more relied upon to 




J. E. BACON, M. D. 



PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



505 



do llic work than macliitiorv. In llie common 
schools and al New Hope Acadeniy he received a 
practical education, fitting liini for the mastery of 
business affairs. Until 18G() he remained on the 
home farm in Pennsylvania. I'p to that lime 
about the only experience to vary the monotony 
of toiling in the fields was to rise at midnight, 
drive a wagon load of proiluce to market, sell it 
and return home. In the last-named year he bade 
good bye to his old liome and friends, and a few 
days later arrived in Oconomowoc. lie at once 
began to learn telegraphy under W. W. Collins of 
that city. After working in the ollice only six 
months, he had charge of it while Mr. Collins took 
a vacation. Through the recomiuendalion and in- 
Huence of that gentleman and Judge Small, Mr. 
Kly secured the station at Pewaukee, of which he 
took charge November 30, 1867. At that time 
telegraphing was not done b3' sound, but by the 
machine making dots and dashes on a slip of paper 
that passed through it. After the sound system 
came into vogue, Mr. Ely well remembers the first 
cipher dispatch he ever received; to him it seemed 
so unintelligible that he was almost afraid to de- 
liver it. The gentleman, however, to whom it w.as 
sent had no ditticulty in understanding it, and Mr. 
Ely was gratified to know that he had made but 
one unimportant error. I'ntil 1881, he remained 
in charge of the station al Pewaukee, then going 
to Oconomowoc he took charge of the business at 
that place for the American Express Company. 
Thinking it would be pleasant to again engage in 
the pursuit of boyhood days, our subject purchased 
a farm of one hundred and fifty-eight acres, a mile 
south of the last-named city, to which he moved 
in 1882. With the same industry and push with 
which he takes hold of any business, Mr. Ely be- 
gan farming. The first season he and a hired man 
raised thirteen hundred bushels of small gram and 
two thousand bushels of corn. One year of inces- 
sant toil was sudicient to nearly wear him out, 
accordingly he left the farm and built his present 
borne in Pewaukee, where he has since lived. P"oi 
two years he had charge of the Northern Pacific 
Railroad ollice at Teinplclon. On resigning his 
position al Pewaukee he was' ])romiscd the place 
back if he should desire il, and in fulfillment of 



that promise he was given the office in 1888. On 
leaving the railroad service Mr. El^- asked for let- 
ters of recoinmcndation, which were furnished by 
prominent officials, commending his elficiency and 
faithfulness in the highest terms. Among those 
received, which he prizes very highly, arc the ones 
from A. \. 11. Carpenter, (icneral Passenger Agent; 
1). W. Keyes, (ieneral Freight Agent, and W. (i. 
Collins, fJcneral Siipprintcndenl of the St. Paul 
System. 

Mr. Ely was married in Pewaukee, October 8, 
1873, to Miss Florence Hradbury, a native of (iuil- 
ford, Chenango County, N. Y.., born October 6, 
18,52. Iler parents, .John and Mary (Holies) Hrad- 
bury, came to Wisconsin when their daughter was 
four years old. The father died when Mrs. Ely 
was a small child. Two children have blessed the 
union of .Mr. and Mrs. Ely, M. Margaret and .Jo- 
seph H. Hoth husband and wife are active work- 
ers in the Congregational Church, of which he has 
been Trustee for years, and of which he is at pres- 
ent Treasurer. Socially Mr. El}- is a Mason. Hy 
carefully saving and investing his earnings Mr. 
Ely has accumulated good properly. In addition 
to the farm ])rcviously mentioned he owns a home 
and eight acres in the village of Pewaukee. 



JOSIILA E. HACON, .M. 1)., of Waukesha, is 
one of the physicians of that place, and a 
representative of one of its pioneer families, 
lie was born in Waukesha, August 2, 18-^, 
and is a son of Winchcl D. and Delia (Hlackwell) 
Hacon. Dr. Hacon is the only son of his parents, 
there being two daughters in the family, Eyda 1). 
and Ida J. The former is the wife of George F. 
II. Harber, and the latter of David C. .lames, both 
residents of Waukesha. Two brothers, Samuel D. 
and Winchel I)., died young. The mother's death 
(.>ccurred on the I2tli of February, 188(1. 

Dr. Hacon has passed his life thus far in Wauke- 
sha. His education was obtained in the )>ublic 
schools of his native village. In lM7ii, he began 
the study of medicine in the ollice of Dr. E. H. 
Wolcott. and afterward attended lectures at the 
.Medical DeparlmenI of Harvard I'uiversity, ia 



506 



PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Boston, Mass., gr.iduating tlierefiom in the Class 
gf "73. 

Soon after liis gradiialioii Dr. l5:icon located in 
liis native villasjc, and enj^ayod In the practice of 
his profession, so that this has been his field of 
work for twenty years, lie is a member of the 
Wisconsin State Medical Society, of the American 
Medical Association, of the National Association 
of Railway Surgeons, and is local surgeon for the 
Northwestern Railway Company. 

On the :id of .hme, 1 «?;'), Dr. liacon w.as married 
in Waukesha to Miss Ida Savage, a daughter of 
Mr. and Mrs. II. R. .Savage, early settlers of that 
l)lacc. Mrs. Hacon is a native of western New 
York, her birth occiin-ing near the city of Roches- 
ter. Dr. and Mrs. Hacon have one son, Harry, 
born February 1, 1882. Among his professional 
brethren Dr. l!:icon has won a fiont rank, and his 
general success as a piactitioner has gaiiii'd for him 
the confidence of the people. 



h: 



1^ 



)I('IIARD K. LAHAR was born in North- 
i^^ am pi on Count}', Pa., near Delaware Water 
Gap, August 12, I8(! t. The Labar fam- 
ily were French Huguenots, who in the seventeenth 
century came to America to escape religious per- 
secution. The name was originally spelt La Barrc. 
One of the family was Iwinored by the King of 
F'rance with the .appointment as Governor of all 
the possessions of that country situated in the 
northern part of this continent, being the suc(;es. 
sor of Fronlenac. Randolph W. Labar, the father 
of the gentleman whose name heads this biography, 
was of Dutch ancestry on his nU)ther"s side. On 
reaching maturity Mr. Labar wedded Miss Naomi 
MacCoy, who was a native of Lowell, Mass., but 
in early life emigrated to Pennsylvania. Their 
family consisted of five chililren, three sons and 
two daughters. Mr. Labar's chief occupation was 
that of a farmer. Industrious and energetic, he 
exercised his powers to such a degree that they 
failed him at a time when he should have been al- 
most in the prime of manhood. Mis death oc- 
curred in 187'J, at the age of lifty-nine years. Ilis 



wife survives, and now makes her home at Cam- 
den, N. J. Mr. Labar was a whole-souled, culti- 
vated gentleman, who won friends by the attrac- 
tive force of a warm heart and a liberal hand. 

Richard I<]. Labar is the only one of his father's 
family that came west. lu him we find a com- 
bination of characteristics that go to make a suc- 
cessful man in any calling in which he may en- 
gage, having the vivacity and pleasing address of 
the French, and the industry and persistency of 
the Dutch. When a small boy he went to Phila- 
delphia and took hold of whatever he could find 
to do that promised cash returns. He ran errands, 
workeii in stores, sold fruit, having stands in vari- 
ous parts of the city, and for three years worked 
in a telegrai)li office. At the age of twelve years 
Mr. Labar entered the oflice of the Philadelphia 
Ledger, doing general work, such as looking after 
mail, classifying matter, etc. F'or three years he 
was private clerk of the late George W. Child, the 
well known philanthropist and proprietor of the 
Ledger. Afterward he did general work on that 
paper, with which he was connected for seven 
years. Mr. Labar still carries a gold watch which 
was presented him by Mr. Cliilds, and which, on 
that account, is prized very highly b}' its owner. 
As office confinement did not agree with him, Mr. 
Labar severed his connection with the paper and 
spent a year in Colorado "roughing it." 

In the newspaper office and by contact with the 
world our subject had acquired a valuable fund 
of knowledge, which, however, was unorganized. 
Wishing to better equip himself for the battle of 
life, he spent the school year of 1881-85 in the 
University of Michigan, pursuing both a literary 
and law course. To recuperate his depleted ex- 
chequer, Mr. Labar resorted to the same business 
that many young men have followed in struggling 
to make their way tlirough college — that of selling 
books. Ilis success in that line was phenomenal. 
With the means thus acipiired he propo.se<l to pur- 
sue a further course of instruction and came to 
Waukesha and attended the L'nion High School 
for a few terms. There he met Miss .leniiie L., 
daughter of Lauren I'.arker, who was subsequently 
to become his wife. Mrs. Labar, after graduating 
from the Union School, became one of the success- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



507 



ful teachers of the county. Her marriafje to Mr. 
Laliar was celebrated .laniiary 1(>, 1H8',), a\u\ to 
them has been born one son, Lauren. 

On tlie 27lli of April, 1887, Mr. Labar estab- 
lished the Waukesha World, an eiglit-eolumn, 
eight-page folio. By furnishing a first-class coun- 
ty paper and pushing the business department, he 
in one year worked up a circulation exceeding 
tliat of an \- other paper in the county. In poli- 
tics the paper was independent, tliougii AL-. Labar 
himself is a sound Republican. While engaged iu 
this line of work he also took up the real-estate 
business, which he still carries on. In 1888 the 
Waukesha World was merged into the Journal, 
which was in turn absorbed by the Freeman. Mr. 
I,al)ar is a wide-awake business man, who has the 
growth and prosperity of Waukesha at heart. 



< A f)ILLI.\M ALBKRT PIKRCK, attorney- 

\/\ / at-law,of Waukesha, is a native of Wau- 
kesha County, born iu the tt)wn of 
Vernon, April 2."i, 18()l, where his parents, Abiel 
Harrison and Cordelia 15. (Fcnlon) I'ierce. were 
pioneer .settlers. Ilis father was born in Andover, 
Windsor County, Vt., May 23, 1822, and is a son 
of Abiel and Nancy ^Lovejoy) I'ierce. Ilis first 
American ancestors were members of the historic 
Plymouth Colony of Massachusetts, atul were 
among Ihc early pioneers of Windsor County, ^'t. 
A. II. Pierce lost his mother when he was a 
child of six years, after which his father married 
Harriet Lovejoy, a sister of liis former wife, who 
proved a kind step-motlu'r. Mr. Pierce was reared 
in his native town, where he received the advan- 
tages of the common schools of those early days. 
In May, IS.'iS, at the age of sixteen years, he ac- 
companied his parents in their emigration to the 
territory' of Wisconsin, in the then far west. They 
made the entire journey by team and wagon, cross- 
ing the mountains and traversing the heavily tim- 
bered districts of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, 
Michigan and Indiana. In Illinois and Wisconsin 
they found the lirsl important |)rairies and oak 
openings. Their journey, which consumed forty 



days, terminated on the .3d of August, in the heav- 
ily timltered region in what is now the town of 
Vernon, Waukesha Count^', then a part of Mil- 
waukee County. They were lucky in having a 
dry season in which to travel and camp out, ex- 
periencing but two showers and little discomfort 
in their "forty days in the wilderness." The fa- 
ther, .Vbicl Pierce, i)urcliased of a Mr. Ilazeltine, a 
claini of eighty acres, on section 27, Vernon Town- 
sliij), which the latter entered at the land sale of 
1839, the patent of which is still in the possession 
of Mr. Pierce's son. A. H. A comfortable home 
was secured, and as circumstances permitted addi- 
tional tracts of land were accjuired by purchase, 
until llio homestead of the present time consists of 
one hundred and fifty acres of valuable and well 
improved land. For more than a half-century 
this farm has been the property of the Pierce fam- 
ily, during which time their title has never been 
clouded by an incumbrance. 

On the 23d of December, 1847, A. II. Pierce 
was married in Vernon, to Miss Cordelia B. Fen- 
ton. Mrs. Pierce was born in Monroe. Ashtabula 
County, Ohio, October 24, 1827, and is a daughter 
of .lohn and Catherine' E. (Vosburg) Fenton. Her 
people were from Ft. Ann, Washington County, 
N. Y. They came to Wisconsin in 184.'j and set- 
tled in the town of Waterford, Racine County, 
where the father died, September 10, 1847. After- 
ward the mother and family removed to Columbia 
County, the same state, where the former died in 
the town of Loweville many yeai-s later. P'oursons 
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pierce, all of whom are 
living. The eldest, Frank Abiel. born Septemljer 
3(1. 18,53. married Laura .lackson, and resides in 
Rochester, Racine County; the second, John Byron, 
born April 2, 18.56, married Priscilla Kyburz, and 
resides on the old homestead in Vernon; the third 
son. William A., born April 25, 1864, isthesiibject 
of this record, and Clement H., the yfniiigest. born 
.September 27, 1868, is a graduate of Rush Medical 
College, Chicago, and is the present chief of the 
medical staff of the Cook County Hospital of Chi- 
cago. 

A. II, Pierce took an active part in the public 

affaii-s of A'ornon Township, where he held various 

1 town ollices. In his political views he is a Repub- 



508 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



licnn. He eontimied to coiifluct bis farm until 
1890, when his age compelled him to retire from 
active life, and he removed to the village of Wau- 
kesha, where he still resides. JMr. Pierce has led a 
busy and temperate life, his relations with bis fel- 
lowmen being cbaractei izod by strict integrity, 
kin<Hy courtesy and a just regard for the rights of 
others, lie entertains a liberal spirit of charity 
toward all. regardless of religious or political 
opinions. 

The neiidi'inaii whose name heads this article, 
William Alliert Pierce, w.is reared to manhood in 
his native town, receiving his primary education 
in the public schools, later attending the Uocbe.sler 
Seminary, wliere he lilted for college. In 1884, 
lie entered the Slate University at Madison, hut 
sul)se((uently engaged in teaching, being emiiioyed 
in the schools of Waukesha and Walworth Coun- 
ties. Resuming his course at the university, he 
was graduated from the Law Department in 1889, 
anil at once engaged in the practice of his profes- 
sion at Waukesha, in company with T. W. Haight. 
lie was admilli^l to practice in all the State Courts 
of Wisconsin, and Circuit and District Courts of 
tlie United Stales. 15y attention to his business, 
energy and enterprise. Mr. I'ieree has built up a 
large and inincnsing practice, lie was elected and 
served one term as Justice of the Peace of Wau- 
kesha, and has served as otiicial Court He|)orter, 
and is now lilliiig the latter position. In i)olitics 
he is a Republican, and was his part\'s candidate 
for District Attorney in the fall of 1892, but was 
defeated in the great political land-slide of that 
year. Socially, he is a member of Waukesha 
Lodsfe No. 4(!. K. P. 



ii~^ A\'II) N. IlOLLY is a worthy representa- 
I I live of the agricultural interests of Wau- 
kesha County, and now resides on section 
;■), liislif)!! Townshi(). His residence in this com- 
munity dates from June 17, 1811, and he is there- 
fore numbered among the honored |iioneers. A 
native of the Kmpire State, he was born in (Jreene- 
ville, (Ireene County, November 27, 182:5, and is 



a son of John and Irena (Palmer) Holly. The 
father was a native of New England, born Sep- 
tember 23, 1790, and when a child of three years 
was taken by his parents to New York, wliere he 
spent his life as an agriculturist. He was drafted 
for service in the War of 1812, but hostilities were 
soon afterward ended. In politics he was a Whig 
until the organization of the Republican party, 
when he joined its ranks. In early life he and his 
wife belonged to the Presbyterian Church, but 
afterward joined the Uaptist Church. In their 
family were six sons and three daughters, but only 
two are now living, the brother of our subject be- 
ing Charles Holly, of Riti, Columbia County, Wis. 
During the late war he served for three years in a 
Wisconsin regiment, and participated in many bat- 
tles and in the famous march to the sea under 
Sherman. He is now married and follows farming. 
In the usual manner of farmer lads David Holly 
spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and in 
the common schools .acquired his education. In 
June, 1844, he determined to seek a home in the 
west, and by way of the Erie Canal and the (ireat 
Lakes came to Wisconsin. It was then aterritoiy. 
He landed at Milwaukee, a small town, and many 
years had passed ere the place became a citv of 
importance. Mi . Holly took up his residence on 
section 18, Lisbon Township, where his brother 
and uncle had purchased a claim of two hundred 
and forty acres. In the community there were 
few improvements, nnich of the land was still in 
the po.sse.ssion of the Government and the work of 
progress and civilization seemed hardly begun. 

In 1849 Mr. Holly returned to New York on a 
visit. He was married December31, 184G, to Eliza 
Calkins, who was liorn in Columbia County, N.Y., 
July 24, 1817, and was called to the home beyond 
Januarj' 10, 1891. They had traveled life's jour- 
ney together for almost half a century, and the 
lady had been to her husband a faithful compan- 

! ion and helpmate. They had begun their domes- 
tic life on an eighty acre claim where they lived 

' in true jiioneer style. In January, 1854, they re- 
moved to a farm of eighty acres on section 5, Lis- 

; l)on Township, and it is still the home of Mr. 

i Holly. The best interests of the community have 
ever found in our subject a frieutl. He h.as aided 




!'tisL6v.'!o i LI 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



511 



ill llic erection of tlnee sclioolhouses and has ever 
Iiornc his part in the work of dcveloi)nient and 
improvement. In politics he is a stalwart advo- 
cate of Repiihlican jirinciplos, and his lirst vote 
was cast for Hon. John C". Fremont. He has wit- 
nessed tiie entire jjrowth and development of the 
country, and amoii<r the honored pioneer settlers 
well deserves mention. 




PUTNEY, Post- 
in carlv settler of 



eOL. FRANK HOWELL 
master of Waukesha, is 
that villaije and a veteran of the lateC'ivil 
War. He was horn in Rockford, 1 11., October 31, 
1H41, and is the only child of Capl. Foskett M. 
and Clarissa (Howell) Piitiiev. The early child- 
hood of Colonel Putne3' was spent at his father's 
home in Milwaukee. In 1S1,5 he accompanied his 
parents to Waukesha County, the family residing 
for the succeeding five years at Prospect Hill, New 
IJeilin Township. They removed from that [)lace 
in 1X.')I1 to the villa<j;e of Waukesha. 

TIk' priiii.-iry education of Coldiicl Putney was 
obtained in the villaj^e si-liool and in the Prejiara- 
tory Department of Carroll Collej^c, and from 1H;"),5 
to 1860 he was a student of the Milwaukee High 
.School, where he prepared for cfillege, intending 
to take a regular college course; however, hispl.-ms 
were disarranged by the breaking out of the Rebel- 
lion and his enlistment in defense of the I'nion. 
On the ."5 1st of October. 18(11, he was mustered in- 
to the volunteer service of the I'nited States as a 
private of Company O, Twelfth Wisconsin Infant- 
ry under Captain Howell, for a period of three 
years. On the 1st of .luly, l.st;2. he was appointed 
Sergeant of his company, and .lanuary ">, 18()4, 
veteranized. On the 17th of .\iigusl of that 
year he was commissioned .Second Lieutenant, 
an<l was mustered in as such on the Kth of .Septem- 
ber following. He participated with his company 
and regiment in tlie folluwini; iiamed marches, 
campaigns and eni^agenienls: 'I'lie march frttm 
Lawrence, Kan., to Ft. Riley and thence to l-'t. Leav- 
enworth, in .\pril, 1H(!2, and the niarih from Col- 



umbus, Ky.. to LaOrange, Tenn., in the summer of 
1862. He took part in General Grant's campaign 
in northern Mississippi dining the fall and winter 
of 18(;2 and I86.'i; the sie;re of Vicksbmj.', of .May, 
.Iiiiie anil .luly, IKd;!; in (Jencral Sherman's expe- 
ilition of February, IHfi L.'iiid the cam|iaiLrn a<;aiiist 
Atl:inta, participating in the accompanying battles 
from that of I'.ig .Shanty, Ga., until the surrender 
of the city September I, ISOl; the pursuit of the 
Rebel General Hood, north of Chattanooga River 
to Gaylesville, Ala., in ( )ctober, 1864; the march 
to the sea, and siege of .Sivannah,Ga., in Novem- 
ber and December, 1864; the attack an») capture 
of Pocotaligo, S. C, .lanuary of 186;>; the march 
through the Carolinas and the battle of Henton- 
ville, N. C, .\pril, 186."). and the linal march from 
Raleigh, N. C. to Washington, I). C, in May and 
June, 186;"). In October, 1861, Coh)nel Putney 
had been detailed as acting Adjutant of his regi 
ment and had served in that capacity unlil .Vpril, 
1865, when he was detailed from company and 
regiment and assi<jned to duty as A. A. A. G., on 
the staff of Col. Ca.ssius Fairchild, Commanding 
Brigade (special order No. 24). On May 22, 1865, 
by order of Maj.-(!eii. F. P. lilair, he was iussigned 
to duty as Brigadier Inspector on the staff of (Jen. 
Charles Ewing, Commanding First Brigade, Third 
Division, .Seventeenth Army Corps, and served 
there until the final muster out of the company 
and regiment, July 16, 1865, at Louisville, Ky. 

On his return from the war, Colonel Putney read 
law and was admitted to practice in the state and 
local courts of Wisconsin in 187(1. He establishefV 
hiin.self in ])ractice at Waukesha, but during the 
3'ears 1874 and 187.") was engaged in newspaper 
work in New York. In 1876 he was ajipolnted 
Private Secretary to Governor Liiddington, which 
position embraced the additional duties of Military 
Secretary and Aid-de-camp, with rank of Colonel. 
In 1878 he accepted the positir)n of ,\ssistant .Sec- 
retary of State under Hans B. Warner, and was re- 
a|)pointed in 1880. While serving in that capaci- 
ty he was elected County .Iiidge of Waukesha 
County, and entered upon the {luties of that ortice 
on the 1st of January, 1882. serving four years. He 
h.as also served as \illai;e Clerk, Town Clerk, Pres- 
ident of the \'illai;e two terms, a meml)cr of the 



512 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Hoard of Trustees llirec teiins. and of the County 
Hoard of Supervisors one term. 

Colonel Putney isa member of William 15. Cush- 
ing Post No. 19, O. A. R., of Waukesha, of which 
he has served three times as Commander. lie has 
also been Adjutant-General of the Wisconsin State 
Department, (Jrand Army of the Republic, and is 
a companion of the First Class, Military Order of 
Loyal Lejiion of the United States. He isa mem- 
ber of Waukesha Lod>j:e Xo. .37, A. F. & A. M.; of 
Waukesha Chapter No. .'JT, R. A. M., and has been 
presiding ollicer in both. He was a member of the 
Independent Older of ( )dd Fellows, but is now non- 
alliliated. 

Politically Coluncl Putney is an earnest Repub- 
lican. In his reli<!;i(jus views he is an Kpisco[>alian, 
being a communicant of St. Alallhias' Church, of 
which he has served as .lunior Warden several 
years. 

On the 1st of February, 18'Jl, Colonel Putney 
was appointed Postmaster at Waukesha under Pres- 
dent Harrison, .and is the present incumbent. He 
devotes much of his time and personal attention 
to the business of the ottice, in the discharge of 
whi(th he is supported by a very competent deputy 
and assistants. Under his administration of its 
atTairs the otiice has attained a high degree of elli- 
ciency. 

Colonel Putney is considered one of the most 
enterprising and public-spirited citizens of W^auke- 
sha. While lie inherited much valuable property 
from his father, he has made some very important 
and valuable improvements, notably, the Putney 
Hloek at the corner of Main Street .and Grand Ave. 
iiue, built in 1882, which is a beautiful stone struct- 
ure three stories high, 7l)xl().5 feet in dimensions. 
Also the new Putney I'.lock erected in 181)1, at the 
corner of (iraiid Avenue and South Street. It is 
built of Waukesha stone and extends two hundred 
and thirty-six feet on Grand Avenue and ninety 
feet on South Street. The Orient Block constructed 
by his father in 1870 is included in these dimen- 
sions. The Colonel was one of the projectors and 
organizers of the Waukesha Klcctric Light Com- 
|)any; is a stockholder and director of the Wauke- 
sha National Hank, and is closely identified with 



other important local interests. He has taken an 
active part in the upbuilding and progress of 
Waukesha, both materially and ollicially. 



♦^^( 



|,H; 



'01 



J 



ULIl'S C. LOVE. Over half a century has 
elapsed since this gentleman became a resi- 
dent of Waukesha County, in the develop- 
ment of which he has materiallj- aided. He 
is a native of Niagara Count}', N. Y., born .Jan- 
uary '2C>, 18.?;"), and is the youngest of a family of 
tifteen children, eight sous and seven daughters, 
bom unto Levi and Eunice (Waldo) Love. Of 
the family eight survive. The parents were both 
natives of Connecticut, the father's birth occur- 
ring on the 12tli of October, 1790, and the moth- 
er's, May 7, 1791. The latter, who was educated 
in her native state, died April 9, 1867, and the 
former November 16, 1875, at the advanced age 
of eighty- five years. 

Levi Love was reared in agricultural pursuits, 
which he followed throughout his life. At the 
age of eighteen he came alone to the state of New 
York, his only capital being an industrious and 
energetic spirit, backed by a strong determination 
to make his life successful. His education was 
obtained in the earl}' New England schools; how- 
ever, being a man who improved his spare mo- 
ments by reading, he became well informed. Dur- 
ing his residence in the Empire State he served 
as a soldier in the War of 1812. In his political 
sentiments he w.as an old line Whig, afterward a 
supporter of the Free Soil party, and later in life 
voted with the Republicans. In 1836 Mr. Love 
removed to Canada and there resided until his 
emigration to Wisconsin in 1813. The trip from 
Canada to Wisconsin was made by sleighs and 
consumed three weeks. Upon the arrival in Wau- 
kesha County, the father bought one hundred and 
sixty acres of wild land on section 19, in the town 
of Pewaukee. This purchase was a claim for 
which he paid 1300, the onlj' improvement being 
a small log cabin, where the family resided for 
some years. Everything was in its infancy at 
that time; Milwaukee was a mere village, Wau- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



513 



keslia was known as Prairieville and consisted 
of hut a few cabins; Indians were common, often 
passing liy the earl^' settler's liomes. Ox teams 
were tlie main force for breaking tiie wild lands 
in those days, as man.y as six yoke being driven 
in a team — a sight that would be very novel to 
tlie majority of the present inliabitants. In 1855 
Mr. Love sold his properly' in IVwaukee Town- 
ship and bought a farm of four hundred and 
thirteen acres in the lf>wn of ( icnesee, wiiich he 
owned, and upon which lie resided until a short 
time before his death, disi)osing of it in 1875. 
Both hiinseif and wife were members of the Con- 
gregational Churcli and lived in liarmony with 
the profession they made. They left to their chil- 
dren, besides valuable property, the inheritance 
of a good name and a spotless character. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was a lad of eight years wlien he came to Wiscon- 
sin with his parents in 184.'5, and has continuously 
resided in Waukesha County since. He received 
a good common school education and grew to 
manhood on Ills father's farm. When old enough 
to make choice of a vocation for life he selected 
that of a farmer. His i)resent estate of two hun- 
dred and six acres, lying withiu three miles of the 
village of Waukesha, was purchased in 187(j. He 
has been a careful and thrifty manager, as will be 
inferred from a visit to his well arranged farm 
and comfortable Ikjuic. .lust at this time he is 
making a sjiecialty of butler, for which he (inds a 
ready market in .Milwaukee and Waukesha, selling 
all to regular customers. 

Ml-. Love hns been twice married, his Grst wife 
having been Miss Hannah Breeze, a native of 
Wales, to whom lie was married on the oth of No- 
vember, 1857. By this union there were eight 
children, three sons and five daughters, six of 
whom arc living. Kuniee is the wife of (ieorge 
Blackwell, a prosperous farmer of Waukesha Town- 
ship; .1. Dwight graduated from tlic I'nion school 
of Waukesha, and taught In the schools of the 
county for some time, but is now a resident of 
South Dakota, where he is engaged in farming: 
Laura became the wife of Fi-ank U. I'"ulli'r, of the 
tirm of C'onstantlne it' Fuller, dealers in real es- 
tate in Waukesha; Marietta wedded Randall .lolin- 



son, who is a teacher in the schools of that vil- 
lage; George 8. was a student of Chicago Med- 
ical College, in the Cla.ss of '94; Mattie H. at- 
tended the Normal School at White Water, and is 
now a teacher in the schools of Waukesha. Mr. 
Love has given all of his children a good educa- 
tion, which IS one of the best preparations that 
can be made for useful citizenship. He was called 
upon to mourn the death of his wife December 7, 
18711. February 22, 1882, Mr. Love w.as married 
to his present wife. Miss Martha liirllirong, a na- 
tive of Waukesha County. Mrs. Love was edu- 
cated in the common schools. Her father, who 
was of French extraction, is deceased, while his 
wife stid survives. 

Mr. Love has been a Itepublicaii, butduring the 
last few years has adhered to the princi|)les of the 
Prohibition party. He and his wife are members 
of the Congregational Church of Waukesha, being 
earnest workers in the church and heartily sup- 
porting whatever promises to be of advantage to 
society. They have the esteem and high regard of 
all who know them and are classed among the 
best citizens in Waukesha County. 



\ T 4)ILLIAM A. FOSTKR. The gentleman 
\/ V/ whose name heads this record is a na- 
tive born citizen of Waukesha County, 
his birth having occurred .July .'$1, 1H50. He is 
the next eldest son in a family of ft)ur surviving 
children, comprising two .sons and two daughtei-s, 
born to Samuel and Mary (Hartlett) Foster. He 
was reared to agricultural pursuits, which have 
thus far, for the most part, occupied his attention. 
His primary education was received in the com- 
mon schools of his native town, which w.is sup- 
plemented by a seminary course at Kochester. Ra- 
cine County, Wis. 

Mr. Foster commenced life for himself at the 
age of eighteen years, being largely dependent 
upon his own talent and energy, and has since 
been an active and progressive man. lie has been 
interested in lire insurance and other business, 
having been a traveling salesman for some two or 



514 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



three years; the states of Ohio and Indiana being 
the territory tlirough wliicli lie lr:iveh-d while 
ciiipioyed in that caiiiicity. 

On the 2d of April, 1H7.J, Mr. Foster vvcd<li>d 
Miss Elridi.'i i'liiiiiose, also a native of Waukesha 
foiinty. hoiii .M.Tich 20, 18.")(;. Mrs. Foster is a 
(huiiihlpr of .hicoli A. und Ihintiah .1. (Cliurcii) 
I'riiiHdsc, :uiil is (iiic in ;i family of three, consisl- 
iii<( of a son and two daughters. The former, 
Morris, resides in .Milwaukee. The other sister, 
Myra, hecauie the wife of Frank Woll, of Milwau- 
kee. The father, .lacob A. Primrose, was a native 
of Nevv York, where his birth occurred in 1817. 
lie was a carpenter and Joiner by trade, which oc- 
cupation lie followed until his emigration to Wis- 
consin. He and his wife came west in an early 
day and are classed among the pioneers of this 
eount\'. .Soon after their arrival the father pur- 
chased one huTidred and sixty acres of land and 
engaged in farming. His death occurred on the 4tli 
of August, 189."?, at the age of seventy-six years. 

.Mr. and Mrs. Foster have a family of four chil- 
dren, two sons and two daughters, .as follows: 
Myra K.. William Albert, Freddie and Mar}' Es- 
tclla. Mrs. lH)ster has been a hel|)mate to her 
husband ni the truest and best sense through the 
years of their wedded life, and is a kind and lov- 
ing mother. Their homestead comprises one hun- 
dred and twenty acres of linely cvdtivated land, 
with all modern improvem(!nts and a comfortable 
farm residence, where a hospitable welcome awaits 
all who come, whether in a business or social way. 

Mr. Foster was one who was ready to offer his 
services in defense of his country during the late 
Civil War, but was too young to be admitted to 
the ranks as a soldier. He is a true Hepublican 
iupolitics. and cast his first Presidential l)allot for 
the soldier President, Gen. U. S. Grant. In all 
party affairs he takes an active part in asserting 
his views on the i)rinciples advocated by it. By 
his Community he has been selected to represent 
their interests in county conveivtions at Wauke- 
sha, at various times. As an ollicial, he has been 
a citizen in whom Ihc people have reposed the ut- 
most conlidencc!. For the long period of fourteen 
years Mr. Foster has held the chair of Treasurer of 
his school district, discharging the duties devolv- 



ing upon him in a faithfuT manner. He is an ad- 
vocate of good schools, competent teachers and 
believes in the Ihorougli instruction of the chil- 
dren, maintaining that only teachers of pro- 
nounced ability and standing should be eraploj'ed. 
Were this true, the grade of our schools, country 
and city, would be elevated to a much higher 
standard. 

Mr. F'oster is a man who has always been closely 
identified with the direct interests of his township, 
and whatever, in his judgment, seemed calculated 
to advance the interests of his community received 
his hearty support. He and his estimable wife are 
true representatives of Christian and moral teach- 
ings and are held in high regard by all who know 
them. His word is regarded as good as his note 
and in every undertaking he has met with success. 



^^[ 



-S) 



HON. VERNON TICHENOR. Few if any 
of the old settlers of Waukesha County 
will read this sketch without recalling 
some pleasant remembrance of this venerable law- 
yer, the first of his professicm to locate in what is 
now Waukesha County, and who for fifty-three 
years was so prominently identified with the his- 
tory of its courts of law, and whose honorable ca- 
reer was brought to a close through the course of 
nature on the 2l)th of January, 181(2, at the ripe 
old age of seventy-seven years. Mr. Tichenor was 
born in the town of Amsterdam, Montgomery 
(now Fulton) County, N. Y., on the 28th of Aug- 
ust, 1815. His literary education was received at 
Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., from which in- 
stitution he was graduated in the Class of '35. 
Having luiisued a law course in his native town 
he was admitted to the [>ar in the Supreme Court 
at Albany, in October, 1838. 

On the IDtli of August of the same year, he was 
married at New Scotland, Albany County, N. \., 
to Miss Charlotte .Sears, a native of Balston Spa, 
Saratoga County, of the .same state. In August, 
18.'?0, Mr. Tichenor emigrated to the territory of 
Wisconsin and located at Waukesha, which was 
then Prairie Village of Milwauk(;e County. He at 




JOHN HOWITT. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



617 



once opened an office in tliat villasjc, which on the 
orjjanization of Waukes^ha County became tiie 
county seal, lie look prominence as a man of 
affairs at tiie start, and on tlie or<j;anization of the 
town of Waukesha was chosen Town Clerk, which 
position lie held for a number of years. He was 
elected -Tustice of the Peace at an early day, and 
was often re-elected to the same position. In 
18.')5 he was chosen Village Treasurer, Village 
Trustee in 18(!2, Vill.age Clerk in IH()7, and Pres- 
ident of the ^'illagc in 18()8, being re-elected to 
the latter olHce in 1871-72-75 and 1876. lie was 
appointed Draft Commissioner in 18C2; was chosen 
to repre.sent his district in the Wisconsin Assem- 
bly in 1869; and for over twenty-live years was 
Court Commissioner of Waukesha County. For 
many years he was President of the Board of Trus- 
tees of Carroll College; and was a charter member of 
the Congregational Church, being one of its pil- 
lars. With the Abolition movement and with the 
Under-ground Railroad he was prominently iden- 
tified. During all his residence here he was in 
every respect one of the foremost citizens. His 
life, both in ])ublic and private, was irreproachable 
and was characterized by the strictest integrity and 
honor. He \yas public-spirited, with a conserva- 
tive tendency, that made his opinions of value, 
and his advice eminently safe. Among his legal 
associates, as well as by the public in general, he 
was highly esteemed, being known to nearly ever}' 
person of mature years in the county. 

Mr. Tichenor was an old man, and years had 
begun to press upon hin), but his death was a sad 
loss to the public, as well as to many personal 
friends, llis good wife hail preceded him to the 
spirit world but a short time. About a year prior 
to his death, Mr. Tichenor associated with him in 
the practice of law his grandson, N'ernoii II. Tich- 
enor, a ca))able young lawyer, now a member of 
the firm of Armin it Tichenor. Mr. Tichenor left 
two children, Willis \". and Mary C. The former, 
who came with his parents to this county while 
an infant, dro|)ped his work as a law student to 
enter the service of his country, on the -2 1st of 
August, 1862, becoming a member of Company O, 
Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry. He was mus- 
tered in as ."x'cond Lieutenant, and on the 3(>th v( 



March, 1864, \Ya.s made Captain of his company, ' 
which position he held until mustered out on the 
23d of August, 1865. He married Miss Helen K. 
Howard and to them have been born two chil- 
dren, Vernon IL, a g'-aduate of the Wisconsin .State 
University in the Class of '91, whose name has 
been before mentioned, and Charlotte S. 

On the death of Hon. Vernon Tichenor a meet- 
ing of the Waukesha County Bar was held at 
the court room, where appropriate addresses were 
made by A. Cook, .ludge M. S. (Jriswold, Hon. K. 
S. Turner, Hon. I). H. Sumner, Judge P. H. Carney, 
T. W. Ilaight, T. E. Ryan, T. W. Parkinson, Col. 
W. Parks, D. .1. Hemlock, E. Merton, W. 11. rhom.-is, 
C. E. Armin, and Judge A. Scott Sloan, who pre- 
sided over the meeting, all attesting the ability, 
character and worth of the deceased. 

JOHN IlOWITTisone of the well known edu- 
cators of Waukesha County, having made 
this his home for thirty-eight years. The 
family from which this gentleman springs 
had its origin in England. Kainilv tradition says 
that three brothers emigrated from that country to 
Scotland. Andrew Howitt, the father of the gen- 
tleman whose name heads this account, is a direct 
descendant from one of those brothers, and was 
born in A^'rshire, where he grew to manhood and 
married Miss Agues McKerrow, a native of the 
same shire. About 1825, they emigrated to Can- 
ada, and subsequently to the town of Avon, Liv- 
ingston County, X. V. Mr. Howitt was a machin- 
ist by trade, but after coming to the United Slates 
chielly devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. 
In Livingston County he became quite an exten- 
sive farinei'. In 1856, he removed with his family 
to this county and settled in the town t)f Lisbon, 
where he and his wife spent the remainder of their 
days. Both were active workers in the Presbyter- 
ian Church, and were much beloved in the com- 
munity in which they resided. Being well edu- 
cated and thoroughly informed on all the living 
issues, Mr. Howitt took a deep interest in political 
affairs, adhering unswervingly to the principlesof 



518 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the HepiiMiean party. The family of this estima- 
ble coup!*! coii!>i>te(1 of ten chililieii, five sons and 
five daugiiters. Tliree of the boys served the Union 
cause during the late war; Janies, as a member of 
the Missouri Stale Militia; George, in the Thirt^'- 
third Missouri Iiifaiitiy, and Andrew in the Tenth 
Wisconsin Infantry. The last two died in the 
service, the former at Helena, Ark., and the latter 
at Elizabethtown, Ky. .lames survived the war, 
and is now a fanner of Einpiiv I'rairic. Mo. The 
remaining children are, Matthew, a farmer and 
miller of Pewaukee; Elizabeth, wife of William 
Simpson, a farmer of the town of Lisbon; .Jane, 
who died in Waukesha; Mary, who married Will- 
iam Weaver. and died in the town of Lisbon; Jean- 
nctte, who liecnmc the wife of .Joseph Cook, and 
died in Waiike-lia December!), 1891; Agnes, who 
became the wife of A. Rodgers, and died aged about 
sixty years, and .lohn, who completes the family. 

John Howitt was born April .'ill, ItSlS, in the 
town of Avon, Livingston County. N. Y. As he 
was but thirteen years old when bis parents emi- 
grated to this county, he might be considered al- 
most a iiroduct of Wisconsin. His early life was 
devoted to labor on the farm and attendance at 
the district school. Later he became a student in 
Carroll College, and finally at the State Univer- 
sity. Returning to this county he engaged in 
teaching school during the winter season, and 
farming in the summer time until 1875, when he 
was chosen .as County Superintendent of Schools, 
whicii position he filled ably and satisfactorily for 
eleven years, giving his undivided attention to 
the work. During his admini,>trati()n he did much 
to systematize the course of study for the district 
scliools and to elevate the standard of teaching. 

In 1878 Mr. Howitt in partnership with his 
brother, Matthew, purchased the mills at Mukwon- 
ago, and after carrying them on together for sev- 
eral years, the former became sole proprietor and 
has continued to conduct the business there since, 
though for the past seventeen years he has made 
his home in Waukesha. 

A strong believer in Uepublican principles, Mr. 
Howitt does all in his power for the success of the 
party advocating them. He is also an active 
worker in the Presbyterian Church. Perhaps there 



is not a man better known in Waukesha Conntj', 
and few men have a firmer hold on the confidence 
and esteem of their felbnv-citizens than he. 



_o?:i 



-C A »ji|j,iAM WEAVER, .Second. This 
V/ V/ sturdy' farmer is too well known to 
• the people of Waukesha County to 

need any special introduction, since this has been 
his home for over a half-century. Mr. Weaver is 
a native of the county of Sussex, England, where 
his birth occurred October 3, 1824, being the third 
child ilia family iniml)eringsixteen children whose 
parents were Hon. .lames and Elizabeth (Fielder) 
Weaver. When a lad of only five summers he 
accompanied his parents to America, and after a 
residence of eight years in New York, came to the 
territory of Wisconsin in 1837. The trip was 
made on the old vessel '-.Tulia Palmer" by way of 
the (ireat Lakes to Milwaukee. As no pier had 
yet been constructed the passengers, as well as 
their goods, were brought to shore at the mouth 
of Milwaukee Kiver by means of an old Hat bot- 
tomed boat. As Mr. Weaver remembers it, there 
were not more than a hundred temporary houses 
in the village at that date; while the onl3' means 
of crossing the river was by a ferry-boat drawn 
by hand, along a rope stretched from shore to 
shore. Where the great railroad depots, the prin- 
cipal factories and Pabst's brewery now stand was 
a tamarack swamp made joyous at evening by the 
croaking of hundreds of frogs. East Water and 
Wisconsin Streets were the principal thoroughfares. 
He often saw the great Indian trader, Solomon 
Juneau, whose name is a household word tbrough- 
ont Wisconsin. All the industries that go to 
make AVisconsin one of the greatest states in the 
Union have sprung up since his arrival here. The 
screech of the steam engine, the click of the tele- 
graph, the "hello" of the telephone, the sound of 
a church or school bell had not as yet been heard 
within its borders. 

When Mr. Weaver's father enleied huid iii Lis- 
bon Township there were but three log houses to 
be seen in the town. The first habitation of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



510 



Weaver family was a cabin having a Brc-place ex- 
tending nearly acroso one end, and covered witli a 
sliake roof. As not !i furrow li:id been turned the 
older Mr. Wciivcr set liiniself zeukiusl}- to improve 
a f.iriu. Tlie hospitable homes of the pioneers 
furnished places for keepiiiij school and conduct- 
ing church services, as well as for enjoying social 
intercourse. Mr. Weaver has seen many Indians 
with their ponies, papoosts and squaws pass in 
single lile the home of his father. They were 
never troublesome however, as ihcy belonged to 
the friendly Winnebago and I'oltawalaniie tribes. 
They were ever ready to exchange the product of 
the chase for the product of tlie white man's toil. 
!\Ir. Weaver says that for a pot of potatoes he 
could get a large buck's pelt. These liard^' pio- 
neers harvested their first grain witli the old Eng- 
lish sickle, and to this dny the subject of this ar- 
ticle bears a scar on his left hand made by one of 
them. After a time a wonderful invention was 
made, the four-fingered cradle. Threshing was 
done in those days by clearing off a patch of 
ground, spreading the grain thereon and beating 
it out with a Hail. Instend of the modern fanning- 
niill the grain was cleaned by being tossed in the 
air to let the wind blow away the chaff. The 
breaking plows were drnwn by o.xen, and when 
they needfd sharpening it was necessary to take 
them to I'rairieville, a distance of ten miles. In 
fact, oxen were about the oidy means of locomo- 
tion, while the vehicle used was nearly' ahv.ays a 
sled or a cart. The roads were tortuous, winding 
through forests and around swamps, and where a 
soft piece of ground w-as to be crossed a corduroy 
road was constructed. 

Mr. Weaver located in this county nine years 
before it was set off from Milwaukee County; he 
witnessed the erection of the first schoolhouse 
that was built in the town of Lisbon, it being 
made of stone and located on section 36. His 
father's house, which stood on the same section, 
was the first meeting place for the communicants 
of the English Episcopal Church, and at the or- 
ganization of that society, the house being too 
small, the congregation assembled in the barn, 
the choir occupying a lofty position in the hay- 
mow. Bishop Kemper had charge of the work iu 



baud, which was suddenly brought to a standstill: 

the strains of the choir so strained the floor of the 
loft that it gave way, precii)itating the singers to 
the ground below. 

Mr. Weaver has made agriculture his chief call- 
ing in life. Ills education is of the practical 
kind, mostly ac<iuired by reading and observation. 
When a youth he worked in his father's sawmill, 
and after attaining his majority, being haiid^' 
with tools, he helped to erect many of the houses 
an<l barns in the community. When Air. Weaver 
began life for himself his only capital was a |)air 
of willing bands and the indefatigable industry 
for which the English peo|)lc are noted. His first 
venture as the owner of real estate was the pur- 
chase of forty acres of wild land on section 20. 
>No improvements of any sort had been made, but 
during the first winter he succeeded in clearing 
ten acres which he sowed to wheat the following 
spring. In order to meet the payments he had to 
borrow money, paying twenty-five per cent. i)er 
annum for the use of the same. Later he pur- 
chased another forty for i!500, going in debt for 
it. .\ fertile soil rewarded his untiring efforts 
with abundant harvests so that he was enabled to 
meet his obligations as fast as they came due. 

Mr. Weaver has been twice married; his first 
wife, to whom he was united in 185.'?, bore the 
maiden name of Mary Howitt, and was a native 
of Scotland. Six children were born to this union, 
two sons and four daughteis, of whom two are de- 
ceased. The oldest living, .Jennie, is a bookkeeper 
at Racine. Mary, the next, makes her home in 
the .same city. George, who graduated at Rush 
Medical College, of Chicago, is a successful phy- 
sician and surgeon of that city, and is also an in- 
structor in the laboratory of his Alma Mater. On 
the 3d of January, 1874, Mrs. Weaver, who was 
born on the 17th of October, 1828, passed to the 
spirit world. Ten years later, on the 2ytli of Jan- 
uary, the subject of this article wedded Miss F. 
Louise Pettias, a native of New York. Nettie 
Louise, who is the onh' child of this marriage, is 
being educated in the public schools of Sussex. 

Mr. Weaver cast his first Presidential vote for 
James K. Polk, and since that time has been a 
warm advocate of the principles held by the Demo- 



620 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 



cratic party. He lia.s served as Cbairniau of his 
town, and lins ever been an active woiker, and 
one in wlioni tiie people reposed the utmost con- 
fidence. He lias ever taken a deep interest in pub- 
lic cduealioii, and has given his cliildren the best 
school advantages. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weaver 
are members of .St. Alban's Parish at .Sussex, in 
which the former has been serving as Vestryman 
since its organization, and as Warden for many 
years. In everything lliat pertains to the best 
interests of society he is ever found ready to do 
his part. Possessed of am|)le means, the subject of 
this biography is living retired in Sussex. In con- 
nection with farnjing he has been extensively en- 
gaged in the hop business for thirty jears, being 
associated willi his brother, Richard, under the 
firm title of R. Weaver & Bro. They began op- 
erations in 1853, and increased their trade until 
it amounted to $600,000 in 1882. Being widely 
known as men of integrity, their credit was al- 
most unbounded, and their success phenomenal. 
Mr. Weaver has truly been the architect of his own 
fortune, beginning his career in a little frame 
house 16x24 feet in size, which is still standing, 
and having a mortgage on the forty acres sur- 
rounding it; lie has risen to a place among the 
men of wealth in Lisbon Township. 



Am 



<iT^ UGUST WI LDE, one of New Berlin 's most 
/ — \ honored pioneers, residing on section 14, 
is a native of Baerwalde, province of 
Brandenburg, Germany, born February 25, 1821. 
He is the eldest of a family of three children, two 
sons and one daughter, whose parents were Karl 
II. and Louise (Frank) Wilde. In the village of 
his nativity, the gentleman whose name heads this 
sketcli received a good education in both German 
and Latin. When fourteen years of age he was 
apprenticed to the trade of nail-maker, being thus 
employed until his deinirture for America, in 1848. 
In company with his parents, his brother and sis- 
ter, he sailed from Bremen to New York, reaching 



the latter city after a voyage of forty-two days. 
From the eastern metropolis to Albany the family 
continued their journey by way of the Hudson 
River; theuce on tiie Erie Canal and the Great 
Lakes to Milwaukee, where they arrived on the 2d 
of May. On the 2d of June, of the same year, 
the birthday of tlie father of this family, they 
found themselves safely housed in a log cabin 
which stood on forty acres of unimproved land, 
which is HOW' ovvned b}- August Wilde. Though 
forty-six years have since elai)sed, no incident has 
more deeply impressed the mind of our subject than 
the prayer and thanksgiving offered by his vener- 
ated father before [Kirtaking of the repast spread 
in honor of his sixtieth birthday and his safe ar- 
rival upon Wisconsin soil. The mother, who had 
shared with her husband the vicissitudes of mar- 
ried life since October 30, 1819, poured forth her 
tears in silence as a thank offering to Providence, 
which has attended them in all their journeyings. 
On the 28th of September, 1856, this worthy lady 
was laid to rest in the New Berlin cemetery, and 
ten years later her husband was called from earth 
and his remains buried beside her. Their daugh- 
ter, Matilda, became the wife of Abraham Kern, a 
highly respected pioneer of the town of New Ber- 
lin. Mr. Kern had been a settler of that town 
since 1843, and was widely known as a good busi- 
ness man and a Christian gentleman. He was 
borne from his home to the Reformed Lutheran 
Church burying ground on the 28tli of .lanuary, 
1894, having reached the advanced age of seventy- 
five years and twenty-three days. His widow re- 
sides in their beautiful home on section 16. 

Karl Wilde, the only brother of our subject, 
learned the tailor's trade after coming to Wiscon- 
sin; but abandoned that occupation to become a 
farmer and stock-raiser of Cuming County, Neb. 

Until 1872, August Wilde continued to work at 
the trade which he had learned in his native land. 
He established himself in business which increased 
in volume and profitableness as the years went by, 
necessitating the employment of several hands. 
The nails, for which lie found a ready market in 
Waukesha, .lanesville and Milwaukee, were ham- 
mered out by hand. When the cheaper macliine- 
made nails came into competition wilii his prod- 




JOHN R. SMALL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



523 



net, Mr. Wilde decided to turn his attention to 
other pursuits. 

On the (ilh of Novi'inber, IH;');?. Mi-. W'lUle wsis 
united in iiiarriajje wilii Miss WiHiciniinc Stail- 
inrinn, .1 native of Hassum, province of Prussia, 
(uniiiany, born October 3, I8.'!2. Mrs. Wilde is 
llie tiiird in order of birth of live chihlreu, two 
sons and three daugliters. Her father and step- 
mother, Krnest W. and So))hia (Meyer) Stallinaiin, 
emigrated to Wisconsin in 18 I'.), and setth'd in the 
town of North Greentield, Milwaukee County. 

To Mr. anil Mrs. Wilde have been born ten 
children, of whom one son died in infancy. Karl 
devotes himself to agriculture and to stock-rais- 
ing, having an interest in liis father's farm, lie 
W.1.S Iwrn in the log cabin of his grandr.'ilher 
on the lOlh of December, 18,') I. and received an 
education in both the Oernian and Kiigiisli lan- 
guages. Anna Amelia, the next cliild in order of 
birth, married Joseph Klger, a farmer of New ller- 
lin Townsiiip; Wilhelmiiie Louise became the wife 
of Richard Kuenzl, a liutcher of Rockford, HI.; 
Fredericka Matilda married Peter Haan, a sterco- 
typer of Paterson, N. •!.; Augusta Sopliia is at 
home; Ida is the wife of Karl Oerber, an under- 
taker of Milwaukee; Maria Charlotte makes her 
home with her sister M.ililda; Catherine is a dress- 
maker of Jlilwaukee; Kinma, the youngest, is still 
under the parental roof. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wilde have reared a large family 
of which they have just cause to be proud, as all 
have become respected and u.seful members of so- 
ciet}-. Both husband and wife are pioneers of 
Waukesha Count}-, and throughout the community 
where they have lieen known for so many years 
are honored and respected. Their home is a mag- 
nificent brick structure which adorns a farm con- 
sisting of one hundred and thirty-two acres of as 
fine land as can be found in the township. It is 
surrounded l)y shade trees and other improve- 
ments which add to its beautj' and desirability. 

Politically, .Mr. Wilde claims no allegiance to 
an}' party. Though he has never sought or de- 
sired office, he has been called ui)on to fill that of 
School Treasurer for eighteen years, in which po- 
sition he has ever discharged his duties faithfully. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wilde are members of the Reformed 
16 



Lutheran Church, and in 1872 contributed liber- 
ally toward the erection of the fine brick edifice 
which was erected on section 18, New Berlin Town- 
ship. They take an active interest in everylhing 
that tends to elevate and promote the interests of 
their cominunily. 






J(illN 1;. SMAl.l,, one of the enterprising 
young farmers of Lisbon Township, living 
on section 21, is a native of Waukesha Coun- 
ty. He was born March 22, 1859, and is the 
only child of Hon. William and Margaret (Marsh- 
all) .Small, who are rc^piesented elsewhere in this 
work. He acquired a good education in the com- 
mon scIkioIs, which was snpplementefl by study in 
Carroll College. He was reared U) the occupation 
of farming and has made that his life work. 

M'. Small remained with his parents until his 
marriage, which was celebrated M.ay 12, 1881, 
Miss Ida J. Elliott becoming his wife. She was 
born in this county, February 2fi, 18(;i, was edu- 
cated in the Su.sse.x schools, and for some years 
successfully engaged in teaching. Three children 
graced the union of our subject and his wife: Will- 
iam (Jeorge, who died at the age of six months 
and sixteen days; Allen H., who was born April 
25, 1885; and Isabel M.. December 2, 189.3. 

Mr. Small is a warm advocate of Republican 
principles, and is one of four men known on ac- 
count of the earnest work which they do for their 
party, as the "Big Four," the other three being, 
.John A. Rodgers, .lames Teinplelon, AV. H. Ed- 
wards and.Iohn R. .Small, of Lisbon Township. His 
first Presidential vote was cast for .lames A. Car- 
field. His fellow-townsmen, appreciating his worth 
and ability, have frequentl}' called upon him to 
serve in positions of public trust. He was for two 
terms Township Clerk, was Chairman of the Town 
Board two terms, was District Clerk twelve years, 
and in all these oKlces has discharged his duties 
with a promptness and fidelity which have won him 
universal commendation. Socially he is a mem- 
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America, and for 
three 3'ears was Venerable Counsel of Morris Camp. 



524 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Both he and his wife are members of the Episco- 
pal Cimrch of Sussex, of whicli tiie Hev. L. P. 
Holmes is Hector. The greater part of his lime 
and attention Mr. Small now devotes to the cul- 
tivation of his eighty-acre farm, which is pleasantly. 
located a mile west of Susse.v, and he is regarded 
as one of the leading agriculturists of the commu- 
nity. 



(Tnr HHAM G. HARDELL. of Summit Town- 
r — \ ship, is one of the few residents of Wau- 
kesha County whose coming was as carin- 
as 1837. His father, Richard Hardell, was born in 
Lancastershire, England, on the lOth of .June, 1795. 
He learned the trade of a carpenter, and w.as for 
years engaged in contracting and building. At 
the age of nineteen years he was niairied to Jane 
Wingate. In 1829 the family, consisting of par- 
ents and four children, of whom Abram G. was 
the youngest, emigrated to the United States and 
settled at Clinton, Oneida County, N. V. There 
the father engaged in contracting and building. 
Among the buildings of note erected b3' him at 
that pl.ace was the Clinton Jjiberal Institute, and j 
his name may still be seen carved on a marble 1 
block in the facade of that structure, and the dale, | 
1832. 

!\Ir. Hardell, Sr., finally resolved to move farther 
west, where land was cheaper, .as he had decided to 
give up the business of his tra(ie and devote him- 
self to agricultural piusuils, in the interests, espe- 
cially, of his growingand increasing family. Ac- 
cordingly, in ,Iune, 18.'}G, the parents with their 
seven children (three having been born in the 
state of New York) started westward b3' way of 
the Erie Canal. From I'.uffalo they shipped on a 
sailing-vessel for Milwaukee, and on the 20th of 
.Inly following, after a journi^y of four weeks, 
reached their destination, so far as the lake voyage 
was concerned. Thf harbor at Milwiiukee had not 
then l>ecn improved, and the lake being extremely 
rough, their efforts to land came near being dis.as- 
trous. A yawl was manned l)y |>arl of the crew 
with the object of putting the passengers ashore, 
but after a fruitless attempt, during which the 



lives of all on the yawl were greatly endangered, 
the boat was obliged to return to the vessel and 
await the calming of the surface of the lake. On 
the following morning all were landed in safety. 
The family remained In Milwaukee, which was 
then but a hamlet on the lake shore, until ,Iune of 
the following year; the father, in the meantime, 
became well acquainted with Solomon .Iunea\i, 
INHIwaukee's first and most noted pioneer. The 
latter secured the claim of land in the town of 
Summit for Mr. Hardell, who settled on it the fol- 
lowing year. Mr. .Juneau placed himself under 
obligations to Mr. Hardell for money loaned him 
by the latter. Mr. .Juneau suffered financial fail- 
ure soon after, and for that reason was unable t<j 
pay his obligation in money. However, the hon- 
esty of the man was illustrated, when he paid the 
debt ill full. I>y furnishing provisions and other 
necessaries of which the family was greatly in 
need. Mr. Hardell was fortunate in being rather 
better off in stock and goods than many of the 
early pioneers; but this fad was [iroduclive of 
great per|ilexities in their journey from Milwau- 
kee to Summit 'I'ownship. There were no bridges 
across the streams, which were somewhat swollen 
by recent rains, and crossing was rendered very 
difficult. They were forced to compel the stock 
to swim the Milwaukee Hiver, and the trip .as a 
whole w.as quite a hard one. 

A. G. Hardell states that at thai time there were 
but three families between Milwaukee and what 
was then Prairieville, now Wauke.^ha, and none 
between the latter village and their |)lace of settle- 
ment ill the town of Summit. The Hardell fam- 
ily was the second in the town, that of Mr. An- 
drew Baxter being the first. ,1. D. McDonald, how- 
ever, then an unmarried man, was in the town. 
Their place of settlement was on section 31, which 
has ever since been in possession of the family, the 
son Abram G. now owning and occupying the old 
homestead. Mr. Hardell, Sr., took up a tract of 
land, including about seven hundred acres, after- 
ward adding to it until he owned between eleven 
hundred and twelve hundred acres in a bod^-, and he 
owned other lands, aggregating some eighteen hun- 
dred acres in the town of Summit. 'I'he plan of 
the house wliich the son now occupies was drawn 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



525 



by his father, and the house was erected in 1849. 
Though its present appearance shows that il is not 
of modern arcliileeture, yi-'t when l)iiill il was the 
finest residence in all liie country around, and is 
still a substantial structure, notwithstanding its 
forty-five years of constant use. It is of hrick, 
and was the first house of that materia in tiiis 
part of the county. It may also be said that the 
brick of wiiich the house is built w.ms made by 
the family, of ciay from their own land. 

Mv. Harden, Sr., passed away at the homestead 
on tlie 11th of .lune, 1878. He was well and 
widely known, and by all respected and esteemed. 
In business he was a frugal, careful man, and ac- 
cumulated valuable property. He was a superior 
mechanic and architect, and his o|>inions in these 
matters were highly regarded. Mr. llardeil was 
one of the Commissioners a|ipoiiited to examine 
the state buildings at Madison, on their comple- 
tion, with the view of their acceptance by the state, 
and acted in the same capacity' when the former 
court house was erected at Waukesha. Ilisadvan- 
tages for education when young were very limited, 
but he was a thinker, and a man of excellent judg- 
ment. In politic* he generally atlilialcd with the 
Democratic party, but voted for Abraham Lincoln 
in 186(», and again in 1861. The wife and mother 
died May li), 1872. They became the jiarents of 
seven children, four of whom, as slated, were born 
in Kngland, and three in New York State. Four 
of the family, two sons and two daughters, are now 
living. Of these, Mrs. Ph(ebe Merickle is the eld- 
est; John is a resident of Nebraska, where he has 
lived a number of years; Mrs. Henrietta K. Flin- 
ton, of the town of Summit, is the nest in order 
of birth; and our subject, Abram G., is the young- 
est. The three youngest are deceased; ,Iane, who 
Hiarried .lames Stiles, died many years ago; Henry, 
the third son, died at about the age of eighteen 
years; and Caroline, the youngest, passed away in 
1871. 

Abram G. Hardell owns and occupies the old 
homestead, where neai-ly all his life has been 
pas.sed. He is numbered among the principal 
farmers and stock-raisers of the county. His farm, 
which contains five hundred and sixty acres, is 
known as the "Wood Lawn Stock Farm." He has 



long made a specialty of Short-horn cattle, of Amer- 
ican Merino sheep, and also of what are known 
as Mngle hogs. Besides his stock anil fanning con- 
cerns, he has other large business interests. He 
owns the elevator and warehouse at Dousman, and 
has bought grain at tliat place since the advent of 
the railroad. 

Mr. Hardell was born in Yorkshire, l'",iiglaii<l, 
November 10, 1826, having been a lad of about 
eleven years when he came with his parents to 

[ Waukesha County. He was married July .3, 1854, 
to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Robert and Mary 

I (Briggs) Wilkinson, of the town of Mukwonago. 
Mrs. Hardell was born in Canada, August 12, 18;57, 

I and Ihe same year was l)rought to Waukesha by 

I her parents. 

I On the l.Olh of . I line, 1887, there was celebrated 
at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hardell, the fiftieth 
anniversary of the settlement of the Hardell fam- 
ily in the town of Summit. For this occasion 
over twf) hundred invitations were sent out, and 
about that number of i)et)ple were present. These 
included repiesentativcs of families of old settlers 
and pioneers, not only from Waukesha County, 
but from different [larts of the state. A most en- 
joyable time was had, and one long to be remem- 
bered. Mr. and Mrs. Hardell never entertained so 
large and so happy a company of people as on that 
occasi(»n. They are numlieied among the wealthy 
and substantial citizen of ^\'aukesha County. 



JOII.N H.VNKKY, who resides on section 16, 
of the town of Brookfield, is a native of Col- 
berg, province of Bomerania. (Jermany. born 
on the 8th of January, 1832. He is a son of 
John and Henrietta (Schullz) Hankey, both of 
whom were natives of and spent their lives in Col- 
berg. In that village our subject was reared and 
educated. When twenty-two years of age he be- 
came a sheep herder, however he did not long fol- 
low that occupation. Becoming convinced that 
the new country over the sea furnished far better 
opportunities for accumulating propertj- than a 
poor man could possil)ly enjoy in his home, he 
decided to try his fortune there, and accordingly 



526 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAl'mCAL RiiCORD. 



on tbe 8tli of April, l«57, sailed fioiii Hamburg on 
a three-masted vessel. After spendinir forty-two 
days on the ocean, anchor was cast in llie harbor 
of (Quebec. On this same sliip came Miss Louise 
Hoether, who afterward became his wife, daughter 
of Henry and Caroline (Drum) Roether, born in 
Homain, province of I'omcrania, Dofember .'?, 1830. 

I'pon his arrival in America, Mr. Ilankey did 
not have suHieient means to carry him to Milwau- 
kee, whither he wished to come, but had to bor- 
row |i I of a friend, and on arriving in that city 
borrowed another one, with which he purchased a 
shovel. Me soon went to work, being employed 
in making sidewalks in that cit^', where he re- 
mained until he lind earned money enough to take 
him to Ilillbi'i-gs. this count}'. He there secured em- 
|)loyincnt in a distillery, located on the old Lisbon 
I'lank Road. However, after a stay of four months 
he went to Forest House, whore he also spent some 
four months. During the second winter after his 
arrival in this county, Mr. IL-inkey was employed 
in cutting cord-wood on section 11 of Brooklield 
Townshii). He received thirty-one cents per cord, 
and during the season cut ninety cords. In the 
spring he removed to Kim (ir()vc,aiid beg;in work- 
ing on a .section of the Chicago, Milwaukee A St. 
Paul Railroad. At the end of two years he was 
given charge of a section, and in that position 
continued for three j'cars. (ioing to Oconomo- 
woc he purchased fort^' acres of partially improved 
land, for which he paid $800. Here he made his 
home, though he was engaged as section boss on 
the St. Paul Road for nine years. During his 
residence he iiii|iroved his farm, but in 1874 re- 
turned to Brookfield Township, and took up his 
residence in the old St. Paul depot, where lie lived 
some thirteen years, during which he had charge 
of a section on the road. Two years after his re- 
turn to the town of Brookfield Mr. Hankey dis- 
posed of his Oconomowoc propert}',and in the fall 
of 1880 bought sixty-three and a-half acres of 
farming land in the former township, the cost of 
which was $(),50(). Three years later he remodeled 
the frame house which stood upon it, thus making 
one of the model homes of the township. 

In Milwaukee. on the 'ilstof December, 1857, the 
marriage of Mr. Hankey and Miss Hoether was sol- 



emnized in the old Lochenor [-utheran Church. 
Their children are: Kmma, born August 21, 1H.')8, 
mai lied Kiidiilpli Stark, section forcm.Tii of the Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee tV St. Paul Railroad, with head- 
quarters at Kim (irove, Brookfield Township; .lolin, 
born June .30, I860, is engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits. He is a bright young man and possessed of 
those qualities that have characterized the career of 
his honored father; the next, Louise, born Se|)tein- 
ber (5, 18()2, wedded W. \V. Blodgelt, a farmer and 
businessman of Brookfield; the youngest, Amelia, 
born October 16. 1864, is the wife of Louis Walsch- 
leager, a farmer of the town of Merton. 

Few men in Waukesha County are better known 
among the railroad employes than Mr. Hankey; 
his pleasant face and genial disposition have won 
for him hosts of friends. It is his intention to 
spend the declining years of a very active life 
upon his farm. Both himself and wife are in the 
vigor of life, l)iit little past the meridian. They 
are devoted Christian people, and eiijiiy the conli- 
dence and esteem of a large circle of fi lends and 
acquaintances. 



-^-^=^>^^<^ 



HON. LSAAC LAIN. Among the earliest 
of the pioneers of Waukesha was Isaac 
Lain, who still resides in the village where 
he located more than a half-century ago. Includ- 
ing himself there are but three citizens of the vil- 
lage who were here when Mr. Lain became a resi- 
dent of the place in .June, 1812. The other two 
I are M. D. Cutler and Andrew Aitken. Mr. Lain, 
like many of the pioneers of this part of Wiscon- 
sin, is a nativa of the state of New York, born in 
Orange County, December 18, 1820. His father, 
William Lain, was a native of the same county. 
The Lain family in America is of Knglish ancestry 
and early settlers of the state of New York. The 
grandfather of tlje subject of this sketch was also 
named William Lane. The maiden name of the 
mother of Isaac Lain was Deborah Alger. He was 
the youngest of a family of ten children, all of 
whom Iiut one, Cyrus, grew to mature years and 
reared families of their own. The children, named 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



529 



in the order of their births, are as follows: Deborah, 
Reuben, Frances, William A., Sarah, Keziah, Law- 
rence, Cyrus, Moses and Isaac. Of lliis once num- 
erous family only the last named remains, tlie 
others having passed away. 

The gentleman whose name lieads this record 
remained at home until 1833, when the father died. 
Is.aac was then but thirteen years of age. lie con- 
tinued to be employed on a farm till he was seven- 
teen 3'ears old, attending as opportunity was af- 
forded the district school during the winter months. 
At the age above mentioned he went to Ciu-mung 
County, where for five years he worked at the car- 
penter trade with an older brother. lie had now 
obtained a gfiod knowledge of the business of car- 
pentry and building, and in 1842 came to Wis- 
consin, settling in Waukesha. He at once engaged 
in building, and for a period of ten years did 
quite an extensive business in carpentry and build- 
ing. In 18.t2 Mr. Lain engaged in the real estate 
and insurance business, and later was also con- 
nected with the manufacturing interests of Wau- 
kesha. 

In 18G1 Mr. Lain was a niombiT of llic (ieneral 
Assembly; this was the opening days of the Rebel- 
lion. He took an active part in the legislation of 
that session, which was so frauglit with the respon- 
sibility of those exciting times. The firing on Ft. 
Sumter occurred on April 12 and 13, while the 
Legislature was in session. A stormy time fol- 
lowed; war measures were introduced and p.assed 
against the opposition of anti-war Democrats, 
and Mr. Lain was appointed one of the commis- 
sioners to go to New York and purchase arms. 
During the war he was ever active in helping the 
cause of the I'nion. Mr. Lain has held various 
ollicial positions, including that of President of 
the vill.'ige, and has l)een Chairman of the Countv 
Hoard of Supervisors a number of times. In his 
political alliliations lie is a Republican. He h.as 
been a consistent member of the l>aplist Church 
for more than half a century. 

Mr. Lain is the only one of his father's family 
who ever came west except a sister. Keziah, who 
married lu the state of New York and with her 
husband removed to this county, where she died 
maiiv vears ago. He has been twice married, his 



first wife having been Sarah C. Van Veehten, who 
died a year and a-half after their marriage. His 
second and present wife was Rebecca .1. Van N'ecli- 
ten, a sister of his first wife, both natives of New 
York and daughters of Hubartus Van Veciiten. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lain have throe children, a son and 
two daughters. William IL, the only son, resides 
in Chicago. The daughters are Caroline and Belle: 
the latter is the wife of II. II. Lawrence, of Chi- 
cago. 

Our subject is one of the well known eitizens of 
Waukesha, of both village and county. Asalready 
seen he has been identified with their growth and 
devcloi)ment since their earliest history. Coming 
to the territory of Wisconsin si.x years before it was 
admitted as a state, he has witnessed the unfold- 
ing of a com|)aratively unimportant territory into 
a state rankiiig with the leading slates of the I'nion 
in wealth and enterprise. Mr. Lain has ever held 
the respect and confidence of hi.s fellow-tf)wnsmen. 

r ORENZ DEIUIS, the efficient Postmaster 
I O of Menomonee Falls and a member of the 
mercantile firm of M. A. Schmoyer it Co., 
is one of the well known citizens of Waukesha 
County, having been prominently identified with 
the interests both of his town and county. Mr. 
Debus was iiorn near Mentz, Hesse-Darmstadt, 
Germany, Octol)er 3, 181il, being the elder of 'two 
children born to Frank and Elizabeth (Lichten- 
acker) Debus. The parents were natives of Hesse- 
Darmstadt; the former was born on the ICtli of 
April, 1814, and the latter on September 3, I8I5. 
In the Fatherland Frank Debus was a subsfjinlial 
farmer, owning the farm on which he lived. On 
the yth of March, 18.")7, he bade good-bve to old 
associations, and with his family started from the 
old homestead. At Havre. France, they boarded 
a sailing-vessel and after only twenty-seven days 
stepped aSliore at Castle Garden. Coming direct 
to Menomonee. in connection with his brother, 
Lorenz Debus, Sr.. he purchased one hundred and 
twenty acres of land on section I. Sime two 
years later he disposed of his share and bought 



530 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



eighty acres on section 16. There his good wife 
died .September 12, 1874. Thereupon Mr. Debus 
went U) live with his only .son, m.iking that his 
home until 1883, when he visited his Did Country 
home and friends. In 1884 he returned .-ind after 
spending two years with his son, purchased prop- 
erty in Waukesha, where he spent the remainder 
of his days, dying December 21, 18;);3. Both he 
and his wife were consistent members of the Cath- 
olic Church and in politics he was a Democrat. 
Their only daugliter, Margaret, died at the age of 
twenty-three years. 

Tlie only surviving member of tliis f;iniily is the 
gentleman whose name beads this article. He was 
reared to farm life and given such educational 
advantages as tlie common schools afforded. Un- 
til twenty-three j'ears (if age he remained under the 
parental roof; then going to Santii Fe, N. Mex., 
he was employed .as a salesman in a general store 
for nearly two years. The return trip w.as made 
with ox-teams, Mr. Debus driving ten yoke. Much 
rougli road was gone over and often on account 
of quick-sand it was necessary to double teams. 
Upon his return to this county, in 1874, Mr. De- 
bus engaged in general merchandising at Fussville 
for seven years, during wliich time he was Post- 
master at tins place. Close confinement proved 
detrimental to his health, and he sold the store and 
farmed for two years. In 1884 he removed to 
Menomoiiee Falls and opened a saloon, which he 
has since carried on. The next j'ear lie bought 
the store of .1. F. .Seabold, which he conducted 
alone until 1889, when he became a memberof the 
firm of M. A. .Schmoyer & Co. Mi: Debus owns 
valuable property in Menomonee Falls, besides 
Debus' Addition to the Tenth Ward of Milwaukee 
which he platted in 1892. He was one of the ac- 
tive promoters of the Menomonee Falls Co-opera- 
tive Creamery Company, of wlijch he is President 
and Treasurer. 

Politically Mr. Debus is a standi Democrat, liav- 
ing east his first vote for Greeley. By his fellow- 
citizens he has been called upon to fill many offi- 
cial positions, the duties of which he has ever dis- 
charged promptly and faithfiill^y. In fact, since 
he became of age he has held one otlice or another 
almost (•onlinuouslv. In 1875 and 1876 he was 



Town Clerk; Justice of the Peace in 1877 and 
1878; Town Clerk in 1879 and 1881; .lustice of 
the Peace from 1882 to 188.5; Chairman of his 
Town in 1888 and 1889; County Treasurer' in 
1890 and 1891; Supervisor for the village of Me- 
nomonee Falls in 1893, and re elected to the same 
position in 1894. In June, 1893, he was ap- 
pointed Postin.aster of Menomonee Falls. He also 
served two years .as Assistant Postmaster under J. 
E. Seabold and four years under AVilliam Flana- 
gan. 

Mr. Debus was married in Waukesha, October 
28, 1875, to Miss Julia Gessert, who was born in 
Menomonee Falls on the 28th of October, 1855. 
Her parents, Philip and Eva E. Gessert, came from 
the same neighborhood as did the parents of Mr. 
Debus, and were among the early settlers of Wis- 
consin. They now reside in Menomonee Town- 
ship. To Mr. and Mrs. Debus were born eight 
children, of whom two died in childhood. The 
living are Clara E., Ilattie J.,Tena, Margaretha E., 
Helen E. and George Washington, the youngest, 
who was named for the father of his country be- 
cause his birth occurred on the 22d of February, 
1891. Mr. and Mrs. Debus are members of St. 
Paul's Evangelical Church of Menomonee Falls. 
Socially he belongs to the Sons of Hermann. From 
a business standpoint Mr. Debus has been remark- 
ably successful, but his prosperity has come onlj" 
as the reward of close apiilication and the exercise 
of good' judgment. 



e^+^l 



[=" 



HON. SILAS BARBER (deceased) was one 
of the early settlers of Waukesha Count}', 
having come here in 1841. He was born 
in the town of Berkshire, Franklin County, \'t., 
June 30, 1824, being a son of Caleb and Polly 
(Cranipton) Barber, who were also natives of the 
Green Mountain State. The father of Caleb Bar- 
ber was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary 
War. In 1841 Caleb and Polly Barber emigrated 
to Waukesha County, where they spent the re- 
mainder of their days, the former dying in 1847 
.and the latter in 1861. Of their eight children. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



631 



five sons and tlirei; daughters, the following: still re- 
main: Wentwortli,a farmer of Sheboygan County, 
Wis.; Laura, widow of Henry Wliitnell, who lives 
in Applelon, Wis.; (iuslus, a farmer of California; 
and ALiry, wife of Lenjaniin Smart, a farmer of 
Waukesha County. 

.Silas Barter received a limited education in his 
native state, and aftpr coming to this county was 
so fully occupied in trying to get a start in the 
world that he was deprived of further schooling. 
For some six yeais he worked for wages in the 
town of Pewaukee. April 27, 1848. he was mar- 
ried to Miss Amelia Ilasbrouck, a native of Bing- 
ham pton, N. Y., born November 1, 1822. Her 
parents, M. and Mary (Deyo) Ilasbrouck, were na- 
tives of Ulster County, N. Y., the former being of 
Dutch and the latter of Krench descent. Mr. llas- 
brouck's father fought for American independence 
in the Revolution of 1776. Upon marriage Mr. 
Ilasbrouck and wife located in Ulster County and 
about 181.") removed to Binghamton, where the 
husband carried on farming and milling, being a 
prominent business man. Both died in the Pres- 
byterian faith at Binghamton, she at the age of 
sixty-two and he in his seventy-eighth year. Only 
two of their thirteen children are living, Mrs. Bar- 
ber and Mrs. Almira Ells, of Waukesha. 

Having located in Delafietd Mr. Barber was en- 
gaged in keeping hotel and farming some three 
years, hi 18;)! he removed tf) Waukesha and i)ur- 
chased the Ameiican House wbicli he conducted 
until 1864, when he disposed of it. At that time 
he was engaged in the livery- business, which he 
continued until 1889. For a number of years, 
during tlie late war and after its close, Mv. Barber 
dealt extensively in wool. He was so unfortunate 
as to lose *3'),<i()0 worth of that commodity in the 
great Boston fire. Besides, he carried on farming, 
owning valuable lands in this count3'. In .so far 
as industry, energy and foresight could succeed 
Mr. Barber achieved worthy success in business. 
His reverses were the result of a combination of 
circumstances over which no human power could 
gain control. 

In the councils and conventions of the Demo- 
cratic parly he w.as prominent and inlluential. In 
1868 and again in 187."), he represented his county 



in the Assembly', proving a capable and valued 
member. For a number of terms lie served as 
Town Treasurer, besides holding various oltices in 
the village of Waukesha. 

()u the 4tli of April, 18'J.'5, this sturdy pioneer 
passed away, leaving a wife and two children. A 
third child, De Witt E., died in early childhood. 
The living are (Jeorgc F. H. and Riioda M., wife 
of Uev.Josiah McClain, a Pre-sbyterian minister of 
Salt Lake City. For some eight years prior to his 
death Mr. Barber was totally deprived of sight, 
but even so severe an affliction was not sufficient 
to prevent his taking an active part in conducting 
his business enterprises. 



ROI'.EHT DROUOHT is a pioneer settler of 
Waukesha County, having resided here 
since 184."). He is one of the man\' hon- 
ored and useful citizens that the Emerald Isle h.as 
furnished the United .States. His birth occurred 
in Queen's Countj'. in February, 1822, being the 
fourth in a large family of boys and girls born to 
Ceorge and Mary Ann (Short) Drought. The 
childien are named as follows: Thomiis, (ieorge 
and Beasley reside in Racine County-, all be- 
ing successful farmers; Robert is the subject of 
this sketch; Diana became the wife of George 
Smiley, also of Kacine County; Letia, deceased, 
was the wife of Thomas Bricc, of the same county; 
Mary Ann, a teacher, resides in Michigan; Eliz.a- 
betli wedded Andrew Kier, of Waukesha County; 
Priscilla became the wife of Fred Fruly.of Michi- 
gan; and two others are also deceased. 

The father was also a native of Ireland, where 
he was reared and received an ordinary education. 
He w.as a man of some prominence in his county, 
and served as captain in the King's militia. In 
1820, accompanied by his family, he emigrated to 
('anada, Uiking passage on a sailing-vessel from 
Dublin for Montreal, where he arrived after a vo}"- 
.age of six weeks' duration. During the succeed- 
ing fourteen years they resided in Canada. Mr. 
Drought being employed as a teacher. In 1840 
the family' came to Hacine County, Wis., but a 



532 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



year later remove*! to the town of Muskego, Wau- 
kesha County, where tlie fatlier purchased a lialf- 
section of wild laud. Their tirsl home lu the 
county was a rude loj^ cabin, which had for a 
chimney a stove-pipe tlirusl througli the roof. 
Remnants of Indian tribes often passed through 
tiie country near tiieir liome; deer and other wild 
animals were plentiful at this time. Waukeslia 
w.as known as Prairieville, and the county was yet 
a part of Milwaukee County; the city of Milwau- 
kee was but a small village with the possibilities of 
a city in the far away future. Mr. Drought was a 
Hcpulilican in politics, though he was never an 
oftice-seekcr, preferring to give his attention to his 
personal business. Mrs. Drought was a native of 
Ireland, well educated and a successfid .teacher. 
Both husband and wife were members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, commanding the high re- 
gard of those who knew them. The former died 
at about the age of seventy-seven years, and the 
latter at about eighty years of ago; both are in- 
terred in Durham llill Cemetery, where a suitable 
monument marks their last resting place. 

Robert Drought was but a small child when he 
came to America, and less than twenty-one years 
of age when he came to Wisconsin, lie h.is there- 
fore been a resident of Waukesha County for more 
than a half-century. He was reared on a farm, 
which occupation, in connection with stock-rais- 
ing, he has followed throughout life, lie received 
a very meager education, but through his own 
perseverance has become a well informed man. In 
politics, lie was first a Whig, but after the forma- 
tion of the Republican party became a supporter 
of it. His first Presidential vote was cast for Gen- 
eral Scott. For two years he served as Treasurer 
of his school district, discharging the duties of the 
oH'ice in a satisf.actory manner. 

December 19, 181."), Mr. Drought wedded Miss 
Margaret Ha.\-, daughter of James and Klizabeth 
(Tate) Hay. Mrs. Drought is a native of Ireland, of 
the village of the"While House," three and .i-half 
miles from the city of Belfast, and was born Novem- 
ber 3, 1811!. Her father was an agriculturist, both 
in the Old Country and after coining to the United 
States. In 18:32, with his family, he embarked at 
Belfast in a sailing-vessel liomid for New Vork. 



The voyage proved a very long and dangerous 
one; they were on the ocean seventy-seven days 
and encountered frightful storms, in one of which 
the main mast and bulwarks were swept overboard. 
However they reached the harbor without loss of 
life to the great joy of all on board. Mr. Hay lo- 
cated on Staten Island and there remained until 
1810, when he came to the territory of Wisconsin, 
where he and his wife spent their declining years. 
They were laid to rest in the cemetery of Prospect, 
where a beautiful stone was erected to their mem- 
ory. Of their nine children lint one survive, Mrs. 
Drought. 

Mr. .and Mrs. Drought have had five children: 
John H., a bright boy and j-outli of great promise, 
died at the age of sixteen j'ears and six months; 
David S. died at the age of two years and three 
months; David S., the second bearing that name, 
is a progressive farmer of Waukesha Township, re- 
siding near his father. He is a young man of more 
than ordinary education; after completing his 
studies in the public schools he became a student 
at Rochester Seminary, then took a course at the 
State University at Madison. He married Miss 
Mary Moore, by whom he has three children: Or- 
ville H., aged eight years; Hallie B., aged six; and 
Jennie, .aged two. Both husband and wife have 
been teachers in the schools of AVaukesha County, 
and in politics he is a Republican. Eliza T., the 
next child in Mr. and Mrs. Drought's family, be- 
came the wife of William Moore, of Milwaukee, 
who has been in the employ of the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee <k St. Paul Railroad for twenty years. 
Wallace, the youngest, wedded Miss Sarah Moore. 
They reside in VV^alw()l■tll County, where he is en- 
gaged in farming. 

Mr. and .Mrs. Drought have witnessed the growth 
and (U'vcldpincnt of the country from a wilder- 
ness to one rich in all products. They have been 
actively identilied with the interests of the com- 
munity in which they reside and are esteemed for 
their many excellent traits of character. He has 
been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
for more than fifty years, while his wife has been 
a inenilicr of the Close Communion Baptist Chinch 
since 1838. They are kind Christian people, and 




CHARLES G. DEISSNER. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



535 



are spending their declining years !n peace and 
liap|)iiiess. Having loilt-d side Ijy side for almost 
half a cenlury, lliey still ahiflc lo enjoy the fniits 
of their lalif)r. 



ellARLKS (;. DKISSNKR, Sheriff of Wau- 
kesha County, of which he is a native, was 
horn in the town of Pewaukee, September 
8, ISoT). His parents (now deceased) were Cliarles 
T. and Louisa (liauermeistor) Deissnei', pioneers of 
Waukesha County. Charles T. Deissner was born 
in Madgeburg, Saxony, (iermany, August 5, I81G, 
and was a son of Daniel G. Deissner, who came to 
America in 184(1, and settled in the town of I'e- 
waukee, Waukesha County, Wis., where he built 
the first water-mill erected in the county, and 
ground grain for the early settlers. Two years 
later the sou, Charles T., followed and took up his 
home with his fatlier. On the death of Daniel G. 
Dei.ssiier, his son, Charles T., succeeded to the mill 
property and carried on the business until his 
death, March 24, 1872. The latter was married in 
Waukesha County, in 184!», to Miss Louisa Kauer- 
meister, who was born in Halle, (iermany, and 
came to the United .Stales in childhood. Mrs. 
Deissner's death occurred March 20, 188;"). 

Charles T. Deissner was a Democrat in his polit- 
ical views, and took an active part in the councils 
of his party. In 18;j;) he was elected Representa- 
tive to the Wisconsin Legislature. He was also 
Justice of the Peace for several years, and was ac- 
tive and prominent in business and public affairs. 
He and his wife wer-e members of the I..utheran 
Church, and lived in accordance with the profes- 
sion they made, commanding the esteem and re- 
gard of all who knew them. 

Our subject attended the public schools of his 
native town, and later the (Jermaii and Knglisli 
Academy of Milwaukee. In the fall of 1K71 he 
returne<l from Milwaukee, and on his father's death 
the following spring succeeded lo llie milling 
business in Pewaiikee. In \XM he rebuilt the 
mill, pulting in modern rolh-r piocess machinery 
and the best improved facilities for the maiuifac- 



ture of a superior quality of flour. The mills 
have a capacity of one hundred barrels per day. 

On the ."Jlst of October, 1877, Mr. Deissner was 
married, in his native township, to Miss Annetta 
Rolfe. Mrs. Deissner was born in Stacy vi lie, 
Mitchell County, Iowa, and is a daughter of Hen- 
jamin and Klizabeth (liutler) Rolfe. Her fathei- 
was an early settler of Waukeska County before 
his removal to Iowa, being also a pioneer of Stacy- 
ville, where his daughter, Mrs. Deissner, has the 
honor of being the first white child to claim it as 
a birthplace. Her father's death, which occurred 
March lo, 18i)7, was the first death of a white per- 
son to be recorded in the town, while her mother's 
second marriage was the first marriage contracted 
there. Her mother, who was from Newark, N. .)., 
and later from Utitra, N. Y., is now a resident of 
Santa liarbara, Cal. Mr. and Mrs. Deissner have 
three sons and two daughters: Charles William, 
Benjamin Theodore. Kdna. (Jrover Cleveland and 
Irma. 

In politics Mr. Dci.ssner is a stanch Democrat. 
He w.as elected SherifT in the fall of 18!»2, and en- 
tered upon the duties of the ollice in .lanuary fol- 
lowing, being the first to serve in that capacity 
in the new court ^hoiise. Socially he is a member 
of Waukesha Lodge No. 4(5, K. P. In the dis- 
charge of his ollicial duties Mr. I)eis.sner is prompt, 
exact and reliable, and is a popular court ollicer. 
As a business man he is known to be enterprising 
and upright, and eminently successful. 



JOHN A. KKI.I.V. atlorney-at-law, engaged 
ill the practice of his profession at Ocono- 
niowoc in 1884, but has been a resident of 
that city since 1879. Mr. Kelly is a native 
of the old Bay State, having lieen born at Milton, 
Norfolk County, September .■?, 18,5fi. His father, 
Ferdinand Kelly, is a native of Ireland, but for a 
number of years lived in Massachusetts. In 1862 
he emigrated with his family to Wisconsin, and 
settled in the town of Delalield, Waukesha Coun- 
ty, where he resided till IH'.M), since which time he 
has made his home in Oconoinowoc. 

The subject of this record is one of a family of 



536 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



five eliildien, comprising two sons and tliree daugh- 
ters. The otlier son, Tlionias Kelly, died in .St. 
Louis on the 8th of April, IHOl. .John A. ob- 
tained his primary education in tlic public schools, 
after wiiicli he w.as for a lime a .student in the 
College of tiie Sacred Heart, at Watertown, Wis. 
In 1881 he began liie study of law atOconomowoc, 
with R. ('. llathawfiy, and was admitted to the 
Bar June ;'>, IHHl. For a number of years lie has 
served as .luslice of the Peace, and for two years 
iiehl the position of City Clerk of Oconomowoc. 
Mr. Kelly is a successful lawyer and enjoys a 
liberal practice. His professional duties, like all 
his liusiness relations, are characterized by the 
strictest integrity. Mv. Kelly was married in Ocon- 
umowoc, .January 8, 188.5, to Anna Daugherty. 
Mrs. Kelly is a native of that city, and a daughter 
of John Daugherty, deceased. In his political 
views Mr. Kelly supports the men and measures 
of the Republican parly. He is a man who takes 
a lively interest in all means calculated to ad- 
vance tlie material and moral growth of his com- 
mniiily. 




Li:i'', S. OVITT IS the efficient Vice-President, 
Cy 'I'reasurer and Manager of the Silurian 
Mineral Sjjring Company, which was in- 
corporated in 1888 with a capital of >;200,000. 
The grounds surrounding the spring are tastefully 
laid out and cover some thirteen .acies. Many ini- 
[)rovenients have been made since the present corn- 
pan}' came into possession. An addition has been 
built to the bottling works, giving them a daily 
capacity of twcnly-tive thousand (piarts, and also 
an apparatus for sterilizing bottles, the only one 
used in Waukesha, has been ])ut in. For a num- 
ber of years musical and other public entertain- 
ments have been given at the Silurian Spring and 
in 1893, Mr. Ovitt erected a large (\asino with a 
seating capacity of about (ifteen hundred and 
having one of the liest ecpiipped stages in the 
state. First-class performances are given at nom- 



inal prices, the object being rather to furnish 
amusement for the many summer guests than to 
make moncj'. The Silurian water has an exten- 
sive sale throughout the United States and is also 
shipped to Canada and the Spanish possessions in 
the West India Islands. I'ranch offices are main- 
tained in Chicago, New York and Memphis. The 
men interested in the enterprise are well known 
and capable business men, Luther W. McConnell. 
of Chicago, being President of the company, and 
Frederick P. Morrill, of the same city, Secretary. 

Lee S. Ovitt, the gentleman to whose manage- 
ment the success of the above important enterprise 
is due, was born in Derby Line, Vt., May 31, 1862. 
His father, A. W. Ovitt, who had been a jobber in 
the hardware trade in the east, came to Chicago in 
1870 with the intention of retiring from business, 
but having loaned jnonev on a furniture factory 
he had to take it to save himself. For some thir- 
teen years he was therefore a jobber and ni.anu- 
facturer of furniture, becoming well known in 
Chicago business circles. 

In his father's factory young Ovitt became a 
practical workman in every department, from 
standing behind the planing machine to perform- 
ing the most difficult work in the finishing room. 
He was next taken into his father's office and fa- 
miliarized with that branch of the business. Con- 
finement not agreeing with his health Mr. Ovitt 
decided to seek some C)ther field of labor and ac- 
cordingly in 1879 went to Texas, wliere his father 
owned forty thousand acres of land, and engaged 
for two years in conihicting a cattle ranch, (ioing 
to New Orleans he was taken sick with yellow 
fever and when sufficiently recovered was advised 
by his physician to return to the north. 

In 188.5 Mr. Ovitt went to Boston, Mass., where 
on the 3d of June he celebrated his marriage with 
Miss Jennie V., the only daughter of David B. 
Wilke, who was formerly a manufacturer and job- 
ber in boots and shoes of that city. Returning to 
Chicago with his bride Mr. Ovitt entered in 1886 
the office of the Silurian Mineral Spring Company. 
In 1890 he was made Vice-President and Treasurer 
of the company and thereupon removed to Wau- 
kesha, where he has since resided. 

Unlike his father, Mr. Ovitt is a Republican in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



537 



politics. He is a courteous, gen in I f^piitleinan, who 
by tlie exercise of these qualities and a lau(hil)Ie 
effort to entertain guests who visit the Silurian has 
made thai, one of the most |"i|)iilar resorts in Wau- 
kesha. 



:^#C 



►:^ 



©HAKLKS A. HOSE, one of the enterprising 
and progressive citizens of Lisbon Town- 
ship, who carries on farming and the dairy 
business on section '.t, has the lionoi' of being a na- 
tive of Waukesha County. He was born August 
29, 1855, and is the only child of Albert and Cath- 
erine (Innes) Hose. The fatiier was a native 
of New England, followed agricultural pursuits 
throughout his life and died in J855. His mother 
is still living in Chippewa P'ails, Wis. 

Charles A. Hose was reared in his native ct)untv, 
and the public schools .afforded him his education- 
al i)rivileges. He started out In life for himself at 
the age of eighteen, and when he purchased his 
farm he thereby contracted an indebtedness of ^J I, - 
500, but he was energetic and industrious and h.as 
made the most of his opportunities through life, 
so that he is now comfortably situated. Indolence 
and idleness are foreign to liis nature and as the 
result of his persistt^nt efforts and good manage- 
ment he is now the owner of one hundred and 
(ifty-five acres of land on sections 1 and 9, l>isl)on 
Township, of which one hundred .acres are undera 
high state of cultivation. 

Mr. Hose w.as married February "i'i, 1882, to Miss 
Margaret Davidson, who was born and reared in 
Sussex, Wis., and is a daughter of A. L. and Mar- 
garet (dray) Davidson, early settlers of Lisb(ui 
Township. They have two children. Edith M., a 
bright little maiden now attending school, and 
Kittie I., at home. Thejr residence is a neat and 
pretty country dwelling, a credit to the Qomniuni- 
ty and in the household hospitality reigns su- 
preme. 

In connection with general farming Mr. Ho.se is 
engaged in the dairv business, and sells the prod- 
ucts of his dairy in Milwaukee and Menf)monee 
Falls, where he linds a good market for the same. 



In politics he has been a stanch Hepublican since 
casting his lirst Presidential vote for H. 15. Hayes, 
and ha.s fre(|uently served as delegate to the con- 
ventions of his |)arty. He has also be(!n called 
upon to fill public ollices of honor and trusi. He 
has been a member of the School Board for five 
years, and the cause of education finds in him a 
warm friend who has done n)ucli to advance its 
interests. At tiie election In the spring of 1894 
he was chosen As.sessor of the township, and is now 
discharging the duties of that otiice in a i>rompt 
and capable manner. Socially he is a member of 
liark Hiver Camp No. 1.307, M. W. A. of Merton, 
Wis., of which he is now Worthy Advisor, lie 
has many friends in Waukesha County and is 
highly respected by all. 



1()IIN SPENCER, a pioneer farmer residing 
on section 18, has by his own individual ef- 
forts been instrumental in converting the 

wilderness into a well cultivated farm. When 
his log house was erected on a clearing made in 
1853, his vision was obstructed by the heavy tim- 
ber surrounding it, but to-day he has an almost un- 
limited view of the magnificent farming country 
that h.as grown out of the former condition. As 
the years have passed he has grown gray, but he 
recalls with pride the time when in the vigor of 
his manhood he swung his ax in the forest and«be- 
gan the making of a home in this county. That 
his efforts have been crowned with success none 
can doubt who view his beautiful estate. Horn in 
Buckingham, England, on the 15th of Febru- 
ary, 1822, of poor parents, he w.as early inured to 
hard work. His father, William Spencer, married 
Anna Haas, both being descended from good old 
English stock. They were too poor to send their 
children to school, l)ut earnestlj- endeavored to 
impart to them the knowledge that they possessed, 
and at evening would gatherabout a table in their 
humble home to study together. In their family 
were nine children, four sons and five daughters, 
of whom our sul)ject, one brother, .lames, who is 
a resident of Waukesha, and two sisters, Rebecca 



538 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and Ollie, survive. Of the sisters, the foimer is 
tlie widow of Mr. Vorcc, of Oswego, N. Y., wliile 
tiie hitler hecanie the wife of Thomas Creed, of 
Buckingham, Kngland, hiit now resides in the vil- 
lage of Wadston. 

Mr. Spencer, who w;is llie youngest hut one in 
his fatiier's family, was brought up on a farm. 
When seventeen vears of age, auconipanied by his 
brother .lames, he sailed from London on board the 
vessel "Gladiator," hound for New York. The pass- 
age was made memorable by a storm of such severity 
as to outrival my ever before experienced by the 
seamen aboard, and which lasted for fourteen days. 
As one of the saik)rs remarked, "It was the worst 
storm he had ever seen." On Christmas Da^-, 
1838, they landed in New York, that being a time 
of general rejoicing among the iiassengers, who had 
been on the ocean for fort3-two days. I'pon his 
arrival in this country, Mr. .Spencer had just fifty 
ccnla .and that he had borrowed from a fellow- 
traveler while en route. His lirother James bor- 
rowed $3 from an acfiuaintance, and thus equip- 
ped they made their wa}' to Sussex County, N. Y., 
starting the next morning after landing, and 
wa'king all the distance. There our subject worked 
for his board during the winter, but the following 
summer secured emi>loymcnt on a farm, receiving 
for his services $8 per month. At the expiration 
of three years lie returned to the city of New York, 
where he met a brother who had preceded him to 
the I'nited States some live years, and who re- 
sided in Henderson, .lefferson County. Going 
home with his brother he remained in that county 
until his removal to Wisconsin, in 18o.'3, purchas- 
ing eighty acres of land, which, however, he was 
unable to pay for in full and disposed of prior to 
his coming west. 

Mr. S[)cncer was married in .lefferson County to 
Miss Mahala Hay, by whom he had four children: 
Orin, who di('(l at the age of twenty-live; Alvira, 
who resides in Waukesha; Ida May. who is the 
wife of Luciau Hull, a railroad man on the Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Road; and .lohn, who 
is engaged in agricultural pursuits in the town of 
Hrooklield. Mrs. Spencer w.as born in Jetferson 
County, N. Y., and passed away in ISrookfield 
Township. Two years later the husband was again 



married, the lady of his choice being Miss Fessie Es- 
ing, a daughter of .John Esing. She is a native of 
Germany and when but five years of age accom- 
panied her parents to America, settling in Milwau- 
kee, but later removing to INIerton, where her mar- 
riage was celebrated, liy this union two children. 
Flora and George, were born, both being at home. 
The trip to Wisconsin from New York State 
was made by waj' of Oswego to Detroit, thence by 
rail to Chicago, and from there on the lake to 
Milwaukee. In the latter city Mr. S|)encer hired 
a team to take himself, wife and child to the home 
of his brother-in-law, .lacob Ray, in the town of 
Brookfield. They located iu this town in .luiie, 
I8;j3, and the following September bought forty 
acres of timber land. By untiring industry and 
frugality he has replaced the old log cabin by a 
very comfortable brick farm house, erected in 1801. 
All the improvements about his farm are the result 
of his labor and forethought; good buildings, a fine 
orchard and other Ihiiigs have taken the place of 
the forest that stood here at the time of his coming. 
Mr. Spencer is much esteemed by those who know 
him for his many excellent qualities of mind and 
heart. 

• ^# P ' . 



Ev DW^VRD W. MALONE, M. D., of Wauke- 
Cy slia, has been engaged in the practice of 
his profession since the completion of his 
college course in March, 188.5. In Waukesha his 
practice dates from February, 18V)(). The Doctor 
is a native of Racine County, born at Rocliester, 
November 22, I8.j."). His parents were Andrew 
and Mary (Coleman) Malone, boih being natives 
of Ireland. The father was born in Dul)lin, where 
he grew to manhood and later emigrated to the 
I'nited States. He was a pioneer of Racine C^oun- 
ty, where he settled in 1848. He is now ijuite ad- 
vanced in life and makes his home with his son in 
Waukesha. The mother's death occurred a num- 
ber of years ago. 

The subject of this article is one of a family of 
six children, consisting of three sons and three 
daughters. The former are all physicians and men 
of culture,standiiig high in their profession. The 




\r 



T. E. RYAN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



541 



eldest, Dr. Thomas C. Malone, is at Kraiiklin, Wis. 
He graduated at the llniversily of Rlicliigan, at 
Ann Arbor and also at Hush Medical College, Chi- 
cago. Later he took a postgraduate louise in 
New York City. Dr. Kdward W. is llie second of 
the hroUiers in order of birth. The youngest, Dr. 
William 1'"., is located in Milwaukee. 

Kdward W. Malone spent all his cailier life in 
Racine County. He graduated from the I!:iplist 
Seminary in the village of Kochesler, and also at- 
tended the Kpiscopal College in Racine. Very 
early he con lent plated adopting the medical pro- 
fession as his life work, and his reading and stud- 
ies were shaped with that object in view. As early 
•as thirteen yeais of age he was a pupil of Dr. 
George Newell, of Waterford. lie began leaching 
at the age of sixteen, which occupation he followed 
for ten years. For nearly four years of that time he 
taught in the State Iiidustritd School at Waukesha. 
However, he did not lose sight of his chosen pro- 
fession, hut during the years he was employed as 
a teacher, devoted his leisure time to medical stud- 
ies. In IHHl he entered the College of I'hysicians 
and .Surgeons, from which he graduated in the 
Class of '85. Soon after graduating he located in 
Oconomowoc, continuing there until his removal 
to Waukesha in February, I8!)(). 

Dr. Malone was married in W'aukesha to F.liza- 
betli Kelley% a daughter of Dennis Kelley, an early 
settler of that village, where he still resides. The 
Doctor and wife have three sons: I leber Kdward, 
Andrew Paul and Mark Charles. Our subject has 
a large village lu'acticeand is popuhir both profes- 
sionally and socially. lie is a member of the AVis- 
cf>nsin State Medical Society, of the American 
Medii'al Association and of the Waukesha County 
Medical society. He is the present Comity Physi- 
cian, a position lie has held for four j'ears. 



^T^IMOTHV KDWARD RYAN, of the lirm of 
I Ryan iV Merton, one of the leading law 
firms of Waukesha, is a native of the Em- 
pire .State. His birth occurred in the town of 
fJreenwich, Washingtf)n County, .lanuary 10, 1851). 
His parents, Jeremiah and Johanna Ryan, were 



natives of Ireland, and emigrated to America in 
1848. They located in Washington County, N. Y., 
and from there came to Waukesha County, Wis., 
in 1872, settling in the town of I'ewaukce. Tlie 
father died in 1886, but the mother survives and 
resides in Pewaukee. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record w.as 
educated in the (Jreenwich Academy and in the Pe- 
waukee High .School. After graduating from the 
latter he took a course at the Speucerian Uusiness 
College of Milwaukee. He eng.aged in teaching 
school, and was so employed in Waukesha County' 
for some six years, following which he entered 
the Law Department of Wisconsin State University 
at Madison, graduating from that institution in 
the Cliiss of '85. He at once establishecl himself 
in practice at W^aukesha, and in the year 1889 
formed the existiTig partnership with Mr. FCrnst 
Merton, a well known and successful lawyer from 
Burlington, Racine County. From the beginning 
of his practice Mr. Ryan has .scored a decided suc- 
cess. The firm in which he takes precedence li.as 
won a fair share of the legal business of the coun- 
ty, and is classed as one of the most able and suc- 
cessful of the [irofession in Waukesha County. 

On the 5th of October, 1887, in Waukesha, oc- 
curred the marriage of Mr. Ryan and Miss Mary 
K. 15annoii. The bride was a native of that city, 
and a daughter of Patrick Hannoii. a dealer in 
furniture, and an early settler in Waukesha. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ryan have three children, daughters, 
Margaret Catherine, Frances and Agnes Josephine, 
all being natives of the Spring City. 

The principles of Democracy early won Mr. Ry- 
an's allegiance, and for many years he has done 
good service for the party in caucus con vention, 
and on the stump in the state and national cam- 
paigns. He was chosen Town Clerk of the town 
of Pewaukee, and served live years in that posi- 
tion prior to entering upon the study of law. 
Since beginning practice, he has served .as Village 
Attorney one year. He was the Democratic can- 
didate for Atlorne3--General of Wisconsin in 1888, 
but failed of election, as his jiarty was then in a 
minority in the state. In the Congressional Con- 
vention of the Fifth Wisconsin District of 18;»2, 
he was a strong candidate, but lost the nomina- 



542 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tion by one vote. Tlie party was successful at the 
ensuing election, so tlie lack of one vote in the 
convention lost iiim a seat in Congress. 

Mr. Ryan was one of the founders of the AVau- 
kesha Despatch Publishing Company, of which he 
is President. He is llie junior member of the lirm 
of Hardy it Ryan, proprietors of the only complete 
set of abstracts of title of Waukesha County out- 
side of the olliciai records. He is also President 
of the Waukesiia Trotting Association, and has 
been more or less actively identified with other 
local enterprises. 

Mr. Ryan and his fmnily !ire members of the 
Catholic Church. Hi' is a member of the Catholic 
Knights of Wisconsin. As a business man and 
lawyer, Mr. Ryan stands deservedly high among 
his fellow-citizens, who recognize his ability, and 
respect his character for integrity and manliness. 



— RICHARD L. (iOVK, of Waukesha, is de- 
C^X scendcd from early New England ances- 
try. The genealogy of the Gove family 
m America is traced back to two brothers, Edward 
and John Gove, who came previous to the rebel- 
lion of the colonies against the mother country. 
It is recorded that Edward was one of the first to 
resist the oppressive acts of England toward the 
American colonies; and as a punishment he was ar- 
rested, taken back to his native land and his prop- 
erty confiscated. However, he was afterward re- 
leased, his property restored and he returned to 
America. During the struggle for independence, 
all representatives of the family were warm pa- 
triots, espousing the cause of the Colonists, and 
several fought in the ranks in the War of the 
Revolution. The first settlement of the Gove an- 
cestors in this country was made in what is now 
tlic state of Maine, but later the immediate ances- 
tors of Richard L. (!ove removed to New Hamp- 
shire. He is a son of Elijah Gove, who was born 
July 6, 18(11, at Penobscot, Maine. The latter, who 
was an only child, lost liis father when an infant 
and was reared in the family of his grandfather, 
in New Hampshire, where he remained until six- 



teen years of age. His grandfather had a family 
of thirteen children. 

On the 27th of November, 1828, Klijah Gove 
was married in Ludlow, Windsor County, Vt., to 
Emeline E. Wright. Mrs. Gove w.is a native of Mas- 
sachusetts, her ancestry also being English. Her 
grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
War. hi July of 1813. they emigrated to Wiscon- 
sin Territory, and settled on a farm near Wauke- 
sha. Li 1868 1\L\ (iove retired from his farm and 
removed to the village. On the 27th of Novem- 
ber, 1878, he and his wife celebrated their golden 
wedding. Mrs. Gove's death occurred as the re- 
sult of an accident, March 21, 1881, and by a 
strange coincidence her husband's death resulted 
from a like cause, he having died Dccemlier Olh 
of the same year. They were most estimable and 
worthy people and were held in high regard by all 
who knew them. Their son, Richard L., has a fine 
life-size oil painting of his parents and their two 
oldest children, when the latter were in early child- 
hood. The picture represents a child standing by 
the father and an infant babe in the mother's lap, 
the parents occu|)ying a sitting posture. This 
painting, being a line one, is of course prized as a 
treasure in itself, but added interest is given to it 
from the fact that it was executed by Hiram 
Powers, the famous American sculptor. This work 
was done more than sixty years ago, when both 
the artist and his suljjects were young. Mr. Pow 
ers and INIr. Gove were friends in their youth, their 
friendship being prized in later life. 

Mr. and Mrs. Klijah Gove were the parents of 
five children, three sons and two daughters: Pran- 
ces E. became the wife of E. S. Turner, a inomi- 
nent attorney of Port Washington, Wis.; Lodus 
E. resides at Storm Lake, Iowa; Richard L., whose 
name heads this article, is the next; lone is the 
wife of Col. Daniels, formerly Colonel of the first 
Wisconsin Cavalry; and Jefferson M. is the young- 
est. 

Richard L. Gove was born at the old home in 
Ludlow, Vermont, June 18, 1835, and was conse- 
quently but a small lad when he came to the ter- 
ritory of Wisconsin with his parents. Possessing 
naturally a self-reliant spirit, he obtained his fa- 
ther's consent at an early age to 'take care of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



543 



himself. Witli tliis in vii-w, ho eiig!i<;o() as clerk 
in a store, receiving for his services a salary of 
$25 for the lirsl year, with board, and the privi- 
lege of attending school a portion of the time. 
For several years he held that position, his salary 
being raised from year to year, lie attended 
a tuition school four or five months in each year, 
pa^'ing the cost of such schooling out of his own 
salary. He attended Prairicville Academy, now 
Carroll College, for some time. In the spring of 
1853, young Gove went to Peorui, III., where 
he was employed as a clerk for a time, thence to 
Detroit, Mich. In the latter city he took a course 
at f Gregory's College. At the close of that year 
he went to Port Washington and established 
the Ozaukee County AdoerliKer. lie remained in 
charge of this paper as editor and publisher for 
about eight years, and at the same time acted as 
Postmaster, having received the appointment to 
that (losition from President Pierce before he was 
twent3-one years old. 

On the breaking outof iheCivil War, i\Ir. Gove 
resolved to offer his services in defense of the 
Union; accordingly in July, 1861, with a Lieuten- 
ant's commission he engaged in raising men for 
the First Wisconsin Calvalry. On the organiza- 
tion of the regiment he wiis made Adjutant of the 
same. He entered the service of his country as a | 
war Democrat and served faithfully till the end I 
of his term of enlistment. Ills (ield of operation 
was chiefly in South Kastern Missouri, with head- 
quartei-s at Ca|)e (Jirardeau, of which post he was 
commander for a part of the summer of 1862. In 
the same year he returned to Wisconsin, and, with i 
but little assistance, recruited a large number of 
men for the regiment. Mr. Gove continued to 
serve .as .\djutant, until the expiration of his term 
of enlistment. One of the most interesting fea- 
tures of Mr. Gove's war experience was his publi- 
cation of the Cape Girardeau Eagle. When the 
Union forces took possession of that |)lace, they 
found the printing press of the above named paper 
all intact, .as abandoned by the Confederates. The 
press was of course taken possession of by the 
"Yankees," and the publication of the paper con- 
tinued, our subject having the honor of conduct- 
ing it. He has now in his possession a number of | 



copies of the pajier which were sent home and 
wliich were carefully preserved by his mother. 
They are interesting relics of "war times" and 
highly prized. 

On leaving the service in 186 1, Mr. Gove en- 
gaged in business in Waukesha, opening a mer- 
cantile establishment, and has ever since been 
numbered among the lending business men of the 
village. lie has been actively engaged in real-es- 
tate business for many years, and has done much 
toward the upluiihliiig of Waukesha. The (!ove 
Block was erected by him in 1871, besides he has 
done much other l)uildiiig in the village. Until 
recently he has had, for several years, a real-estate 
ollice in Milwaukee. 

On May 1, 1859, Mr. Gove was married to Miss 
Jennie A. .Stone. Mrs. fJove was born in Roches- 
ter, N. Y., and came with her parents to Chicago. 
Later the family removed to Waukesha, where the 
mother died many years ago. After his wife's 
death Mr. .Stone re-married; his death occurred in 
1892, he having attained to the advanced age of 
ninety-two 3'ears. Mr. and Mrs. tiove have live 
surviving children, two sons and three daughters, 
lone, born October 17, 1862, is the wife of Charles 
F. Ilawley, who is engaged in the United Stales 
postal service, with residence in Chicago. Richard 
A., the older son, was born December 22, 1865. 
He has till recently Iteen dealing in real estate in 
Milwaukee. He was married to Miss Addie Diif- 
field, )f Galveston, Tex., whose birth occurred the 
27th of July, 1868. Her death, which was a sad 
affliction, occurred at the home of R. L. Gove t)n 
March 29, 1891. She left an infant son, which 
was given the name of Adda, a modified form of 
its mother's name. This child lives at the home 
of its grandparents. The second daughter of Mr 
and Mrs. Gove is Jennie May, born April 26, 1868. 
She became the wife of George F. Ilawes, of Wau- 
kesha, in Aiu-il, 1889. Fra lielle, born .March l.T. 
1870, and Jay, born March 23, 1877, are at home. 
Their youngest child, Francis Kdward, was born 
May 12. 1884, and died of diphtheria on the 15th 
of Ma3-, 1891. He was a bright promising Ikij 
and his early death was a sore affliction. 

Mr. Gove has ever been intimately identified 
with the growth and development of Waukesha, 



544 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and lias served as President of the villaije a number 
of terms; President of the Seliool Poard, Supervis- 
or and \ illage Trustee. Socially lie is promi- 
nently identified with several civic societies, be- 
ing a member of the I. O. (). 1'"., in which he lias 
passed all the chairs. He was a charter member of 
Lodge No. 46, K. 1'., of Waukesha, and was its 
first Chancellor Commander, and still takes an ac- 
tive interest in the order. lie is also a member of 
the military order of the Loyal Legion, his ceitif- 
icate of membership being signed by IJutherford 
B. Ha^'es in 1888. In politics he afliliates with 
the Republican party. 



-* 



.-dS) 



i>-^^<^ 



< T if^AUKESIIA NIIRSLRV. OiicofUicim- 
\/\/ portanl industries of Waukc^sha Coun- 
ty was established hy Isaac (iale and 
his son in the spring of 1884, and is known as 
Waukesha Nursery. It comprises forty acres of 
fertile land on the estate of Mr. dale, and contains 
the most complete acclimated nursery stock in this 
part of Wisconsin. Among the varieties of fruits 
and trees we mention a few of the leading ones: 
summer a|)ples — Yellow Transparent, Dutchess, 
Red Astrachan and Enormous; fall apples — Fall 
Orange, Switzer, St. Lawrence, Titouka, Clark's 
Orange, Beautiful Arcade and Golden White; win- 
ter varieties — Pcwaukee, Macintosh RetL McMa- 
hon's White, Long Field, Repka, Golden Russet, 
Talman Sweet, Northwest Greening, AVolf River, 
Scotcli Winter, Newell s Winter; crab apples — Hys- 
lop, Transcendent, Sweet Russet, AVhitnej', and 
Gibbs; pears — Clapp's Favorite, Flemish Beaiit3' 
and Idaho; American plums — De Solo, Wolf, Roll- 
ing Stone and Weaver; European plums^ — Lombard, 
Moore's Arctic, Imperial Gage, Bradshaw and Ni- 
agara. The nursery also contains a full line of 
cherry trees, eighty varieties of grapes, sixty-four 
of strawberries, six of blackberries, besides red 
and white currants, and the celebrated Downing, 
Houghton and Smith gooseberries. The line of 
ornamental trees includes the Cutleaf Weeping 
Birch, European Birch, White Catalpa, Elm, But- 
ternut, Black Walnut, Horse Chestnut, Linden, 



Sugar Maple, Mountain Ash; evergreens— Ameri- 
can Arbor V'itac, Balsam Fir, Red Cedar, .Austrian 
Pine, Scotch Pine, White Pine, Norway Spruce, 
AVliite Spruce and Irish Juniper. In the de|)art 
ment of (lowering shrubs may be mentioned the 
following, Purple Leaved Piarberiy, Persian Lilac, 
Purple Lilac, Syringa, Hydrangea and Snowball; 
while among the climbing vines and roses are the 
Clematis, Honey Suckle, Prairie (^ueen, Baltimore 
Belie, Seven Sisters. In the miscellaneous list of 
roses may be found Madame Plantier, (ieneral .)ac- 
i|Ucminot, General Washington, .lune Rose, Scotch 
Rose and various other varieties. Mr. Gale also 
has a full line of bulbs and tubers. The business 
was carried on under the style of Gale & Son un- 
til 1893, at which time the latter withdrew for the 
jiurpose of establishing himself in a like liusiness 
on the Pacific Slope. On removing to Oregon he 
took some fifty thousand trees and |>lants with 
which to stock a nursery. He has a bright pros- 
pect for future success, and while the enterprise is 
yet young, it has at its head a practical and theo- 
retical horticulturist who needs but time to grow 
into a prosperous business. The Waukesha Nurs- 
ery is the leading one in this county, and the char- 
acter and reputation of the proprietor is such that 
its poinilarity is constantly increasing, Mr. (iaie 
selling slock from the Atljintic to the Pacific. Ilis 
courteous and im()aitial treatment of customers 
has won for liim a patronage that is constantly 
widenin". 



:0#(^ 



WILLIAM CORY, an early settler of 
Eagle Township, is one of the sturdy 
farmers that Devonshire, England, has 
furnished this count}-. There his birth occurred 
on the 1st of March, 18'28. His i)arents, Samuel 
and Sarah (Burton) Cory, were also natives of 
England, where the former pursued the trade of 
carpenter. They had a large family, consisting of 
nine children, of whom Sarah was the first to 
visit the New World. Having wedded William 
Colwell, she accompanied him to America in 184(i. 
Two years later her parents, brothers and sisters 
joined her on this side of the Atlantic. Forty- 




W. p. SAWYER. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAI'mCAJ-, RECORD. 



547 



four days were consumed in iiiakinsi tlie vovnge 
from I'lyinouth to (^uolioc, from wliicli city they 
made tlieii' wiiy to Palmyra, .leffcrsuii County, 
Wis., wlierc tlie father farmed and also carried on 
his trade. In that county lK>tli he and his wife 
lived their remaining days, he dying at the age of 
sixty-seven, and she, a few years younger. IJoth 
adhered to the faith of the Methodist Kpiscopal 
Church. Of their cliildren six are living: Anna 
Maria wedded Nathaniel Keat and resides in .leff- 
erson County; Sarah, who has lieen twice married, 
is the wi(U)w of Uicliard I'erdon, of ( )ttavva Town- 
ship; William comes next; Thomas farms in Ne- 
braska; Kli/.aheth, wife of Daniel Thomas, resides 
in Iowa; Jane, wlui married !•'. I'otter, lives in 
Farmington, Wis. 

William Cory, who was the foiiitli child in t)rdcr 
of birth in the above family, had very meager 
chances of obtaining an education. When only 
nine years of age he began to work out to help 
support himself, which he has continued to do 
effectively ever since. When eighteen years of 
age his father brought him home to learn the car- 
penter's trade, promising to give him a year's 
schooling: but as his older brother left home at 
that time he was permitted to attend school onl^' 
a month. After coming to the United States he 
attended the district schools for two or three win- 
ters. For some two years he followed his trade, 
but was chielly occupied in helping his father im- 
prove a farm. 

Mr. Cory married Miss Fiances, daughter of 
Ebenezer Thomas, December 10, 1858. Soon after 
marriage he settled in the town of Farmington, 
Jefferson County, where he bought forty acres of 
land, the first real estate he ever owned. In 18G0 
he moved to his present farm on section 13, of 
F^agle Township, which is a part of the place en- 
tered from the Government by his father-in-law, 
Ebenezer Thomas. He owns a fine eighty acres of 
land, on which he has |)laced substantial improve- 
ments. Mr. and Mrs. Cory have two sons, the 
oldest of whom, FJli<itt W., is a .salesman ni a 
store at Fort Atkinson. Wis. The younger, Wil- 
lis B., manages the home farm. Our subject and 
his wife are active workers in the Methodist Kjiis- 
copal Church of Eagle, in which he is serving as 
17 



Steward and Trustee. Mr. Cory is a member of 
the (Jood Templars Society, and is a strong Pro- 
hiliilidiiist, casting his influence and vote against 
the saloon. Foiineily he was identified with the 
Republican party. Whatever he believes to be 
right he advocates regardless of how many may 
be on the opposing side. 



-^-^hK-P=- 



WALTER V. SAWVEU, Cashier of the 
National Exchange Bank of Wauke- 
sha, and an early settler of that city, 
was born in Chester, V't., .September 11, 184G. He 
is a son of Silas .S. and Julia S. (Sargeant) Sawyer, 
with whom he came to W:iuUeslia in September, 
1853. He was educated in the common schools and 
at Carroll College. In 1H(U he began his business 
career as a Clerk in the old Waukesha County Hank 
of Waukesha, where he was employed until 1867, 
when he went to Chicago and for two years 
was bookkeeper in a wholesale mercantile house. 
At the expiration of that time Mr. Sawyer went to 
Georgia and .South Carolina, where he remained 
for a time, going thence to Mt. Pulaski, 111. In 
that city he was for a time associated with a 
brother in a general store. 

In 1872, 111 company with Leonard K. .Scrog- 
gin, he established a private bank at Mt. Pulaski, 
under the linn name of Scroggin >t .Sawyer, Mr. 
Sawyer being the resident partner and business 
manager. This bank enjoyed a successful and 
prosperous career, passing through the financial 
panic of 1H73 with credit unimpaired. The con- 
nection continued until 1882, when Mr. Sawyer, 
on .account of the st^ite of his health, deeming it 
advisable to make a change, sold his interest in 
the bank and returned to Waukesha. 

After returning to Wisconsin, in company with 
others, he proceeded to organize the National Ex- 
change Bank of Waukesha, of which he was the 
first Cashier, and a member of the lirst Hoard of Di- 
rectors. A history of that bank will be found else- 
where in this volume. Mr. Sawyer has continued his 
connection with the bank as Cashier and Director to 
the present time, 18yi. lie has given his undi- 



548 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



vided attention to the best interests of the insti- 
tution, and is entitled to much credit for its suc- 
cessful career and present prosperous condition. 
The bank has just passed through the great finan- 
cial panic of 18!)3 witli safet_v and lienor, while 
so many of the supposed strong financial institu- 
tions of the country have been wrecked. 

On the 21st of May, 1«72, in Waukesha. Mr. 
.Sawyer was united in marriage with Miss Nellie 
Williams. Mrs. Sawyer was born in Cattaraugus 
County, N. Y., and is a daughter of William 
Ilowell and Anne (James) Williams, both natives 
of Wales. Of this union six children were born, 
four of whom survive, and are as follows: Carl 
II., Walter Percy, Julia and Ilowell. Maud and 
Mary, twins, died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. !Saw- 
yer are members of the Uaplist Church. In poli- 
tics he is a Republican, and socially belongs to the 
following orders: Waukesha Lodge No. 37, A. K. 
& A. M.; Waukesha Chapter No. 37, H. A. M.; and 
Waukesha Commaiidery No. 23, K. T. 



WILLI Ai\I BLAIK (deceased). Perhaps 
no one was more prominently ideiiti- 
ficd with the early development of 
Waukesha than was the man whose name heads 
this article. Mr. Blair was a native of .Scotland, 
born in the town of Dundonald, Ayrshire, .Inly, 
31, 1820. Ilif parents were Brice and Ann (Dun- 
lop) Blair, who passed their entire lives in their 
native land. William Blair was one of five bro- 
thers, all of whom grew to manhood, and with one 
exce|)tion became citizens of the I'nitcd States. 
One brother, Brice, died in Scotland. James, the 
eldest, was the first to come to America. He set- 
tled at Mumford, Monroe County, N. Y., where he 
was for many years engaged in business, and where 
he lived until his death, which occurred but a few 
years ago. Robert and William ft)llowed James 
to America in 183G, and also located at Mumford, 
where William learned the trade of machinist 
with his brother James. Later, Robert went back 
to Scotland, where he married, and in company 
with his young wife and brother John returned to 



Mumford. After William had become a resident 
of Waukesha, the last two brothers mentioned came 
to this place, where they were employed by him. 
Some time later, John removed to Portage City 
and engaged in busine.ss with William II. Smith. 
He afterward went south, but returned to Wauke- 
sha, and died at the home of Mrs. William Blair, 
after the death of her husband. Rf)hert continued 
in the service of his brother William and died at 
his home in AVankesha, December 3, 1860. His 
widow remarried, but she and one of her five chil- 
dren are now deceased. Tliere were two sisters in 
the family, Janette and Agnes, tlie latter of wlioiii 
is still living. 

William Blair went to Waukeslia from the state 
of New York in 1845. His inheiciit energy and 
business enterprise soon placed him in the front 
rank of the business men of the place. He en- 
gaged in the manufacture of threshing machines, 
and alone and with other parties conducted that 
enterprise for nian>' years. About 1872 he dis- 
continued that industry and engaged in a general 
repair and jobbing business, which he conducted 
till his death, when he was succeeded b\' his sons, 
Frank C. and (Tcorge B. Blair, who do a general 
foundry, machine and blacksmith business. He 
also owned and carried on valuable farming inter- 
ests. 

However, Mr. Blair's business onterpri.ses were 
not confined to those mentioned above. He was 
prominently and actively identified with the or- 
ganization of the Waukesha County B.tnk, which 
was finally merged into the Waukesha National 
Bank. This was the pioneer banking house of 
Waukesha County, and was established in 18.5.5. 
The preliminary meeting was held in the oftice of 
Alexander Randall, since Governor of Wisconsin 
and Postmaster General of the United States. Mr. 
Blair was present at that meeting and was chosen 
one of the directors of the bank which was there 
incorporated, and up to the time of his death w;is 
identified in various capacities with this well 
known banking institution. In 1><.58 he was elec- 
ted Cashier and continued as such until .January, 
1864. In January, 1865, the bank was reorgan- 
ized and changed from a state to a national bank, 
since known as the Waukesha National Bank. Mr. 



PORTRAIT AND UIOGRAriUCAL RECORD. 



549 



Blair was one of tlie directors and incf)rp(»rators of 
llie now hank. On the (;ili of March, IHOfi, Mr. 
Miner rcsi<,nic(I llic I're.sideucy of the institution 
and Mr. lUair was elected to fill his place. He 
faithfully jicrfonned the duties devolvinj^ upon 
hini as President until prostrated liy the nialad3- 
that resulted in his death on the eveninjf of July 
1.'?, l.H8)l, at the age of sixty years. 

In his political aftiliations, Mr. lilair wasa Whig 
in early life, but a Repuhlican after the formation 
of that part}'. Ills caily lelijjious teachings were 
iu the school of Scotch Presbyterian ism; later in 
life he adopted more liberal views of Christianity 
than are accorded by that church, but gave allilia- 
tion to no special creed, though he ever aimed to 
live an honest, upright life. He was called by his 
fellow-citizens to fill various positions of honor and 
trust: He was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors 
and President of the Village Board for many sears; 
w.as l^tate Senator for the ^ears IHIU-fi;'), 72-73, 
and 76-77. In the discharge of all official duties, 
he exercised the same excellent judgment and 
strict integrity that ever characterized his liusi- 
ness career. 

On the 1st of June. 1847, at Le Roy, N. V., Mr. 
Blair was married to Nancy M. Emmons, whose 
death occurred in Waukesha, Maj- 20, 1859. June 
23, 18(>(i, he was united in marriage to Henrietta 
A. Emmons, a sister of his tirst wife, the ceremony 
being performed In Waukesha. Mrs. Blair was 
horn in the state of New York, August I. 183fi, 
and was a daughter of Henry and Mary (Newton) 
Emmons. The former was a native of Connecti- 
cut, and the latter of Massachusetts. However, the 
greater part of their married life was spent in the 
state of New York. Their family comprised seven 
daughters, all of whom grew to mature years, mar- 
ried and became mothers of families. Of the seven, 
but three arc now living: Mrs. Jane Case, who re- 
sides at Hart Prairie, Walworth County, Wis.; 
Mary, wife of Theophilus Martelle, residing at Ba- 
tavia, N. Y.; and Mrs. Blair. The latter resides at 
her Ijeautiful home on Madison Street in the vil- 
lage of Waukesha, wliere her husband spent the 
last years of his life. She is a woman of culture, 
of extensive reading and a writer of much ability. 

Five children were born to Mr. Blair bv his first 



marriage, but three of whom are living, namely: 
Frank C., (Icorge 1>., and William (i. The first 
two nanicfl conduct the business established by 
their father, while the latter is a member of the 
firm of IJlair A- Estberg, druggists of Waukesha. 
By the second union there are two sons, Henry 
Emmons and Arthur .1. The former was born 
.lanuary 2, 18()3. He is correspondent for the 
Waukesha National Bank, with which his father 
was so long identified, having been connected with 
It since 1882. October 2, 1882, he was married to 
Miss Alice Culver, daughter of Orlando Culver, of 
Waukesha. Arthur J. Blair was born March 11, 
1870. On reaching manhood he wedded Miss 
Amy lladfteld, daughter of .Mnaiii H. Hadfield, of 
Waukesha. The young couple have two (children, 
a daughter :iiid a son. .Vrthur J. is manager of 
the Mcnomonee Falls (Quarry Company. 









FRANKLIN SlllLTIS is a native of Wau- 
kesha County, and Ins witnessed the full 
development of the county from an early 
dale. His birth occurre<l on the 17th of .\pril, 
1845, and he is the second child in a family' of six 
children, two sons and four daughters born to 
Norman and Caroline (Lainpman) Shullis, four of 
whom are living (sec father's sketch elsewhere). 
Mr. Shultis has been reared to the life of an agri- 
culturist, and was also a practical cheese-maker 
during the years 1873-74. He received a good 
practical education in the common schools, and 
a course of instruction at Milton College at Mil- 
ton. Wis. He is a gentleman who luis been an 
honorable and upright citizen of this county and 
is known for his integrity by his constituents. He 
married Miss Mattie Davis, a daughter of Asa and 
Martha (Williams) Davis, the ceremony occurring 
on the 21st of February, 1871. To this union 
three children were born, one son and two daiigh- 
tei-s; two of the children are living, as follows: 
Averill D., the eldest, is now a student at Carroll 
College. He is a boy who ranks vvell in his cLasses. 
Helen M., the youngest, is at home. Mrs. Shullis 
is a native or Waukesha Township, born .luly 3, 
1841). She was educated in the common schools by 



550 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



a course at Carroll College, and in the Academy, 
wliioli was an excollenl school in iliedays gone b^'. 
Politically Mr. Slaillisisa sound Ucpnblican, cast- 
ing his first ballot for General Grant, the soldier 
President. lie has been chosen as delegate many 
times to represent his people in coiintj- conven- 
tions and oilier meetings for the people's good. 
Oflicially he is the present efficient Chairman of 
the Board of Supervisors of Waukesha Township. 
He has served as Supervisor of his town one year, 
and Chairman of the Board one year, and is the 
present incunibenl. He is an ardent supporter of 
the free school system, having been connected in 
au official manner with the schools for the last 
four years, at the present time being Clerk of the 
Board. His idea of the free school system is to 
have the best talent that can be obtained as teach- 
ers, paying wages sufficient to raise the standard. 

Mr. and Mrs. Shultis are adherents of the Pres- 
byterian faith, and attend that church in Wauke- 
sha. Their estate comprises four hundred acres of 
fine land lying within live miles of Waukesha. 
There is an abundance of living water upon the 
land, which makes it a valuable stock farm. 

We are glad to present the biography of this 
worthy gentleman, who is well known in the coun- 
ty and esteemed for his sterling character. 



l@. 



^^A^ ^(SJ 



HENRY R. SAVAGE (deceased) was a 
well known pioneer of Waukesha County. 
He was a native of Great Barrington, 
Mass., where he was born May 11, 1822. When he 
was a mere child, his parents emigrated to western 
New York, and settled in Monroe County, resid- 
ing first in llu^ town of Chili, but afterward re- 
moved to Chuichville Township. Mr. Savage was 
educated and grew to manhood in Monroe Coun- 
ty, and was there married in 1842, to Miss Sarah 
A. Hawley. Two years after their marriage the 
young couple came to the territory of Wisconsin 
and located on a farm in the town of Lisbon, 



Waukesha County. About a year after coming 
to Wisconsin, Mr. Savage was bereft by death of 
lii.^ wife and their 3oung babe. 

He was an active worker in the church and was 
especially useful in leading the singing. He prom- 
ised the congregation that if they would excuse 
him six weeks he would return and bring with him 
an alto singer. Accordingly he went back to New 
York, and on the lllli of M.ay, 184(), wedded Miss 
Fidelia E. Tuller. Accompanied by his young 
bride he again came to his western home. The 
first Sunday they went to church in a borrowed 
buggy and everybody gazed at thern inordinately, 
as a buggy and a bride were rare objects of attrac- 
tion in those early days. After the Hist Sunday 
they went in an ox wagon, ami tliougli the cliurcli 
was four miles distant lliey were never late. The 
oxen were chained to a stump while Elder Palmer 
would preach one of his long sermons. By that 
time the beasts were so restless and anxious to go 
home that Mr. Savage could not trunt himself in 
the wagon, but would have to walk or run at their 
side. Mrs. Savage thought if they could only 
have a span of horses she would be perfectly satis- 
lied, iie\er dreaming of being able to own and ride 
in a buggy. Mrs. Savage was born in Mtniroe 
County, N. \'., Octolier .'51, 1823. By this union 
three children were born, one son and two daugh- 
ters. The latter are Ida R., wife of Dr. J. E. 
Bacon, of Waukesha, and Cora E.. wife of C. A. 
Mead, of Liiverne, Minn. Their only son died in 
infancy. 

In the spring of 1884, Mr. Savage sold his farm 
and removed to Waukesha, where his death occur- 
red .Taniiary 10, 1802. He was a man well known 
and esteemed as a citizen. Retiring in manner, he 
was never ambitious for public proiiiiiienee; on 
the contrary, preferred the (piieter walks of life, 
finding his greatest enjoyment and comfort in the 
society and happiness of his family. 

Politically Mr. Savage was identilied with the 
Republican part\'. He lilled numerous local otiices, 
and was ever active in any work calculated to 
benefit his community. 

In his religious connection, he, like all of his 
family, was a faithful and consistent member of the 
Baptist Church. His last illness was a long and 




MORRIvS D. CUTLER. 

The First Whito Settler of WaukesUx County. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



553 



painful one, but he bore it with Christian fortitude 
and passed away regretted by ••ill who l<ncw liiiii. 
Mrs. Saviiu;*' '<lill lives ;il llicir |>li'asanl home in 
the viiliii'c iif W;iiiki'sh:i. 



MORRIS I). CITLER, of Waukesha, is not 
only the oldest living settler of this 
county, but was one of the first persons 
to come here with the intention of cultivating 
the soil and establishing a liome. lie and his 
brother, Alonzo R., arrived at what is now Wau- 
kesha about the 7th of May, 18:V1. Mr. Cutler 
was born in Canada on tiie 13lh of .lune, 1810, 
though his parents, Leonard and Mercy Cutler, 
were from Menningloii, \'t. Not long after the 
birth of their son Morris I), they returned to Ver- 
mont, but soon removed with their family to 
Wliite Pigeon, Mich., and subseciueritly to La 
Porte, Ind. His mother died in early life, but his 
father lived to the unusual age of one hundred 
and two years, his death occurring .lanuary II, 
1883. Morris I), accompanied his parents on their 
several removals. His education was limited to 
such branches as were taught in the log school- 
houses of pioneer days. His early life was such as 
to instill in him the habits of industry and economy 
which have distinguished him in his mature years. 
As before stated he emigrated in 18;51 frt)m Indi- 
ana to Wisconsin, though it then formed a part of 
Michigan territory, his brother, Alon/.o R., accom- 
panying him on the trip. Delighted with the coun- 
try the Cutler brothers at once blazed out claims 
on the banks of the Fox River, one of which em- 
braced the water power; in fact the rapids at this 
place was one of the chief inducements in select- 
ing Waukesha as a location. The brothers erected 
two shanties, one near the >pol where the post- 
ofBce now stands and the other near the site of 
M. I). Cutler's present honic. This was the lirst 
settlement, these the first two settlers, and theirs 
the first claims made within the limits of Wauke- 
sha County. Mr. Cutler's brother soon removed 
from the county, but he has lived continintusly 
for sixty years on the same liomeste.ad. His shanty 



gave way to a comfortable frame house which now 
stands in the centre of a line park in the heart of 
Waukesha. The park is in an almf)st natural 
stale, while about the residence has been collected 
a large number of curiously shaped stones about 
each of which Mr. Cutler tells some interesting 
story tiwuiugon its resemblance, fancied or real, to 
some i)erson or object. He takes great delight in 
showing them to summer guests, who in turn are 
interested in listening to his history (tf their 
origin. 

Ii is generally conceded that Mr. Cutler is one 
of the wealthiest men in Waukesha County, but 
his property has not come to him by inheritance 
or through speculation. He was (piite poor when 
he first cau)e here, and it is .said that during the 
first years of his residence in Waukesha he went 
bare-fo()te<l and bare-headed in summer, and fre- 
quently in winter had no boots, cloth moccasins 
made by himself answering for both shoes and 
stockings. I''rc(|uently he would work all day in 
the open air in the coldest winter weather with 
overalls and a single shirt as the only protection 
against the cold. He thus earned a reputation for 
hardihood among the pioneers. Notwithstanding 
the many hardships through which he passed he is 
still fairly well preserved when it is remembered 
that he has passed his eighty-fourth year. 

In Prairieville on the 8th of April, 1845. was 
celebrated the marriage of Morris I). Cutler and 
Ruth Head. The bride was born in the parish of 
Preston, Lancastershire, England, and was a daugh- 
ter of .lohn Head, of that pl.ace. Mrs. Cutter 
passed from among the living on the 2(»th of Feb- 
ruary, I8(;3, leaving but a husband to mourn her 
loss. 

.Mr. Cutler is a stanch Republican in his political 
views, but he has always refused to accept any 
olticial position. He is well known .as a man that 
has a "head of his own;" whatever he does is 
prompted by his own desires, or a sense of duty, 
and not by popular clamour. He is given credit 
for having many peculiarities, but parallel with 
these there run through his nature many virtues. 
To the working man and the jwor he h.a.s exhibited 
an unusual degrt-e of liberality. He has also 
given generously to the educational and religious 



554 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



institutions of Waukeslm. To Carroll College, to 
tiic viilago for ptihlic school purposes, and to a 
nmnber of clmrclies he has made vahial)lc gifts of 
real estate. Mucli of Waukesha stands on the 
((iiarter-section whieh he purchased from tlie (Jov- 
erntncnt at >!l.2.j per acre. It lias assumed the 
proportions of a city, and lonj^ after Jl. 1). Cutler 
has been laid to rest his name will still he insepar- 
ahlv connected with its history, in fact Ins name 
will live as long as Waukesha and Ihe county have 
an existence. 



I+A** i^l^,****! 



•J-****^ 



i-i"i"i^ 



:e 



eONRAD KUMMKRT, one of the oldest 
carpenters and Imdders of Waukesha, is 
a native of Auerbach. liavaiia, (ierniany, 
born December 24, 1829, and is a son of Adam 
and Maudalene Kumniert. The father w.as also a 
carpenter by trade. They had four children, one 
son and three daughters, of whom the son, Con- 
rad, was the only one to cross the ocean. He re- 
ceived a good common school education in the 
(iernian, language and since coming to this coun- 
try has picked up the English. When about thir- 
teen years old he was apprenticed tf> learn the 
cabinet maker's trade at which ho served two and 
a half 3ears. After computing his apprentice- 
ship he traveled over llavaria and worked at his 
trade for a number of years. Having determined 
to c(jme to the I'nited Stales, Mr. Kummert went 
to Hamburg in 1851, where he took passage on a 
sailing vessel bound for New York, an iving in the 
latter i)ort forty-four days later. Coming direct 
to Waukesha, he began working at the trade of 
cabinet maker, and in the fall went to Milwaukee, 
where he was employed in the same line. In the 
spring of 18."),') he returned to Waukesha and be- 
gan working at the cari)entt'r's trade. The Hist 
contract he took was to build a residence in the 
town of New lierlin, since which time he has been 
engaged in contracting. Among the buihiings 
upon which he has taken contracts may be named 
the -Ktna Ulock; the block at the corner of Madi- 
son Street and !St. Paul Axciiuc; Merrill's ITou.se 
in Hailfield's Addition; Arcade House; Thomas C. 



Martin's residence; and a large boarding house for 
John Whiting. Besides these he has erected many 
residences in the village and through the sur- 
rounding country. 

Mr. Kummert was married in Waukesha on the 
12th of June, 1856, to Elizabeth Waegli, whose 
birth occurred October 17, 18.33, in Canton Bern, 
.Switzerland. Her parents, Benedict and Anna 
Waegli, came to the United States in 1851 and 
settled in the town of New Berlin, where the 
father died in 1881. The mother, who wjis born 
on the 27th of January, 1804, still survives. Mrs. 
Kummert is one of a family comprising eight 
children, all of whom are living. 

In i)f)litieal sentiments Mr. Kummert is a strong 
Democrat. He and his wife have made what they 
have. He came to this country a poor man, but 
by industry and close attention to his business in- 
terests now owns three residences in the village of 
Waukesha. When he came to Waukesha it was 
but a small place, but during his residence here, 
extending over a period of forty years, Mr. Kum- 
mert has witnessed and aided in the substantial 
growth of the village and country. And in that 
time he has passed through the experiences inci- 
dent to pioneer life. Honorable and upright in 
all the relations of life, he enjoys the esteem and 
friendship of a large circle of friends and ac- 
(piniiitances. 



_^] 



^+^ 



"SI 



/'^ EORGE P. GIFFORD is the owner of the 
^ T beautiful villa bearing his name and also 
Hotel Gifford, located on the north shore 
of Oconomowoc Lake, in the town of Summit. 
The site of this popular summer resort was pur- 
chased by Mr. (iifford iu 1858, when a resident of 
Milwaukee, at which time he bought about one 
mile along the lake, the tract comprising one hun- 
dred and twenty-five acres, of which he still owns 
about eighty acres. In 1841) Mr. and Mrs. Hrower 
came from (Ireene County', N. Y., and while pros- 
pecting among the many available homestead 
sites, were impressed by the beauty- of this loca- 
tion, and at once pre-empted the fractional quarter 
of a section now known as " Villa Gilford. " Mr. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



555 



Br(Xwer erected thereon a picturesque log liouse, 
in wbicli lie and liis wife rtsided for a lime, and 
here was born their daughter, P'lorence, who after- 
ward became tiie wife of K. C. Terrill, wlio now 
resides in the city of New Yori«. In IHoO Mr. 
Brower sold liis pre-emption claim to Lewis Clif- 
ford, an enterprising railroad contractor (not a 
relative of tin; present owner) who ohliiined of the 
Government a patent for the land, and in 1H58 
conveyed it to the present proprietor. 

Mr. (ieorge I', (iifford is a native of IJoston, 
Mass., where his birth occurred in 1820. Mis fa- 
ther, P. A. Gifford, was a sea captain and came 
from an early Massachusetts family. His home was 
in Boston for many years, and there he died. P. 
A. (iifford married Hannah Lt)mbard, whose fa- 
ther, Capl. Peter Lombard, was also a sea-faring 
man. The subject of this record was the only son 
of his parents. His boyhood and youth were spent 
in his native city where, he received excellent ad- 
vantages for education, studied law and was sub- 
sequently' admitted to the Bar. 

In 1848 Ml', (iifford came to Mdwaukee as a 
commercial agent for several eastern houses and 
became associated in the pr.actice of commercial 
law with K. M. and A. W. Randall, tiic latter of 
whom was one of Wisconsin's governors, and on 
whose staff Mr. (liflford was aid-de-camp with rank 
of colonel. Later Mr. Gifford bought the com- 
mercial agencj' of Tappan, McKiliip A Co., of Mil- 
waukee, which business he conducted on quite a 
large scale until 1878, since which time he has 
been principally engaged in real estate. 

Mr. Ciifftird mariied Eliza Ann Whittemore, a 
daughter of the Kev. Thomas Whillemore, 1). 1)., 
of Boston, a well known Iniversaiisl clergyman, 
contemporary with such famous liberal clergymen 
as Clmpin, Ballon. .Slarr King and other great 
lights of the New England clergy. .Mr. and Mrs. 
Gifford have two children, a son and a daughter: 
George P., .Ii'., is a wholesale provision merchant 
of Milwaukee; Anna is the wife of G. W. How- 
man, of the city of Boston, Mjiss. I 

For many years after coming into possession of 
what is now"\'illa(;ifford," Mr. (Jifford continued 
to reside in Milwaukee, but now besides attend- 
ing to real-estate matters, he conducts personally 



" Hotel Gifford and Villa," whose beauty and gen- 
eral character are well described in the following, 
from the " Golden Northwest" and from "Out- 
ing." 

" (iifford is one of the most charming places in 
the northwest, enchantingly located fni the banks 
of the Oconomowoc Lake, but three minutes' walk 
from (titTord Statifin (Chicago, Milwaukee A' St. 
Paul Kailwiiy). An e.vtensive growth of forest 
treos, acres of upland and lowland, hills and dales, 
lawns and meadows and romantic rambles lielong 
to the premises, while the magnificent scenery, in 
the center of which it is located, with its many 
pleasant drives, excellent roads, elevated location, 
and the facilities for all kinds of aquatic sport, 
fishing, rowing, bathing, billiards, etc., render it a 
perfect gem. Oconomowoc Lake is one of the 
most picturesque lakes in this region. Covering 
fifteen hundred acres, its waters afford the finest 
sailing, and visitors should not fail to [)rofit by 
the opportunities at hand. The hotel is kept in a 
superior manner, and those who have once spent 
some weeks or months at this beautiful spot need 
no urging to come again. 

"The distance to Oconomowoc City is only a 
mile anil a-half. It is impossible to lecommeiul 
any one special point of the great numberone will 
visit on a trip to .St. Paul, such as we are taking. 
They are all attractive, each having its iieculiar 
charms; but it is safe to say that none surpass Gif- 
ford's, the centralitv of its location causing many 
of the regular visitors to Waukesha County to se- 
lect it as their place of residence during their stay 
in this lake country. 

"Hotel (JilTord is one of the largest and best 
known stopping places on the best known of the 
lakes — Oconomowoc. (iifford's delightfully ram- 
bling and home-like hotel stands right r)n the shore, 
the lawn sweeping down to the water, and within 
sight of the gay panorama of boats and yachts 
on the lake and of vehicles and pedestrians that in 
summer file up and down before the eyes of the 
guests upon the piazzas, yet sulliciently apart to 
retain a pleasing sense of privacy. The hotel is 
filled with fashionable people, taking their ease in 
an elegantly unfashionable way. In the morning 
they drive, row, go sailing and fishing or play bil- 



556 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



liards. In the afternoon they repeat the pleasures. 
In tlie evening they talk it over, and take a won- 
derful interest in the coming of the sunset trains, 
and have conlidential little chats in the semi-dark- 
ness of the groves, or in the spacious pavilion 
where open-air hops frequently attract the guests 
from othei- resorts, and neighbors fioni the many 
elegant residences that crown the banks all around 
the lake. Taking all things together there are 
few places in Wisconsin, or in any other state, 
where rational man or woman can have a better 
time or find a summer vacation more thoroughly 
profitable than at Hotel Gifford." 



a.&sra^isi^22_ 






•H 



~oi 



ON. .1. Aid I 'ST LINS, a veteran of ihe 
late war, and the leading business man 
of Eagle, is well known to the people of 
^Vaukesha County, with whom he has been identi- 
fied for nearly a third of a century. He was born 
in Wachstedt, Erfurt, Saxony, Germany, on the 
3d of October, 1840, being a son of .John and 
Margaret (Khrhardt) Lins, both of whom were 
natives of Wachstedt, the father born in 1799, 
and the mother in 1801. In early life John Lins 
learned the trade of baker, but subsequently kept 
hotel and cairied on a small farm. His family 
consisted of seven children, four sons and throe 
daughters, all of whom came to the United States. 
The first of the family to cross the ocean w.as 
Charles, who emigrated to this country in 1855, and 
settled near Milwaukee, but later moved to Win- 
ona, Minn., where his death occurred in 1873. 
Edmund, who joined him in this country- the fol- 
lowing year, is a retired business man of Eagle. 
Ill 1857 the parents and the remaining five child- 
ren sailed from Lremen to New York, where they 
arrived after an ocean voyage lasting six weeks. 
Coming direct to Wisconsin the family resided on 
a farm in Milwaukee County until 1860, when 
they moved to the town of Miikwonago, Wauke- 
sha County. Later John Lins and wife removed 
to Eagle, where they spent their remaining dajs. 
They lived to a ripe ol<l age, and had the satisfac- 
tion of celebrating their golden wedding. The 



death of the husband occurred in 1886, and that 
of the wife in 1881. liotli wore consistent mem- 
bers of the Catholic Church, and in politics he 
was a Democrat. 

Mr. J. A. Lins received an academic education 
ill his native land, and after coming to this coun- 
try altondod private schools. On arriving in 
Wisconsin he worked at whatever he could find to 
do, whether labor on the farm, in the brickyard, 
or teaching school. Ere he had reached his ma- 
jority he was emi)loyed as a clerk in the hardware 
store of Mr. Stamm, of Milwaukee, where he con- 
tinued until the breaking out of the war. In 
April, 1861, he enlisted atMilwaukee, in Company 
C, Fifth Wisconsin Infantry, and from that time 
until the last of August, 1864, he served his coun- 
try faithfully, being honorably discharged at Mad- 
ison, Wis. His command joined the Army of the 
Potomac and was engaged in some of the most 
memorable events of the war. The principle bat- 
tles in which Mr. Lins took part were Lee's Mills, 
Williamsburg, (iolden's P'arm, Savage Station, 
White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hills, Crampton (iap, 
Antietam, the two battles of Fredericksburg, (Get- 
tysburg. Happahaiinock Station, Wilderness, Spolt- 
sylvania Court House and Cold Harbor. (Jn the 
1st of .June, 1864, at the last named battle, Mr. 
Lins received a severe wound from the enemy's 
ball which broke three ribs. He was at once sent 
to the hospital at Sickles' Barracks at Alexandria, 
Virginia, where he remained until the latter part 
of August. Soon after his return from the war 
Mr. Lins, in partnership with his brother, began 
merchandising in Eagle, the partnership lasting 
some three years, when the brother disposed of his 
interest; however Mr. Lins has since continued in 
the business. In 1869 he erected his present store, 
n which he carries a general stock of merchandise. 
He also carries on a men's furnishing store in an- 
other room, and in 1876 built a fine brick store- 
house in which he conducted the hardware and 
drug business for some five years when he turned 
the stock over to other jiarties. Besides lie has 
built a harness shop, meat market, postolllce, ele 
vator, and improved residence property. On his 
fine farm adjoining the village of Eagle is located 
Minnehaha Spring, which has a discharge of water 




H. \V. ALBKRTZ. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



559 



siifflcient to run a mill. It is pure potable water, 
which, analyzed by (i. Bode, gave the fiiliowing 
results: 

(iHAlNS. 

Total ((uantity of solid matter •24.'J2(i7 

Chloride Sodium 1989 

Sulphate of l.ime 6259 

Bi-earbonatc of lime 13.0221 

Bi-carbonate of inagucsia 10.1(188 

Hi-carbonate of protoxide of iron 0168 

Alumina 1.345 

Silica 7HI)7 

No traces of organic matter are to be found. 

For a companion Mr. Lins chose Miss Mary 
Wilte. to whom lie was married in 1H72, at Eagle 
Lake. Politically the subject of this sketch is a 
Rejjublican, having east his first Presidential vote 
for Lincoln. I5y his fellow-citizens he has been 
honored with a number of official positions; for 
three terms he was Chairman of the Town of 
Eagle, County Treasurer one term, member of the 
As.sembly in 1881, and State Senator in ISSfi. 
His otiicial career has been distinguished by a con- 
scientious regard for the wishes and interests of his 
constituents. He was Commander of the (Jrand 
Army Post of Kagle, with which he continued to 
be identilicd until it surrendered its charter, then 
became a member of the K. P. Walcott Post of 
Milwaukee. In every sense Mr. Lins is a self- 
made man. 



•^m- 



HENRY W. AL15ERTZ. who resides on sec- 
tion 26 in the town of Oconomowoc, is a 
son of Henry .1. Albert/., a well known 
German-American citizen, who was born in (Jer- 
maiiy .lanuary 28. 1822. II is father was Charles 
Albertz, but the parents never came to this coun- 
try. Henry ,1. Albertz was one of a family com- 
prising four children, three brothers and a sister, 
but he was the only one of the number who ever 
left the Fatherland to seek a home in the New 
World. In 18)1, soon after his marriage, he 
started with his wife for America. Declining 
health was one of the chief causes that led him to 
make the change. Thev came ilnetitly to New 



York on a .sailing-vessel, the voyage consuming 
eleven weeks, and fourteen weeks after leaving 
their native shore they arrived in Jeflferson Coun- 
ty, Wis., where they settled on a farm in the town 
of Farmington. That place Mr. Albertz improved 
and continued tf> own fm- about lifteen years, 
when he disposed of the same and purchased a 
farm in the town of Aslii|)puM, Dodge County, 
where the family lived until 1881. That year 
Mr. Albertz bought of Charles .1. Strolin, on sec- 
tion 26 In the t(jwn of Oconomowoc, the farm 
which is now owned and occupied by his son, 
Henry W. Here his death occurred on the Stli 
of .luiie, 1886, he having attained to the age of 
sixty-four years. His wife, who was born April 
23, 182;'), passed away on July 26, 1891. As has 
been seen, Mr. Albertz, Sr., came to Wisconsin 
more than half a century ago, and four years be- 
fore the territory of Wisconsin was admitted into 
the Union. He was ever an industrious and 
worthj' citizen, and did his full share toward the 
development of the country, assisting in building 
the roads, the bridges, the sclioolhouses and other 
necessary improvements. He was a successful 
business man and esteemed by all fru- his inteirritv 
and upright life. 

To the union of Henry .1. Albertz and wife 
seven children, three sons and four daughters, 
were born, five of whom were living in 1894. 
Florentine, the eldest of these, was named for her 
mother, Florentine Albertz. Augusta is the second 
in order of birth, and the others arc Charles 
Henry W. and Helen. The deceased children were 
Albertine, the eldest of the family, who died in 
infancy, and Charles, the fourth, who also died in 
early childhood. 

Henry W. Albertz, who owns and occupies the 
homestead farm, w.as born in .Icfferson Ctmnty, 
Wis., November 29, 1861, and has always lived at 
home. He has been twice married; his lirsl wife, 
.Miss Louise Hcbner, was born September 2."!, 1870, 
and died October 26, 1892. His present wife was 
Augusta Ilebner, a sister of the former. 

Mr. Albertz is one of the representative men of 

his town, and his farm is an excellent one and 

' under a line state of cultivation. He is a stanch 

i Democrat, casting his maiden vote for General 



560 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Hancock. He has been Side-Supervisor of liis 
to\ynsliii), and he and his wife are attendants of 
tlie German Lutheran Church of Oconoinowoc. 
Mr. Albertz has a good, practical education, hav- 
ing been a student in llic I'niversity of Water- 
ti>wn. Wis. 



\ \ *1 AUKHSHA NATIONAL BANK. This 
\/\/ important tin.ancial institution is an 
outgrowth of tlie Waukesha County 
Bank, the picmeer banking house of Waukesha 
County, wliich was founded in 18;')5. On tlie 18th 
of February of that year a preliminary meeting was 
held in the oflice of Alexander W. Randall (since 
(iovornor of Wisconsin and I'ostmaster-General of 
the I'nited States). The following named gentle- 
men were present; A. Miner, Sabina Barney, Nel- 
son Burroughs, C. C. Barnes.S.S. Sawyer. William 
Blair, William While and IL N. Davis. Articles 
of incorporation were adopted and the capital 
stock of the proposed bank H.xed at *25,000. All 
present subscribed stock, and constituted them- 
selves a 15oarn of Directors. A. Miner was elected 
President and C. C. Barnes, Cashier; subsequently' 
Oscar Burroughs was chosen Assistant Cashier. 
On the ;id of December, 185;"), the capital stock 
was increased to $.50,000. 

A building was erected on contr.act, at the cor- 
ner of Division and Mill Stieets, for the use of the 
bank, and a rate of rental agreed upon at ¥110 per 
auTiuin. The same building is still occupied by the 
Waukesha National Bank. The salary of the 
President and Cashiei- was fixed at ^(iOO each, per 
year. On the Uth of April, 1856, Mr. Barnes, on 
acct)unt of other business d(!inanding his attention, 
resigned the position of cashier and was succeeded 
by Oscar Burroughs. Sabina Barney was tlien 
elected \'ice-Prcsident, which iiosition he filled un- 
til the time of his death, May 30, 187;t. 

The bank, having proved successful, with a rap- 
idly increasing business, it was decided to double 
its capital stock, making it i> 100,000, which was 
done October 13, 1856. The following named 
gentlemen were elected orticers January 7, 1857: 



A. Miner, President; Sabina Barney Vice-Presi- 
dent; Oscar Burroughs, Cashier; and Nelson Bur- 
roughs. William Blair, H. N. Davis, S. S. Sawyer, 
and Thompson Richmond, Directors. At the next 
annual election of oflicers there were no changes, 
except that Martin Field and George Lawrence, 
Jr., were elected Directors in place of Mr. Rich- 
mond and W'illiam Blair, and the latter was elected 
Cashier at this meeting. Owing to the disturbed 
financial condition of the country at the breaking 
out of the Civil W^ar, the capital stock was reduced 
to 150,000. Few changes occurred in the list of 
bank officers until the annual meeting of January, 

1864, when C. H. Miner was elected Cashier in 
place of Mr. Blair, and S. Barney, J. 11. Kimball, 
J. Y. Watson, M. Field and W^illiam Blair were 
chosen Directors. The same oflicers were elected 
in 1865, with the addition of Andrew J. Frame as 
Assistant Cashier. 

At this time it was considered advisable to adopt 
the National Banking System, instead of that un- 
der the old State Law, under which the bank had 
been operated up to that time. On the 8th of 
January, 1865, at a meeting of the stockholders, 
it was decided to reorganize as a national bank. 
Articles of association were adopted under the 
name of W^aukesha National Bank, and Messrs. A. 
Miner, S. Barney, J. 11. Kimball. Martin Field and 
William Blair were elected its first Board of Di- 
rectors. A. Miner was elected President, S. Bar- 
ney Vice-President, and Charles IL Miner Cashier. 
The last otlicial meeting of the stockholders of the 
Waukesha County Bank was held .January 28, 

1865, when the oflicers were authorized to close out 
the old bank and organize the Waukesha National 
Bank, which was done, the new bank being incor- 
porated May 8, 1865, with a capital stock of *50,- 
000. The incorporators were William Blair, S. S. 
Sawyer, A. Miner, C. IL Miner, George Lawrence, 
S. Barney, Sewall Andrews, P. Clawson, J. IL Kim- 
ball. T. Richmond, II. H. Hunkins, .and Martin 
Field. On the 22d of May, 1865, A. J. Frame w.as 
appointed Assistant Cashier, which position he 
held until February, 1866, when he was chosen 
Cashier. On the 6th of March of the same year, 
Mr. Miner resigned the Presidency, also as Di- 
rector, and was succeeded by William Blair in the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



561 



former, and by Scwall Andrews m the latter posi- 
tion. 

Ill 186'J .1. II. Kimh.-ill resigned as Director; An- 
drew J. Frame was appointed to (ill the vaeancv, 
and was duly elected a meinlier of the Board in 
1870. In the fall of 1869, Henry M. Frame was 
app()intc<l hookkeeper, and later acted as Teller 
until .January 8, 1878, when he was promoted to 
Assistant Cashier. .Iul\' 7, 1879, he was appoint- 
ed Director in place of Sahina Harney, deceased. 
At the same meeting Martin Field was elected 
Vice-President in place of Mr. Barney. On the 
2()tli of July, 1880, Andrew ,1. Frame was elected 
President, to till the vacancy caused by the death 
of William Blair, who died on the 13th of that 
month. Mr. Frame h.as been re-elected at each 
succeeding annual meeting to the present time, 
1893, covering a period of thirteen years. (Jn the 
promotion of Andrew .1. Frame lo the Presidency, 
n. M. Frame succeeded to the position of Cashier, 
whicli he has continued to fill until the present 
writing. Hon. Richard Weaver was elected a mem- 
ber of the Board of Directors .January 10, 1882. 

On the r>tli of .Inly, 1883, the capital stock was 
increased from *.'iO,(i(iO to *80,00(i; .July 11, 1881, 
it was increased lo ¥100,000, and .lanuary 11, 1890, 
to *150,000. On the 1st of July, 1887, F. H. Put- 
ney' was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the 
death of Sewall Andrews. The stone building 
which has been occupied by the bank since its in- 
ception in 18.').5, was purchased by the bank of 
Andrew Aitkin October 13, 1873, at a cost of 
*4,000. Since the purchase more than ^4,000 have 
been expended in repairs and improvements, the 
building being now in excellent condition. The 
present Board of Directors is composed of the fol- 
lowing named gentlemen: A. .1. Frame, President; 
11. M. Frame, Cashier; Richard Weaver, \'ice-I'resi- 
dent; T. D. Cook and F. R. Estberg, Assistant 
Cashiers. The report of the bank issued May 4. 
1893, shows resources: Loans and discounts #65o,- 
088..56; United States bonds, *.')0,G00; other bonds, 
*201,20o; due from banks, ?il 28,.')0(i.83; cash on 
hand, ? 123,172.44 ; expenses and taxes paid,4'3,- 
476.o0; premiums paid, $6,000; banking-house, 
safes, etc., ^12,000; due from Pniti-d Su-ites Treas- 
uier, *4,900; making a total of «1, 184,94 t.:!.S. The 



liabilities are: Capital stock, ^loO.OOO; surplus 
funds, *68,04G.46; circulation, *45,0O0; and de- 
posits *92 1,897.87. 

This bank is one of the oldest and most impor- 
tant financial institutions in Waukesha County. Its 
course from the start has been conservative and 
prosperous. It has weathered all the financial 
panics of the country for the past thirty-eight years 
without being under a cloud or having to close its 
doors. .\t the beginning of 1891 it takes rank as 
one of the most sound and reliable banks in Wis- 
consin. Its otlicers are known as men of superior 
financial ability, un(|uestioned integrity and large 
personal res ponsi bill t}'. 



J^^c 



ROLLAND I,. I'OKTKR, dealer in lumber, 
grain, feed, building material, tile, coal. 
Hour, etc., at Mukwonago, was born in the 
town of \'ernon, November 2.5, 1846, being the son 
of Allen and Serena (Lewis) Porter. His grand- 
father, George Porter, served as a private in the 
Revolutionary War, and late in life received a pen- 
sion in recognition of his service. Allen Porter 
was born at Athens, Vt., on the l.5tli of July, 1814, 
and was next to the youngest in a family of ten 
children. In Chester, Vt., he married Miss Lewis, 
who was born in that place January 9, 1807. their 
marriage being solemnized April 8, 1840. The 
same year they started west by the Erie Canal and 
the Lakes, embarking at Buffalo on the "Illinois," 
commanded by Captain Blake, landing at Milwau- 
kee on the 20th of June, seventeen d.a^s after leav- 
ing their eastern home. Coming on t<i Mukwonago 
Township, Waukesha County, Mr. Porter entered 
some (jovernraent land, and in order to secure the 
fiiTSt forty acres he purchased, he rode to Milwau- 
kee by night, arriving at the land ollice about an 
hour Ixjfore another, who also desired the same 
land. About the same time he made another pur- 
chase for which he paid *2.;')0 per acre, and stibse- 
(piently added to the original tract until he owned 
two hundred and eighty acres. On coming here 
they had ?600iii gobl, which was sewed up in Mrs. 
Porter's clothing. Mr. Porter was a successful man 



562 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in business; in connection with his farming interests 
lie (lovott'd inuoli fiiiic to stock-raising, especially 
to the hrecdiny of slieep and horses, in which he 
engaged extensively. He erected one of the first 
frame houses builtjn his community and devel- 
oped one of the l)esl farms in this portion of the 
county. In an early day he was a Whig in politi- 
cal sentiment, and on the rise of the Repulilican 
])arty espoused its principles. While he took a 
hvi'lv interest m the success of liis party he was in 
no sense an ollice seeker. On the 5th of Febru- 
ary, 1882, Mr. Porter passed to the spirit world. 
His wife, who is a nuMnl)er of the Congregational 
Church, makes her home with her son ; though in 
her eighty-seventh year she is as spr^- as most old 
ladies of sixty. Mr. and Mrs. Porter had three 
children, one of whom died in childhood, while 
the living are Mrs. Susan Daniels, of Waukesha, 
and Holland L., of this article. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the head 
of this rcc(Md was reared to farm life, remaining 
on the farm until eighteen years old. His primary 
education, which was acquired in the district 
schooler, was supplemented l)y attendance at the 
academy at Allen's Grove, and also at Rochester, 
after which he took a course at the Commercial 
College, in Milwaukee. In 1865 he began clerk- 
ing in a store in Milwaukee, receiving $30 per 
month for his services, in which position he con- 
tinued for two years. In the fall of 1867 he 
went to (Jedar Rapids, Iowa, where he engaged 
in the commission l)usiness, handling buttei-, eggs 
and fruit, and there remained two years. Returning 
to Milwaukee he was employed in the pension of- 
fice until 1872, when he hired as bookkeeper in 
an oil store, and nine monllis later, with a cash 
capital of *10, he with M. ,1. and W. H. Davis, 
who had about !j 1,(100, organized the Northwestern 
Oil Company, the co-partnership continuing some 
twelve years, 'riie last five years the net profits of 
the business reached *6.3,nOO. In 1882 Mr. Porter's 
father died and as it was his wish that his son should 
come to the farm he moved to the old homestead 
and worked it for four years. Wlien the Wisconsin 
Central started, in 1886, he established his present 
business, and in 18!t2 erected a house and moved 
to the village of Mukwonago, though he still owns 



the original tract of two hundred and eighty acres. 

In Milwaukee, on the 1.3th of .lanuary, 1876, 
Mr. Porter was married to Miss Kittie MacTurnan, 
a native of Columbus, Wis., the ceremony being per- 
formed by Rev. Myron W. Reed. Of this union two 
children were born, Willie R., who died at the age 
of four and a-half years, and Harry Allen, who is 
receiving a gctoi\ education. In politics Mr. Porter 
is a lie|niblican, the first Presidential candidate he 
ever supported being Gen. U. S. Grant. .Socially 
lie is a member of the Knights of Pythias of Wau- 
kesha. 

Besides his farming and mercantile interests al- 
ready referred to Mr. Porter owns five acres of land 
at Lake Beulali, and three cottages; has five hun- 
dred acres of land in Vilas County, Wis., on which 
is a fine water power, and a lot in Minneapolis. 
He IS also a stockholder and a member of the lioard 
of Directors of Phantom Lake Inn. Outside of 
the farm in this county, Mr. Porter has made, by 
his own exertions, all he possesses. 




ROBERT S. PERKINS, D. D. 8., whose pleas- 
ant rooms are found in the Putney Block, 
Waukesha, located in the city in June, 
18!)3. Dr. Perkins is a native of Wisconsin, born 
at New Lisbon, .luneau County, in 1867. His 
father, Sanford H. Perkins, now of Milwaukee, was 
an early settler of that county. 

The subject of this sketch moved to Palmyra 
with his parents when but a child, and to Peoria, 
III., when twelve years of age, where he attended 
the pulilic schof)ls. In 1888 he entered the Chicago 
College of Dental Surgery, from which he gra<lu- 
ated in 1893. This, as will be seen, covers a period 
of about five years, but previous to his graduation 
and during an interval of about two years, he 
worked at his profession in the Ilaymarket Theatre 
Building, Chicago, and later, returning to college, 
completed his course. 

Dr. Perkins was married in Peoria, 111., to Miss 
Clara Debord, a native of that city and a daughter 




COOLEDGE EASTMAN. 



FOHTRAJT AND lUOGKAl'II'CAI. HKCORD. 



565 



of Reuben Dcbord. They have two children, a son 
and a (lau;,'htcr, Harry and Ilallie. 

Though one of the youngest of the dental pro- 
fession of Wauiteslia County, Dr. Pcrivins possesses 
bolli a theoretical and practical knowledge of his 
calling, qualities that have already won for him a 
successful business. 



(^ 



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t®P^ 



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eOOLEDGK KASTM AN, deceased, was one 
of the most prominent of the early pio- 
neers of Oconomowoc. He was born in 
Atlica, then Genesee, now Wyoming County, N. Y., 
December 21, 1815. He grew to manhood in his 
native state, and there niarrie<l Elvira Brainard. 
In 1812 Mr. Eastman, accompanied b^' his wife, 
emigrated to the territory of Wisconsin, locating 
at Oconomowoc. He was reared to the occupation 
of farming, and in connection with dealing in real 
estate, agricultural pursuits continued to be his 
occupation through life. His first purchase of 
land was eighty acres of what was known as canal 
land. He afterward bought about one hundred 
and fifty acres on the west and north of the 
village of Oconomowoc. On the former he platted 
what is known as Eastman's First Addition to 
Oconomowoc, and on the latter a second addi- 
tion. He also owned other real estate and was 
numbered among the successful business men of 
the place. 

Mr. E.astinaii lost his first wife by death in 1847, 
and on the 21llh of .luly, 1849, was united in mar- 
riage with Mrs. Mary Castle. Mrs. Eastman was 
born April 20, 1819, in the town of Scipio, Cayuga 
County, N. Y. Her father, .lacob Hushman, was a 
native of New England. Her mother bore the 
maiden name of Martha llalstead. The Hiishman 
family were pioneers of Cayuga County. When 
Mrs. Eastman was but three years old her [larents 
removed to (ienesec County. N. Y. Theie she 
grew to womanhood, anil on March 28, 1814, be- 
came the wife of Lewis Castle. The same year 
they removed to .lohnstown. Rock County, Wis. 
Mr. Castle's death occurred on the 3il of Novem- 



ber, 1847, and the same year their two children 
joined the husband in the spirit world. 

Mr. Eastman had two children by his first mar- 
riage, Leander, who died of consumption at the 
age of twenty-four years, and a daughter tluit died 
in infancy. Albert A. Eastman, of the town of 
of Summit, this county, is the only child of Mr. 
and Mrs. Eastman. He was born in Oconomowoc 
on the 5th of .January, 1851, and on reaching 
manhood wedded Miss Minnie Pattison, who was 
also an only child, by whom he lias one son, 
Frank V. 

Cooiedge Eastman's death occurred at his home 
in Oconomowoc on the 2d of July, 189(1. For 
forty-eight years he was a resident of that vil- 
lage and city, and was closely identified with 
its growth and development, having done more, 
possibly, than any other man to improve the place 
and assist poor people in securing homes. He 
never aspired to prominent positions in a political 
or social sense, but was esteemed .as an industrious 
and valuable citizen. In politics he was a Whig 
and later a strong Republican. He was long a 
consistent member of the Congregational Church, 
as is also Mrs. Eastman. His estimable wife still 
resides in the city of Oconomowoc, at the home 
where she and her husliand lived for so many 
years. 

• ^^^^ P • 



MRS. DELIGHT ROSE, of Big Bend, %r. 
non Township, is one of the surviving 
pioneers who became a r»'sident of Wau- 
kesha County while Wisconsin was yet under a 
territorial form of government, and has therefore 
been identified with the changes that have made 
of this section one of the mostdesu'able to be found 
in the state. Schools,cbuiclies, railroads, factories 
and all those industries and institutions that give 
to us the advantages of civilized man have arisen 
since her advent. Ft. .Vnn. Washington County, 
N. Y., is her native i)lace, her birth having occurred 
February 18, 1818. She is the second in a family 
of eight children, three sons and five daughters, 
born to Baruis and .\senatli (Grover) Balx-ock. 
Of this number four survive, of whom Mrs. Rose 



566 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



is tlic oldest; Dimis and Dillia are twins; the 
former is tiie widow of Natlian Whittier. and the 
latter of Lucius Mclnlvre; the youngest, Olive, 
wedded W. G. Ric-li and resides in Santa Ke, N. Mex. 
The father of this faniil3- was born in Ft. Ann and 
died in the town of Muskego, this county, at tlie 
age of seventy-live years, while the mother, who 
was a native of Vermont, died at the age of sixty- 
nine years and six months, also in MuskegoTown- 
shi|>. 

Mrs. Rose was reared on a farm at Ft. Ann, and 
received a common school education, which she 
has broadened iiy reading and teaching school, as 
she followed that occupation during five winters 
and seven summers. On the 17tli of April, 1842, 
was celebrated her marriage to Harvey Rose, the 
oldest of thirteen children, whose parents were 
Martin and Mary (Orant) Rose. Harvey Rose was 
born in Rocklarul County, N. Y., February 28, 
1814, where his early life was spent at farm labor. 
When fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to 
tlie blacksmilh'.-- trade, which he followed up to 
wilhin about ten years of bis death. In 1883 he 
started on his trip to Wisconsin, arriving at Md- 
waukee on the 28th of .luly. The following day he 
jiroceeded witli his wife and one child to the home 
of his fallier-in-law, in Muskego Township, where 
he remained until IS'oveml)er following, when he 
located on section 21, in the town of ^'crnon. Mr. 
Rose at once began to woik at his trade in an old 
building o\viu'(l by Amos Putnam, where was heard 
the ring of iiis anvil for two years, or until he 
could erect a shop of his own. The last years of 
his life were devoted to agriculture. On the ."i 1st 
of August, 1883, occurred the <lealh of Mr. Rose, 
who was one of the well known and highly es- 
teemed citizens of his community. His last resting 
place is in Rural Home Cemeter}', at Big Bend. 
He left to mourn his loss a widow and six children, 
three sons and three daughters, one daughter hav- 
ing passed on liefore. Marian, the oldest, was born 
Jlarch 1."), 1813, and became the wife of T. H. 
Ward, a stockman of Dane County, Wis.; Asenath, 
born Marcii 3, 181.5, wedded Wallace Putnam, a 
ranchman of Greeley, Colo.; .lennette, born De- 
cember 27, 1846, died in .lune, 18t!l; Harvey K., 
born October 2It, 184K, is a prominent lumberman 



and extensive land owner of Kenesaw, Xeb.; Bar- 
nis, born March 13, 1852, has a fine estiite at Honey 
Creek, Wis.; Charles W., born .January 10, 1855, is 
a farmer of Vernon Township; Florence D., who 
was born November 12, 1858, became the wife of 
L. A. Davis, a busuiess man of Big Bend, and died 
May. 19, 181)3. 

Mrs. Rose, though seventy-six years of age, is 
hale and hearty and of a genial disposition. For 
over half a century she has made this county her 
home and is therefore conversant with its history 
from its earliest existence. 



■ ^ ^ < ^ fa«t. 



HE. NICOLAI, a prosperous and repre- 
sentative farmer, residing on section 14, 
in the town of Vernon, Waukesha Coun- 
t3', was born near the town of Ehrfort, Germany, his 
birth occurring February 18, 1851. He isason of 
Frederick August and Ernestine (Orfhal) Nicolai, 
and the third in a family numbering seven chil- 
dren, namely: Theodore W., who was a soldier in 
the late war, is engaged in agriculture near Elk- 
horn, Wis.; Amelia became the wife of (ieorgc 
Ilenze. of .Jefferson Count^', Wis.; 11. E. is the 
next in order of birth; Albert N. farms in .Shaw- 
ano County, this state; Eiiiil H.died at St. Charles, 
Ark., while in tlie Federal Army, being a meiiilier 
f)f the Thirty-lifth Wisconsin Infantry; Frederick 
is deceased; and one son, unnamed, died in in- 
fantry. The parents were both natives of Sax- 
ony, Germany, and the father, who was a wheel- 
wright by trade, was a musician of some promi- 
nence. In the year 1855 himself and family em- 
igrated to America, embarking aboard a sailing- 
ves.sel at Bremen for New York, where they landed 
thirty-four da\s later. Proceeding to Milwaukee 
liy rail, they went thence to Ozaukee County, and 
ill the town of Me(iuou bought twenty acres of im- 
proved land upon which stood a log house. How- 
ever. Mrs. Nicolai w.as not long permitted to enjoy 
this new home, her death occurring three months 
after settling in it. P'or three years the father 
kept the family' together, when the subject of this 
article commenced to battle his own way in the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



567 



world, and his younffcr brotlier was taken by a 
family in the nt'l-rhlioihood. At thai aije he be- 
gan workinjr out, and until twelve 3'ears old 
worked for his hoard and ciolhinff, then for a 
period of two years was employed liy a farmer in 
Mequon Township, and for his services received 
$50. On leaving this ])lace, being then but four- 
teen years ohl, he came to Dodge's Corners, Ver- 
non Townsliii), where he worked until his majority 
was attained, receiving ^10 per month for his la- 
bor for the (irst season and more as he grew 
older. During the winter seasons he attended 
school and thus endeavored to lit himself for a 
business career. In 1871 Mr. Nicolai, in company 
with a party of thirteen, went to Greeley, Colo., 
where he engaged in carpentering, building fence, 
for the colony. While there he w.as taken down 
with a severe attack of typhoid fever, and on his 
recovery returned to Wisconsin. During the win- 
ter he attended the district school, and in the 
spring entered the Rochester .Seminary, where he 
was a student for one year. On leaving that in- 
stitution he made a second trip to Colorado, being 
for a time employed by a mercantile firm in Gree- 
ley, and then going to the foot-hills, he cut timber 
for some four months. In the fall of 1873, he 
went to .San Francisco, Cal., thence to Plea.santon, 
where he worked on a large ranch for foin- months. 
At the expiration of that time ho began mining 
in Dutch Flat for gold, and for two months gave 
his attention to mining and speculating in mining 
claims. Going to Sonoma County he chopped 
cord-wood, also dealt in the same, but not being 
satislied to continue in this line of business he 
gave his attention to prospecting for quicksilver. 
In company with four young men he made a ricli 
strike in Sonoma County; individual claims were 
slaked oflf, shafts sunk and mining begun. They 
had a most Mattering prospect before them, but a 
rich ranch owner disputed their claims, and by 
false represenUilions secured the land. Mr. Nico- 
lai, having invested the greater part of his savings 
in this claim, returned to San Franciscf) with but 
a few dollars in his pocket, having left the same 
place a few months previous with $1,200 in gold 
coin in his possession. From that city he went to 
Martinez in the ho[je of securing employment, but 



on arriving there found his services were not in 
demand. He then tramped through the country 
looking for work; during this weary search his 
shoes were worn out and his socks marked with 
blood stains caused from cuts and bruises suffered 
from the roughness of the roads over which he 
traveled. Finally he found work near Menlo 
Park, where he received $.3.") per month. At the 
end of two and a-half months he went to Virginia 
City. Nev., and from thc^re to Sacramento, Cal., at 
which place he found employment on a large 
ranch. After working one month he was pro- 
moted to the foremanship, and continued there 
until his return to Wisconsin in 187.'). On re- 
turning to this county he worked at farm labor 
for a tinie. and during the winter of 1875-76 at- 
tended Carroll College. In the following spring 
he rented ten .acres of land in Vernon Township 
and gave his attention to growing garden prod- 
uce, continuing in that business some two years. 
On the 10th of February, 1878, Mr. Nicolai 
wedded Miss FIvie .1. Stickney, a native of Ver- 
non Township, and a daughter of .1. H. and Aclisa 
Kllen (Haseltine) Stickney, pioneer settlers of 
Waukesha County. They began their domestic 
life upon one hundred acres of their present 
homestead; it was then but slightly improved, 
there being no improvements except a frame house 
on it. To the original Iracl they have added un- 
til their present estate includes two hundred and 
sixty-seven acres of highly improved and culti- 
vated land, upon which he Inis a beautiful home 
and excellent outbuildings. In 1881 Mr. Nicolai 
went to Iowa, and in Franklin County purchased 
two hundred and eighty acres of prairie land, to 
which he added until he owned some .seven hun- 
tlred and twenty acres. The tract was well im- 
proved, and later disposed of at a profit. Mr. 
Nicolai is now engaged in produce gardening, 
and for his products finds a ready sale. Ilis 
creamery, the " Fairview," has a wide reputation 
in Milwaukee anil the surrounding towns. By 
under draining he has made some partes of his 
farm — before unprofitalilc — the most productive 
land he f)wns. He has erected a reservoir bv 
which, in times of drouth, he may irrigate his 
land. He gives close attention to all the details 



568 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



of liis business and in this way makes it profitable. 
In addition to liis farm interests, Mr. NIcolai is 
erecting a store in Big Bend. He was one of the 
incorporators of the Citizens' liank <>f Mukwon- 
ago and is still a stockholder. 

In politics Mr. Nicolai is a I'roliibitionist, being 
a strong advocate of woman's suffrage, tliough 
he cast his first Presidential v<jte for Horace Gree- 
ley. Socially he is a member of the (irand Divi- 
sion of the Sons of Temi>erance, in wliicli lie now 
holds the ollice of conductor. He is hIso a char- 
ter member of the Life Boat Division of the Sons 
of Temperance at Big Bend. Mr. and Mrs. Nico- 
lai have tliree children: Noriiie, aged eleven; 
Maud, aged nine; and Laurel, aged six years. 
They are classed among the representative people 
of Vernon Township, and are esteemed for their 
true worth. 



r>> 



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mi^' 



SK- 



Kly' 



J 



AMES K. SPENCER, atlorney-at-law. Pen- 
sion Agent and .Justice of the Peace of 
Waukesha, was born in tlie town of Salem, 
Cortland County, N. V., November 10, 1844, 
and is a son of James and Bethiar (Bennett) 
Spencer. His father was born in Buckinghamshire, 
England, in 1814, and emigrated to the ITnited 
States about 1833. lie spent a few years in the 
city of New York and then removed to Orange 
County, of the same state, where he was ordained 
a minister of the Baptist Church, and served as 
pastor for many years, lie niarried, in the state 
of New York, Miss Bethiar Bennett, which con- 
tinued to be their home until IS.'i'i, wlien they 
removed to Hartford, Susquehanna County, Pa. 
Later they removed to New ]\Iilford, of tiiat state, 
where the wife and mother died in 1879. The 
father now resides with his son, .lames R., in 
Waukeslia. He has been an earnest bible student, 
and a great reader all through his life until in old 
age his eyesight failed him and he is, at iliis writ- 
ing, nearly totally blind. 

.lames R. Spencer attended the coiiimon schools 
in his yt)iith, removing with his parents to Penn- 
sylvania in 18.J2. The family settled in a sparsely 



inhabited mountainous region, and from the age 
of eight to ten years, our subject was required 
to hunt cattle in the woods and over the moun- 
tains, where his childish nerves were often excited 
b}' the well known proximity of black bears and 
timber wolves. He pursued his studies, at what 
was then known as the Hartford Academy, under 
the tutorshi)) of the Rev. Lyman Richardson. The 
progress of the late war aroused his martial spirit 
and in February, 1864, at the age of nineteen 
years, he enlisted .as a member of Comp.any F, 
Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry. His lirstser- 
vice was in support of batteries on Morris Island 
in Charleston harbor, in the bombardment of Ft. 
Moultrie. The transport that conveyed the re- 
cruits (of whose number Mr. Spencer was one) to 
that point, was obliged to run under the cover of 
darkness within easy range of the enemy's guns, 
and through channels protected by torpedoes. 
Having a good pilot they were landed safely. 
Our \oung recruit was initiated into the grim art 
of war within the sound of the whistling shells 
that seemed, to his unaccustomed eyes, as they 
passed over his head, like huge balls of fire. 

Mr. SpiMicer participated in the bombardment 
and capture of Charleston, and his regiment had 
the honor of being the first of the Cnion troops to 
occupy the city. He was detailed as one of those 
who operated the so-called Swamp Angel. In 
]\Iarch. 18().5, his command was ordered to Charles- 
ton, and from there was sent in pursuit of the 
rebels up the Santee River, following which they 
went to Beauford and Ncwbern. They were then 
sent, underGeneralScofleld in pursuit of the Con- 
federate (ieneral .lohnson, to Raleigh, N. C, and 
were [)resent when that general surrendered. The 
following day while assisting in unloading stores at 
Salisbury, young Spencer met with a serious acci- 
dent by which his arm was crushed. He was sent 
to Harrisburg, Pa., with his regiment where he was 
discharged .luly 22, 186.'). However, his wound 
caused him to be detained in the hospital, so 
thai he was not able ro return home until the fol- 
lowing fall. 

In March, 18<i(;, Mr. Spencer came to Waukesha 
Coiiiitv. making his home first in the town of 
Brookfield, but he soon came to the village of 




R. \V. BROWN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



571 



Waukesha. Here he pursued his law studies 
under the preceptorship of W. S. Hawkins, and 
in June, 1«72, was admitted to tlie Bar in tiie 
Circuit Court, Judge .Small presiding. He at once 
estal)lislied a practice at ^Vauk(•^^ll!l, and .since 
1880, has made a specially of that line of tlie pro- 
fession relating to pensions. He has had hun- 
dreds of cases, and has been very successful. By 
exercising caution and only undertaking such 
cases as he felt assured were legitimate he has 
made a clean record with the department, free 
from any cloud of fraud or imposition. 

In 1882 .Mr. Spencer was elected Justice of the 
Peace, and has been re-elected at each succeeding 
election, being the present incumbent, 1894. He 
was also elected Supervisor of the city, as repre- 
sentative in the County Board of Supervisors. 
Being active in politics he was chosen Chairman 
of the Republican County Committee, and served 
in that capacity during the hotly contested Con- 
gressional Campaign when Richard (iunther, of 
Oshkosh, was elected to Congress from tlie Fifth 
District. In 1887, Mr. Spencer was sent as delegate 
from the .Second Congressional District to the 
National Encampinent of the Grand Arm}' of the 
Republic, and was appointed Aid on the staff of 
Grand Commander John P. Rea, of Minneapolis. 

Mr. Spencer was one of the charter members of 
the William B. Cushing Post No. 19, G. A. R., 
and has served two terms in succession as Post 
Commander of that body, being still actively 
identified with the organization. While a resident 
of New Milford, Pa., just after the war, he was 
made a Master Mason, and elected Secretary of his 
lodge. Soon after coming to Waukesha he be- 
came a member of Prairie Lodge No. 23, 1. O. (). 
F., of which he has been a member for twenty-one 
years. He also became a nicinlHT of Waukesha 
Lodge No. 46, K. of P. 

Ill Waukesha, on the 5lh September, 1872, oc- 
curred the marriage of Mr. Spencer and Miss Kliza- 
beth Chamberlain. Mrs. Spencer is a native of \'ei- 
niont, and is a daughter of llir.-im F. and Diana 
A. Cliamljerlaiii. In 1812, she came with her 
parents to Waukesha County. Her mother is 
deceased, but her father survives and is a resident 
of the town of Vernon. Three dauglitei-s were 
18 



born to Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, who are now grown 
to womanhood, namely: Grace B., Jessie M. and 
Bessie A. 

In religious f;iilli Mrs. Spencer is a member of 
the Ba|)llst Church. While a resident of Pennsyl- 
vania, Mr. Spencer was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 



<)C++++**++++++| 



r Mr 'V 'V * ^^^ 



I' ROBERT W. BROWN, a prosperous farmer 
'^A and stockman of the town of l/isbon, is a 
scion of one of the pioneer families of 
Waukesha Count}'. He is a native of this county, 
his birth occurring on the 3d of August, 1848. He 
is the second in a family numbering five children, 
of whom two sons and two daughters are still liv- 
ing. His parents, Robert, Sr., and Lucretia (West) 
Brown, are spoken of elsewhere in this work. The 
early life of the subject of this biography was spent 
on his father's farm and in attendance at the pub- 
lic schools. Since reaching manhood he has been 
wholly occujiied with farming an<l stock-raising. 
On the .')th of January, 1881, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary A. Taylor, a native of the 
town of Pewaukee. Four daughters were born of 
this union, but one of them h.as passed awa}- 
The living are Maude B., Blanche C. and Ruth T. 
The two eldest are in sclif>ol,and Ruth, the young- 
est, is the sunl)eam of the household. The mother 
of this famil}' was Imni .luly 27. 18u4, and is a 
daughter of William and Barbara (Capslitk) Tay- 
lor, who had a large family of children, of whom 
five are living. Mr. Taylor was a native of York- 
shire. England, where he made his home till he 
emigrated to this country. His death occurred 
in 188(). 

Politically Mr. Brown is a Democrat. His first 
vote was cast for .Samuel J. Tilden, since which 
time he has supported the nominees of his party. 
Aside from serving as School Director and Trea.s- 
urcr, he has never accei)ted any otilcial position. 
The Brown estate of Lisbon Township comprises 
one hundred and eighty-five acres of land, on 
which stand a g(Jod residence, barns and other out- 
buildings. Its thrifty owner also owns eighty 



572 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



acres in Eau Claire County, Wis., one liunflred 
and twenty acres in Conway County, Ark., besides 
much valuable stock. He is making a specialty 
of the Red Polled or Norfolk cattle, and is the 
only breeder of them in his township, and one of 
a very few in the county. His success as a finan- 
cier has been achieved by carefully looking after 
the details of his business and exercising good 
judgment. 

< AVAKLETTK ELLERSON, one of the ear- 
I Cy liest and most esteemed pioneers of the 
town of Muskego, Waukesha County, has 
been identified with the interests of that township 
for the long period of fifty-eight years, and has 
therefore witnessed the transformation that has 
made of the former wilderness one of the most pro- 
ductive agricultural sections. Churches and 
scliools, towns and villages, and beautiful homes 
make this one of the most desirable counties to be 
found in the state. Mr. Ellerson was born on a 
farm in Schoharie County, N. Y., March .5, 1817, 
and is a son of Thomas and Plia'be Ellerson. His 
paternal grandfather was of Scotch ancestry, and 
emigrated to New York from Culpeper County, 
Va. He was a member of the famous company 
known as "Morgan's Riflemen," in which he did 
service for the American cause. His death oc- 
curred in the Empire State at the advanced age of 
ninetj'-six years. Thomas Ellerson was also a 
native of Schoharie County, where his entire life 
was passed, dying at the age of eighty-two years. 
He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His 
wife, Pha'be Ellerson, died when sixty years old. 
Her father was one of the "nine partners" who 
purchased a vast tract of land in the state of New 
York, lying along the Hudson River, and near the 
site of the present cit\- of Hudson. 

The subject of this biography was reared and 
educated in his native county. He remained on 
his father's farm until seventeen years of age, at 
which time he began the battle of life for himself. 
His career has ever been characterized by indus- 
try and honesty, and is well deserving of favor- 



able mention. About the time of his leaving home 
Mr. Ellerson fell in with a man who was bound 
for the wilds of Michigan, and engaged to drive a 
team to the desired destination. Passing thr(»ugli 
Onondaga County they stopped a few hours in 
Fayetteville, thence through Rocliester and on to 
Niagara Falls, arriving there in the month of 
May, 1834. A few days later they resumed their 
journey, the old-fashioned eastern covered wagon 
being preceded by a carriage, which contained the 
wife, one child and a servant. On reaching San- 
dusky, Ohio, his employer decided to locate at 
that place. Mr. Ellerson was somewhat disap- 
pointed at the turn affairs had taken, but being 
short of funds he had no time to spend in useless 
and idle legrets. However, he soon found em- 
ployment in a sawmill, where he remained about a 
year and a-half, then boarded a little steamer for 
Toledo. The mention of this trip recalls many 
incidents connected with it. Shortl}- after leaving 
the dock at Sandusky they were shrouded in a 
dense tog and most of the night was spent in tak- 
ing soundings, but as daylight was breaking in the 
east, the welcome sound of a cock crowing in- 
formed the pilot that they were near shore. Upon 
his arrival in Toledo, our subject was engaged in 
putting in culverts. After nearly a year spent in 
that city he again set out for the west, walking 
across the state of Michigan to Michigan City, 
Ind., where he remained a few weeks, thence to 
Chicago, and after a ver}- tiresome journey- ar- 
rived in Milwaukee on the 1st of October, 1836. 
During his short stay in the Cream City he was em- 
ploj'ed in grading streets and in the erection of the 
log slaughter house, which was situated half a mile 
north of the Spring .Street Bridge, on a site owned 
by Air. Juneau, which was known as Juneau Town. 
It had been the custom of the village butchers of 
Milwaukee to do their slaughtering in the heart 
of the little hamlet, but a protest from the citizens 
resulted in the erection of the above general 
slaughter house on the banks of the Milwaukee 
River. Wages were good during those days, 
averaging from 118 to 1*20 per month and board. 
On the 26th of November, 1836, Mr. Ellerson, 
in company with his cousin, David Ellerson, and 
a Mr. Mclutyre, started out for Muskego Town- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



573 



ship, and walked through the forest until he came 
to wiiat is now ivnown as Hale's Mill, in the town 
of New Berlin. Here, in the employ of the con- 
tractors, Dewitt ifc Thompson, Mr. Kllerson helped 
construct the first sawmill erected in this vicinity. 
It was a rude structure, built of logs, and had a 
capacity of about three thousand feet of lumber 
per day. The following spring the mill changed 
hands, Hugh Wedge securing control. In the 
spring of 183!) Mr. Kllerson attended the land 
sales at Milwaukee, and purchased from the fiov- 
erninenl a (piartcr-seclion of land, part of which 
constitutes his present homestead. In order to pay 
for this claim he was compelled to return to his 
home in the east and borrow from his father |;200, 
which he deposited with Mr. Rockwell, who was 
agent for the (Jovernn.ent in Wisconsin. He at 
once erected a log cabin, and with a yoke of oxen 
which he had purchased, cleared up the land, im- 
proving and developing his farm. Leonard .Mar- 
tin, Peter Muckey. Parker and some few others 
were his only neighbors. The Cheneys settled in 
New Berlin Township a year later; also among the 
earlier settlers was Henry Houk, who came into 
this part of the country in June, 18.36, a few 
months previous to our subject. At this time the 
present important cities of Chicago and Milwau- 
kee contained about seven hundred inhabitants 
each, while the prosperous village of Waukesha 
numbered but a few houses. Indians roamed over 
the country, and the wolf continued his foraging, 
carrying off stock from the few homes that had 
been established, and otherwise becoming such a 
nuisance that steps were taken to exterminate him. 
In IHll Mr. Kllerson wedded Miss Betse^^ 
Muckey, a native of .Jefferson County, N. Y., and 
a daughter of Peter and Catherine Muckey. Tho 
ceremony was performed by Ksquire Kolin, who 
resided on what was known as the Finlay place. 
In 1841, when eighteen years old, she came with 
her parents to Wisconsin, and settled in the town 
of Muskcgo. Mr. and Mrs. KUei-son became the 
parents of six children, three .sons and three daugh- 
ters, namely: Finette is the wife of .lohn Babcock, 
the present Postmaster of Coupeville, Island Coun- 
ty, Wash.; La Fayette is a prosperous farmer of 
the town of Vernon; Pha-be is deceased. She be- 



came the wife of John Babcock, and died in Nash- 
ua, Chickasaw County, Iowa, at the age of twent^'- 
two years. After her death her husband wedded 
Miss Finette. Hamilton, the next in order of 
birth, died when twenty-four years of age; Ferd- 
inand, the youngest son, resides on the old home- 
stead; and Cora, the 3'oungest child, died at the 
age of thirty-one year.>. The mother of this fam- 
ily was called to her final rest on the 12th of .lulj', 
1870, and was laid to rest by the side of her chil- 
dren in Sunn}' .Side Cemetery, at Prospect Hill. 
She was a devout member of the Methodist 
Church, and a woman beloved for her Christi-in 
character. 

In politics Mr. Kllerson has been identified with 
the Democratic party, and though he has never 
aspired to a pl.-ice of trust, he ha.s served as Super- 
visor, as Town Treasurer, and in various positions 
connected with the schools of his district. Now 
he is living a retired life at his home on section 
17, where he enjoys the fruits of a well spent life. 
Although in his seventy-seventh year, Mr. Kller- 
son retains his mental faculties, and is a bright and 
entertaining conversationalist. 



^^ ILA.S AINSWORTH. One of the grand 
cy^ old pioneer settlers of Lisbon Township 
IS the gentleman who heads this memoir- 
All honor is due those who braved the hardships 
and adversities incident to life in a new country, 
in order to make a home for themselves and their 
posterity, and especially should those who have 
aided in perfecting this beautiful and picturesque 
county of Waukesha receive the highest commen- 
dation from those who are to enjoy the best 
fruits of their years of toil and jirivation. Mr. 
Ainsworlh comes from good old Knglish and New 
Kngland ancestry, being a son of Thomas and 
Hannah (Converse) Ainswortli. He was born in 
Stafford, (iencsee County, N. Y., April 27, 1817, 
and was the youngest in a family numbering two 
sons and a daughter, of whom but one other sur- 
vives, William, who is living a retired life at 
Wheaton, Du Pago County, 111. He is married and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAXRECOm 



has one son. The father, Thomas Ainsworth, was 
a native of Derbyshire, England, and by occupa- 
tion was a sailor on a British man-of-war. 

The mother of our subject died when he was a 
very small child, and at the age of one and a-half 
years he went to make his home with a family by 
the name of Norton, in (Genesee County, N. \., 
where he was reared. He received but a common 
school education, and whatever advantages were 
enjoyed by him were made possible through his 
(,wn"efforts. He grew up to the life of a farmer, 
and thus far that occupation has been his chosen 
work. Until his majority he remained in the 
home of Mr. Norton, but soon after that event be- 
o-an life on his own responsibility. 
" On the 19th of October, 1837, Mr. Ainsworth 
wedded Miss Roxanna Robe.a native of Simsbury, 
Conn., born ,1 une 30, 1 8 1 6. Mrs. Ainsworth 's an- 
cestors came from Scotland and settled in Con- 
necticut, where she lived until the age of eighteen 
years. To this union five children, four boys 
and one girl, were born. Henry Norton, the 
eldest, was a soldier in the late Civil War, having 
enlisted at Madison, Wis., in the i'lrst Wisconsin 
Cavalry. He was sent to Tennessee with the 
forces, and participated in some actions. In a 
skirmish he received a wound in the arm, whicii 
disabled him to such an extent that he was sent to 
the hospital at Memphis, Tenn., where he died of 
paralysis of the heart. He was a bright young 
man, having been educated in Carroll College, 
and at Wayland Academy at Beaver Dam. He 
was one of Waukesha County's successful teachers, 
and at the time of his enlistment cancelled an en- 
gagement to teach in order to enter the service of 
his country. Roderick, the nexl, superintends his 
father's estate. Clara, the only daughter, was 
educated at Normal University, Normal, 111., fin- 
ishing in the Episcopal Ladies' Seminary atOcono- 
mowoc, after which she taught in the schools of 
this county. She became the wife of Dr. (t. T. 
Loomis, deceased, of Minneapolis, Minn., who 
graduated from Michigan University, and was 
a successful physician and surgeon. Dr. Loomis 
left three children, Delmar, May and Ella. The 
next child in Mr. Ainsworth's family, Arthur, 
died in childhood, while the youngest, Everett, 



passed away at the age of nine years. Mrs. Ains- 
worth died" on the 28th of February, 1801, after a 
married life of more than fifty years. 

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ainsworth 
rented land for a time, but in 1839, accompa- 
nied by his brother, William, he turned his face 
toward the west, purposing to secure a location in 
Illinois. They started with a team and wagon, by 
which they came to Buffalo, where they shipped 
unwittingly aboard a vessel that was running 
away from the officers. When the boat touched 
at Toledo, Mr. Ainsworth and his brother took 
their horses on shore to give them a short rest, 
and while there were arrested for debt. They 
were about to be carried back to Buffalo, and were 
only prevented by the prompt action of Mr. Ains- 
worth, who hurried up town in search of an offi- 
cer. Fortunately he at once met one, and with 
him went before a Justice of the Peace and se- 
cured papers of detention, with which he hastened 
back to the vessel and stopped the Captain at 
once, when he, his brother, and other passengers 
were' transferred to another ship, on which they 
went to Detroit. From there they went to Chi- 
cago, or Ft. Dearborn, by train, where they rested 
one night on an eminence that stood on the site 
of the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, 
which was then a waste of sand hills and marsh. 
The only streets in the then village were Lake and 
South Water, while there were as yet no bridges 
across the Chicago River. At that time the streets 
and surrounding country for eight miles was low 
and wet, and in the opinion of our subject lacked 
everything that would make it a desirable place 
of settlement. At Warrenville, about thirty miles 
away, the Ainsworths had a sister living, and 
thither wended their way. William Ainsworth at 
once began work with his brother-in-law, while 
Silas went to work with his team on the Henne- 
pin Canal. He has been up and down the whole 
length of that water-way, and was in that country 
before they had a railroad. Remaining in Illinois 
from Mav till November, Mr. Ainsworth then re- 
turned to New York by way of the Great Lakes. 
Before departing for his home in the east, he 
disposed of his team, the man promising to pay 
him when he should come back to Illinois, but by 





^^^^i^^-o/O) 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



577 



that time the purchaser had disappeared, and he 
was the loser. 

In the fall of 1810, Mr. Ainsworth returned to 
Illinois with his wife, where lie worked as a renter 
for some time. However, he was not very suc- 
cessful, and in February. 1844. removed to AVau- 
kesha County, where for IIU he bought an eigiity 
acre claim, on which stood a partially finished log 
cabin. His capital on arriving in this county con- 
sisted o( fourteen head of cattle, which he had 
driven from Illinois. This start was made by cut- 
ting and splitting fifteen thous.Hnd rails and doing 
Other work. Mr. Ainsworth became a resident of 
Wisconsin a number of years before it was admit- 
ted into the Ihiion.and some two years before the 
present county of Waukesha was set off from that 
of Milwaukee. Their principal market was Mil- 
waukee, to whicii he had many times hauled wheat 
that sold at fifty cents a bushel. On these trips he 
drove ox teams, and was out all da^- and all night 
ere he reached home. Indians still inhabited this 
section of the country, often p.issing their humble 
home. Mr. Ainsworth was an energetic and un- 
tiring worker, and in those early days could cradle 
grain with anybody, he being an expert in swing- 
ing that instrument. 

Politically Mr. Ainsworth was an old line Whig, 
and well remembers the Harrison and Tyler cam- 
paign of 1840. On the rise of the Republican 
party he joined its ranks, voting for the first can- 
didate put forward — John C.Fremont. In an of- 
ficial capacity he has served as Assessor and Su- 
pervisor of Lisbon, and when Waukesha County 
was organized took an active interest. Mr. Ains- 
worth aided in organizing the first school district 
in his part of the township, and in the erection of 
the first schoolhouse, as well as the first Haptisl 
Church, in tins part of the county, was prominently 
identified. He is a respecter of all moral and re- 
ligious teachings. A Master Mason, he belongs to 
Hark River Lodge No. IG'J. 

When Mr. Ainsworth came to Illinois in 1840, 
he had for a capital, as he says, a sick wife and 
child, half a barrel of whitefish, and iji5 in money. 
From this small beginning he has accumulated 
till he owns a good farm of one hundred and 
twenly-five acres, which is under a high state 



of cultivation, with good buildings thereon. His 
declining years are being spent on his old home- 
stead with his son Roderick, and though (piite ad- 
vanced in life, being on the day that this bio- 
graphy was written, April 27, 1894, seventy-seven, 
the years rest lightly on his shoulders. Numbered 
among the earliest pioneers, Mr. Ainsworth has 
been closely identified with the various interests 
of his town and county. Honorable and upright 
in all the walks of life, he enjoys the esteem of a 
wide circle of friends and acquaintances. 




(Tpr NDRRW J. FRAME, President of the 
/ — \ Waukesha National Hank, is a native of 
Waukesha County and was born in the 
vill.ige of Waukesha February HI, 1844. His par- 
ents, Maxwell and Jane (Aitkin) Frame, were born 
in Ayrshire, Scotland, and emigrated from that 
country to the United States in 1840. They at 
first made their home in western New York, and 
from there came to Waukesha, Wis., in 1841. 
The father died in the latter part of 1844, leaving 
a wife and two children, Henry M. and Andrew 
J., the last named being then but an infant ten 
months old. Mrs. Frame survives her husband 
and still resides in Waukesha. 

The subject of this sketch received his education 
in the common schools and at the age of eigh- 
teen (May 2, 18G2) entered the Waukesha Countj- 
Bank as oHice l)oy, from which he has risen, 
through the regular grades of promotion, to the 
Presidency. From office boy he became lx)ok- 
keeper, and a year later, in May, 186.5, was ap- 
pointed Assistant Cashier of the Waukesha Na- 
tional Hank, into which the Waukesha Count3- 
Biink had been converted that month (see history 
of Waukesha National Hank). In February, 1866, 
he was promoted to be C.ishier. In 1869 he became 
a member of the Board of l)irectoi-s, and on the 
20th of July, 1880, was elected President of the 
bank, to which position he has been re-elected at 
each succeeding election until the present (Oclo- 



578 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL RECORD. 



ber, 1893), having held that responsible position 
for thirteen years. 

Mr. Frame was married in Uaukosha August 
25, 186!), to Miss Emma .I.,only child of Hon. Silas 
Richardson, an earlj' settler of Waukesha, whose 
death occurred September 10, 1880. Mrs. Frame 
was born in Chester, Windsor County, Vt., and 
came to Waukesha with l)er parents in IS.'iO. Mr. 
and Mrs. Frame have four children, three sonsand 
a daughter: Walter R , William 8., Harvey J. and 
Esther Mabel. Mrs. Frame is a member of the 
Baptist Church. Socially, Mr. Frame is a Knight 
Templar Mason, a member of Waukesha Lodge No. 
37, A. F. & A. M., and of Waukesha Commandery 
No. 23, K. T. 

In the educational interests of Waukesha Mr. 
FVame has taken an active part, having been a 
member of its School Board for twenty years. In 
the history of the Waukesha schools, prepared for 
the ''Columbian History of Education in Wiscon- 
sin," he received a high and well merited compli- 
ment. In speaking of a Waukesha school meeting 
held in 1872, the author says: "At that meeting 
also ftlr. A. ,]. Frame, the present District Treas- 
urer, began his term of service as a member of the 
.School Board, which has continued ever since with 
the exception of one year's interval (from 1876 
to 1877). This is the longest service on the .School 
Board which appears to the credit of any one per- 
son, and it is not too much to say that every ad- 
vance made in the village school since 1872 has 
either originated with Mr. Frame or had his hearty' 
and earnest support and co-operation.'" He is also 
a member of the Board of Trustees of Carroll 
College, having often contributed generously to 
its support, and has been Treasurer of that insti- 
tution for eight years. 

Mr. Frame has never entertained any desire for 
political office, but has mainly devoted his ener- 
gies to promoting the interests of the Waukesha 
County Bank and its successor, the Waukesha Na- 
tional liank, of which he is the head. His course, 
while enterprising, has always been conservative; 
no alluring speculation has tempted liiin to devi- 
ate from the tixed rule of his life, that while a 
banker and entrusted with the care other peoiile's 
money, he would not engage in speculative or 



hazardous business. By adhering strictly to that 
rule he has built up for the Waukesha National 
Bank a reputation for solidity and .safety that 
commands the confidence of its patrons and the 
public generally to an extent that places it high 
in public estimation. Its record during the great 
bank panic of 1893, just past, wherein it never 
weakened or failed to respond to all legitimate 
demands of its patrons, is a credit to its manage- 
ment. 

Although he has not sought public preferment, 
he has always been keenly alive to the highest 
public interests, having been a member of the Vil- 
lage Council at the time of the adoption of the 
street grade plans, and his intluence has been 
strongly felt in molding public sentiment in the 
adoption and carrying out of the sewerage system. 
He has been a Director of the Gas and F^lectric 
Light Company and of the Water Works Com- 
pany since their organization; also as a matter of 
piil)lic spirit, took an active and substantial inter- 
est in building the Spring City Hotel. He was 
mainly instrumental in raising the bonus and 
making a large loan, at a low rate of interest, to 
induce Matthew Laflin to build the great Foun- 
tain Spring House in 187.'5, and to rebuild on a 
much larger scale after the destruction by lire of 
two-thirds of the house September 1, 1878. So it 
will be seen that he has not been lacking in the 
good work of advancement and improvement of 
his native place. 






^H^ 



■(^" 



JOSEPH DECHANT, deceased, one of Brook- 
lield Township's early settlers and honored 
pioneers, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, 
Suplembor 1, 1810, being the date of his birth. 
He was a son of Michael Dechant, and vras reared 
on his father's farm, and educated in the common 
schools of his native village. In 1816, he emi- 
grated to the United States, sailing from Havre 
for New York, in which port anchor was dropped 
after spending thirty-nine days upon the Atlantic. 
Three days were spent in the city of New York, 
when the westward journey was resumed, coming 
on to Milwaukee, as the majority of the early set- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



579 



tiers came from the east by way of tlie Iludson 
River, Erie Canal and tlieCireat Lakes, landing on 
the 2.5th of .luly, 1846. Some two weeks were 
spent in tiie Cream City, when he went to Ozau- 
kee County, and llicre lived for a time on a farm 
located on the old Green Bay Road. 

I'pon the same vessel with Mr. Dechant came 
Miss Mary Binzer, who was also a native of^Bava- 
ria, born August 10, 1821, and a daughter of 
Joseph and Anna (Keiler) Binzer. The 3'oung 
couple were lietrothed in (iermany, and soon after 
coming to Wisconsin were married, the ceremony 
being performed in August, 1846, by Bishop 
Haney in .Milwaukee, whither they went by ox 
team. On their return to their home they were 
compelled to spend one night in the woods, and 
in order to keep c()mfi)rtable had tv gather ma- 
terial for a lire as the night was quite chilly. 
Upon the suggestion of Philip Brownstoad, an 
early settler of Waukesha County, Mr. Dcehant 
decided to remove to Hrooktield Township, but 
prior to his coming purchased forty acres of 
timbered land in Ozaukee County-. On the 1st 
of November, 1848, he bought thirty-nine acres 
of land in lirookfield Township upon which they 
erected a cabin home. To this he added by ad- 
ditional purchase until he owned a valuable farm 
of two hundred and ninely-five acres. To devel- 
oping and improving their farm, and rearing the 
children that came to bless their home, Mr. and 
Mrs. Dechant gave their best energies. Of their 
famil}-, numbering four boys and two girls, but 
two now survive, Catherine, who became the wife 
of (xeorge Michel, a successful farmer of the town 
of New Berlin, and Joseph, who operates the old 
homestead in the town of Brookfield. 

Mr. Dechant began his career as a farmer by 
going in debt, but by dint of hard work, good 
management, and close attention to business he 
became well off, and at his death, which occurred 
May lit. 1884, left his wife and family substan- 
tially provided for. lie was actively identilied 
with the develnpment of his town and commun- 
ity', and in the earlier days took a prominent part 
in laying out and building roads. The one lead- 
ing by his own home was cut out by himself, and in 
many other ways he contributed to the material 



growth of Waukesha County, and especially of 
Brookticld Township. All who knew him revered 
him for the sterling manly qualities they knew 
him to possess. In his death the community lost 
one of its best citizens. I lis estimable wife, who 
still survives, resides on the old homestead, where 
they pas.sed so many years of toil, and shared to- 
gether the joys and sorrows of life. 



NB. WIllTK, a highly respected citizen of 
the town of Brooklicld. Waukesha County, 
and owner of one of the finest farms in the 
township, is a native of Dutchess County', N. Y., 
born November 14, 1818. He is a son of Asa and 
Ann Obedience (Smith) White, being in order of 
birth the eighth in a family containing seven 
sons and four daughters, of whom but two survive: 
Mr. White and a brother, II. I). White, of the 
state of New York. The parents were also born 
in Dutchess County, and both died in Onond.aga 
County, the father at the age of sixty years and 
the mother at the advanced age of eighty-four. 
.She was a bright and intelligent woman and re- 
tained her mental faculties to the last. A nu-m- 
ber of the Methodist Episco|)al Church, she lived 
in harmony with the profession she made. 

When four years of age Mr. White accompanied 
his parents in their removal to Onondaga County, 
where, near Pompey, he was reared and cducatetl. 
His primary education, which was obtained in the 
common schools, was supplemented by a two years' 
course at the Manlius Acadenu', located in that 
county. To this institution, which was six miles 
distant from his village home, he walked in the 
morning and returned at night. While yet a boy 
he was apprenticed to learn the trade of black- 
smith in his father's shop, where he became an 
experienced workman, not only as a blacksmith, 
but also in the machine shop. He continued to 
work at his trade until his removal to Wisconsin 
in 18,')4. At the age of twenty-one years he left 
home, going to Madison County, N. Y., where he 
was employed in a blacksmith slio|). While here 
he met and wedded Miss Angeline Bentley, who 



580 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



was born in Cbenango County, August 13, 1823, 
their marriage being eelebrated June 28. 1840, at 
the home of her parents, Caleli and Olive (Wells) 
Bentley. Mrs. White is the fif'tii in a family of 
thirteen children, three sons and ten danghters, 
of whom the following iiesides lierself survive: 
Necta, the widow of Keuben Barnard, resides in 
Chenango County, N. Y.; Gardner, the only sur- 
viving brotlier, lives in Cortland County, of the 
same state; Maria, the wife of James Ilealy, is a 
resident of tlie same count)^; Sarah, the wife of 
Leroj' Stanton, lives in Chenango County, and 
Harriet, the wife of Henry Thompson, makes her 
home at Truxton, Cortland County. The father 
and mother of the famil3' were natives of Albanj- 
County, N. Y., and passed away in Chenango 
Count}' at the ages of eighty-four and seventy- 
seven years respectively. The former, who was a 
farmer by occupation throughout life, was reared 
in his native county. Both were devout mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church and died in 
the faith which they had profes.sed for so many 
years. The last words of her mother, "I shall ex- 
pect to meet my children in Heaven," were indel- 
ibly impressed upon the mind of Mrs. White. 

Mr. and Mrs. White's children were born as fol- 
lows: .Sarah S., July 22, 1842, died when twenty- 
two months old; Nelson D., May 22, 1844, en- 
listed in Company D, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin 
Infantry, under Captain Kilbrook. He entered the 
service at Milwaukee in June, 1862, and died 
the same year at N.ashville, Tenn., on the 27th of 
November. In that city he was laid to rest, his 
grave being near the tomb of James K. Polk. The 
next in order, Almon, .lanuary 27, 1845, resides on 
the homestead; Melvin B., January 25, 1847, died 
September 25, 1868; Albina, December 19, 1849^ 
died wlien sixteen months of .age; H. I)., February 
I'.l, 1857, resides in the vill.age of Waukesha, and 
Marianna, November 27, 1860, is the wife of 
Waldo Minger of the same place. 

In 1854 Mr. White, with his wife and family, 
came from New York State to this county and set- 
tled on section 17, in the town of Brook field. 
They first resided in an old log house, the dimen- 
sions of which were 12x14 feet, that had been 
erected bj' the pioneer, Mr. Ra}'. That season 



was a very trying one for the new comers; besides 
living in such cramped quarters, their famil_v was 
afflicted with that dread disease, scarlet fever. 
The home was furnished in the most meager way, 
and for many indispensable articles some rude 
make-shift served. To illustrate some of the in- 
conveniences experienced it might be well to re- 
late an incident occurring in their early life here. 
On one occasion when the family, consisting of 
eight persons, was gathered about a roughly con- 
structed table for the noon-day lepast, the sup- 
ports under the flooring gave way, precipitating 
table, diners and all to tlie ground. However, 
the damage repaired, they continued to live in the 
house until 1867, at which time a substantial brick 
residence was erected. The farm at this time com- 
prises one hundred and sixty acres of tine land, 
one hundred and forty lying in section 17, and 
the remaining twenty in section 8. 

Since June 28, 1840, Mr. and Mrs. White have 
shared the joys and burdens of life; side liy side 
they have climbed the hill together, and now in 
the evening of their lives are permitted to still 
enjoy the companionship begun so many yearsago. 
At their home in Brookfleld Township, thej' cele- 
brated their golden wedding on the 28th of June, 
1890. This happy event was oliserved by a re- 
union of the family', in which many relatives and 
friends participated, gathering to show their love 
and ajipreciation of those whose example of right 
living had been before them for so man^- years. 
Under the trees that had been planted and cared 
for by their hands, they sat and talked to children 
and grandchildren of the youth so far awaj'; of 
that beautiful time and liie home where their 
marri.age was celebrated. Though time had fur- 
rowed their cheeks and whitened their locks, their 
hearts were still young and happy, living in their 
children a new life. 

Mr. White is a man remarkabl}' well |)ieserved 
for one of his age; though sevent_v-six years old 
he still shoes his own horses, prepares the supply 
of firewood, bringing the same from the timber, 
and attends to all the chores about the farm. He 
has alwii^s been very industrious and active, tak- 
ing great pleasure and pride in keeping up his 
farm and making of it one of the best in this sec- 




JAMES TEMPLETON. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD. 



583 



tion of the county. In earlier life he cut and 
cle.ired up many acres of limber and brush, and 
to-(l.ay li.is liie satisfaction of knowinij; lliat through 
his individual efforts he has develoiied one of the 
most desirable of farms. Iloiicirable and just in 
his intercourse with his fellow-iiien, Mr. White has 
the esteem and high regard of all who know him. 






JAMES TEMPLETON. Since IH 13 this gen- 
tleman has Iteen a resident of Waukesha 
County, Wis., the time of his coming hav- 
ing been five years before the admission of 
the state into the Union, lie is a native of the 
town of Avon, Genesee County, N. Y., born Octo- 
ber •2H. 184 2. and is the eldest of the two sons of 
Andrew and Agnes (llowitl) Tempieton. The 
other, Andrew, passed hia boyhood in the old 
home in the town of Lisbon, but in 18(i4 turned 
his face westward and is now living a retired life 
in Denver, Colo., having engaged very successfully 
in business. He wedded a Michigan lady and has 
one daughter. The father was a native of lionnie 
Scotland, his birthplace being near the city of Kil- 
marnock, lie was reared as a common lal)orer. 
but through his own efforts secured a liberal edu- 
cation. Like a dutiful son, he gave his services 
to his father, who died at the advanced age of one 
hundred and two years. After the death of his 
father he decided to try his fortune over the sea, 
and in .accordance witli that decision, in 1839 he 
bade adieu to his boyhood home and took passage 
on a sailing-vessel bound for Canada. (Joing to 
Lockporl, N. V., he was employed for a time on 
the Erie Canal, lie afterward settled in Genesee 
County, where his marriage with Miss Agnes 
Ilowitt was solemnized, lie and his wife were both 
members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, 
that being the established church of .Scotland. 

In 1813 Andrew Tempieton, accompanied by 
his wife and our subject, who was an infant of but 
six months, came to Wisconsin. The trip to Mil- 
waukee was made hy way of the (ireat Lakes. 
Coming direct to Waukesha County he located 
CD section 28, in the town of Lisbon, where be 



secured one hundred and sixty acres of wild land. 
The cabin home erected on this place was six logs 
high, covered with a -'shake roof" and had a mud 
and stick chimney; it was lighted by one window, 
while one door furnished the means of ingressand 
egress. Indians were |ilentiful and often the good 
wife of this primitive home fed them at her door. 
One day an old Indian took her son James up in 
his arms and carried him (juile a distance from llie 
house before he let him go. Her brother, .lames 
Ilowitt, more than once supplied the table with 
prairie chickens shot with a rillc from the one lit- 
tle windr)w in their home. Mr. Tempieton carried 
on his farm work by the aid of two ox-teams, but 
the task of clearing and improving his land was 
soon laid down never to be resumed. In .lunc, 
1846, he passed from among the living, leaving 
his wife with two small ehildren to care for. .She 
married again about 185(1, becoming the wife of 
Archibald Rodgcrs. 

.lames 'I'empleton was deprived of a father's 
love and protection at the early age of four years, 
and was thereby soon thrown largely upon hisown 
responsiliililies. What educational advantages he 
enjoyed were furnished by the .schools of tlio.se 
times, he and his brother being pupils for a time 
in the old log schoolliouse in the town of Lisbon. 
This primary education, which was most meagre, 
has been broadened by reading and by contact 
with the business world. Mr. Tempieton was 
reared as a farmer boy, but on reaching his ma- 
jority commenced to learn the miller's trade with 
lienjamin Hoorman, in whose employ he remained 
two years. At tlic time of beginning his trade he 
had not a surplus dollar to his name, his only cap- 
ital consisting of a strong constitution and a sturdy 
determination to succeed. On completing his time 
with Mr. Uoorman, Mr. Tempieton went to Neosha, 
Kan., in 1865, where he spent the following win- 
ter in a mill. In 18GG he crossed the plains to 
Denver, Colo., to join his brother, whom he found 
located in a cabin in the mountains, thirty-eight 
miles from the city. On arriving there he had *150 
left. In company with his brother he engaged in 
herding stoc-k until 18(;8. when he returned to tliis 
county. 

Mr. Tempieton was married September 1, 1868, 



584 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



to Miss Esther A. Cooling, by whom he has had 
two cliildren, Andrew R. and Cora Etta. The 
former, vvlio is associated with his father in the 
grain business, wedded, September 6, 1893, Miss 
May .Tones, a native of Waukeslia County, and a 
daughter of .John C. and Gr.ace (Hughes) Jones, 
who emigrated from Wales to this county, locat- 
ing in the town of Delafield, where Mr. Jones 
carried on • the trade of a carpenter and joiner. 
Mr.Templeton has given his children good oppor- 
tunities for education, the son having taken a 
course at tiic Milwaukee Business College, and the 
daugliter special instruction in music. In addi- 
tion to assisting his father in the grain business 
the son is si)ecial agent for the .Etna Life Insur- 
ance Company, whicli is one of llio most substan- 
tial in this country. In 18!t:5 In- was Clerk of the 
town of Lisbon. 

Politically Mr. Templeton is a true-blue Hepub- 
lican, having cast his first Presidential vote for 
Lincoln, while his son first supported F.enjamin 
Harrison. He has often been called upon to rep- 
resent his fellow-ciiizens in state and county con- 
ventions, where he has proved an intluential and 
energetic worker. He has also been chosen Chair- 
man of the Town Board, and has been a school 
official for a nunilter of years, being a warm friend 
of public education. In the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows lie has passed through all the 
chairs to the encani))ment. 

The year after his return from Colorado, the 
subject of this sketch embarked in the mercantile 
business at Sussex and continued until 1888, when 
he removed to his present location in Templeton. 
His well .assorted stock of dry goods, groceries, 
boots and shoes is well suited to the demands of 
the country. On establishing himself in Sussex he 
was made l)ei)uty Postmaster, and in 1874 re- 
ceived a commission as Postmaster of the village, 
the ollice issuing both registered letters and money 
orders. In addition to merchandising Mr. Tem- 
pleton and his son are dealing extensively in grain 
under the lirm nanie of Templeton A Son. Their 
business amounts to about ^1'2.5,0()0 annually, and 
the grain handled by them runs from one hundred 
and twenty-five thousand to two hundred and 
twenty-live thou.sand bushels, making a specialty 



of barle3-. They also deal in salt and feed. They 
have a well appointed elevator at Templeton, 
which was erected in 1887 at a cost of ^8,000, and 
which is run by a twenty-horse-power engine. 
During the month of August alone, in 1890, the 
business amounted to over ^16,000. Thej- also 
handle from forty to fifty thousand bushels of 
grain at Van Dyne, Fond du Lac County, Wis., the 
business having been established there in 1891. 

Mrs. Templeton was born March 29, 1846, in 
the village of Susses, Lisbon Township, being a 
daughter of Richard and Mary E. (White) Cooling. 
The former, who was born in Dorsetshire, England, 
August 19, 1813, died in Waukesha County, April 
29, 1881. The latter, born April 4, 1820, in Ver- 
mont, died in this county October 2f), 1874. In 
1838 Mr. Cooling came to America, and after 
spending some years at Oeneseo, Livingston Coun- 
ty, N. Y., came to Wisconsin in 1842, locating at 
Sussex, where he resided until his death. B}- trade 
he was a bl.acksmith, though for some fifteen years 
he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was a 
leading member of the Episcopal Church, ever 
ready to serve in any capacity to which duty 
called him. Mrs. Templeton is also an active 
worker in the same church, belonging to St. Al- 
ban's Parish, .Sussex. 

Mr. Templeton is one of the most enterprising 
business men of Lisbon Townshi[). He has no lea- 
son to be ashamed of what he has achieved through 
industry, close application and the exerci.se of good 
judgment. Mr.Templeton is one of the "Big Four" 
in the Lisbon Republican politics, the other gen- 
tlemen being John A. Rodgers, John K. Small and 
W. H. Edwards. 



cl 



^ I I I I Mm' , 

11. STICKNEY, one of the oldest living set- 
tlers of Vernon Township, Waukesha Coun- 
ty, is a native of Andover, Vt., October 8, 
1811, being his natal day. On his father's 
side he is descended from English ancestry, being 
able to trace his lineage back to William Stickney, 
who was born in Lincolnshire on the Gth of Sep- 
tember, 1592, and who was baptized in St. Mary's 
Church at Frompton, in Lincolnshire. Joseph 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



585 



Stickney, our subject's father, was a native of 
Boxford, Mass., his birth occurring on the 17th of 
April, 17('>2. Ttiougli liiit n yoiitli he served Jis a 
soldier under (ieneral Wasiiington in the Revolu- 
tionary War. In 1M(I(I he was married to Anna 
Hosnier, by whom he had four chiUb-en: Lucy, 
born .lanuarv 2, lt*()l, was the wile of .lohn IJ. 
Manning, of Mt. Tabor, VI.; Eliza, born December 
12, l.S(t2, was the wife of Barnard Carlton; George 
W., born October 25, 1801, spent his life in An- 
dover, Vt.; and Joseph H., the youngest, is the 
subject of this sketch. 

.1. II. .Stickney was brought up on a farm, and 
received his scholastic training in the common 
scliools. At the age of eighteen years he began 
an api)renticesliip at the carpenter's trade in his 
native town, and after completing his trade spent 
a year in Troy, N. Y., and then went to Boston, 
Mass., where he followed it until liis emigration to 
the territory of Wisconsin, in 1838. On arriving 
in this country he bought, in the town of \'ernon, 
three eighty acre tr.icts of land. Since then he 
has owned at one time as many .as twenty-five 
huncb'ed acres of land in the states of Wisconsin 
and Iowa. In the fall of 18;jtl Mr. Stickney erected 
a log house, the dimensions of which were 17x21 
feet, which is still standing. The roof was made 
of three-foot shingles, while oak and basswood 
timber composed the floor. The cabin was entered 
by one dofir and liglited by two windows. In 
1859 this primitive home was succeeded by a sub- 
stantial stone residence. During the first years 
of his residence in tiiis county Mr. Stickney had 
some varied experiences with wild animals; in 
his neighbor's sheep-yard wolves killed sixteen 
sheep in one night. These animals were plenti- 
ful, and of nights roamed through the settlement, 
desjwiling farmers of their sheep, pigs, etc., thus 
doing much dam.age, as such stock was scarce at 
that time. On one occasion Mr. .Stickney caught 
a good sized wolf in a steel trap and ventured to 
dispatch him with a hickory cane. l)Ut the animal 
turned on linn and it was only the sluirtness of 
the cliain to the trap that saved him. After 
poun<bng the beast till he subdued him Mr. Stick- 
ney look the end of the chain and started home, 
taking the wolf along. At another time lie went 



after his hogs, and among them found a wild one, 
which forthwith attacked him, hut with coolness 
and courage, he leaped upon its b.ack, and with 
the assistance of his faithful dog, he overcame the 
vicious brute and cut his throat from ear to ear. 
Deer were abundant, and Mr. Stickney has seen as 
many as eighteen cross an opening in his farm at 
once. 

On New Year's Day of IHjO Mr. Stickney wed- 
ded Miss Achsa Ellen llasellme, daughter of Orin 
Ilaseltine. Soon after marriage the young couple 
moved into the log house which the husband had 
erected the preceding year. In 1817 they removed 
to Dodge Count}', where they remained some five 
vcars. then returned to the town of \'ernon. To 
the subject of this sketch and his wife were born 
ten children : Oriii Ilaseltine and Warren Ilosiner 
were born .lune Id, 184 1, hut the former died on 
the lOtli of December following, and the latter is 
a farmer of the town of \'ernon; Annie Ellen, 
born November 20, 1842. wedded William Hayes, 
a farmer of Dunn County, Wis.; .Mice Maii:i. born 
August 28, 1844^ became the wife of .lames K. 
Eraser, an agriculturist of Vernon Township; Uol- 
lin .Iosei)h. horn Eebruary 14, 1847, is also a 
farmer of Dunn County; Volnej' Julian, born July 
4, 1H.')(). is also a farmer of A'ernon Township; 
Rachel Emily, born .lanuary 20. 185.'?. married 
Frank Truman, of Iowa Falls, Iowa: Pereis Eliza, 
born August 14, 1855. is married to William A. 
Searl, a farmer of \'ernon Township; Elvie .lanet, 
horn Kebruaiy 19, 1860, wedded Henry E. Nico- 
lai. a prominent farmer of the town of Vernon; 
and Ida Lucy, born.luly 22. 18tj.?. married Everett 
Martin, who operates the ohl Stickney homestead. 

On the '.ith of September, lSHl..Mi-s. Stickney 
passed from among the living. She was a noble 
Christian woman and was much esteemed in the 
community where she wa.s best known. Oflicially 
Mr. .Stickney h.as served his town as one of the 
first Treasurers, being permitted to fill that otlice 
without giving bf)nd. an hoiifir that has never 
been conferred on any other. He has also .served 
as a Memt>er of the Town Board of Supervisors 
and for some twenty-five years in succession was 
a f'ommissioner of Highways. In Ins |>olitical 
views Mr. Stickney' was a Whig until the rise of 



586 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the Republican part^-, with whicii lie was identi- 
fied for many years, or until the Prohibition party 
sprang up. Heing opposed, from principle, t(j tlie 
saloon and liquor traffic in general, he is lending 
his influiMice and vote for tiieir suppression. Now, 
in the sunset of his life, Father Stltkne^' is spend- 
ing his declining years with his daughter, Ida, and 
is receiving that filial care and love calculated to 
make his last days his happiest ones. 

ellARLKS OCKLER.oneof Muskego Town- 
ship's honored citizens and prosperous 
farmers, was born .huiu:uy 20, 1848, at 
(iessels, in the |)rovince of Prussia, (iermany, 
being the fifth in a family of seven ciiildreu. com- 
prising three sons and four daughtei'S, born to 
Tobias and Erdinund (Weber) Ockler. Of this 
family three besides our subject survive, namely: 
Christian, wiio is a resident of St. Louis, Mo.; 
Rika, who became the wife of William Teclit- 
manii, a farmer of the town of Muskego; and 
William, wiio is a farmer and stockman of Weston 
Township, Dunn County, Wis. 

']\)l)ias Ockler, who was born on the 17lh of 
.January, ISll. was reared and educated in his 
native country, wliere he learned the cooper's 
trade. IJeing a finished workman, he followed 
that occupation tliro\ighout his life. In 1835, 
when twenty-four years of age, he wedded Miss 
Erdinund Weber, a native of Oessets, whose birth 
occurred on the (Jtli of March. 18(i;i. In 1857, 
when their .son diaries was eiglit years old, tlie3^ 
emigrated to America, sailing fnmi Hamburg to 
Quebec, a voyage of forty-eight days' duration. 
Upon their arrival in Canada tiu^y continued their 
journey, coming by way of Windsor and Detroit 
to Milwaukee. Here the father left his family 
and went to Prairie du Chien, the object of his 
visit being twofold: to see a fcllow-countrymb-n 
and to prospect for a location. After an absence 
of about a week he relumed, then came to Wau- 
kesha County, where he made a iiiiichase in the 
town of Muskego, the land lying on section 20. 
On the 28tli of August, 1857, he brought his fam- 



ily and located upon his newly bought farm, their 
home being a small frame house that stood upon 
the purchase. Here Mr. Ockler resumed work at 
his trade, which he continued until 1882, at that 
time retiring from active business. 

In 1885 Mr. and Mrs. Ockler celebrated their 
golden wedding, the event being observed bj' suit- 
able' festivities, in which many of the prominent 
citizens of the town participated. Side by side 
they had toiled, enjoying the cares and pleas- 
ures of a half-centuiy of wedded life, each made 
stronger and better by the love and comjianionship 
of the other. Thej- were remarkablj- well pre- 
served for jieople who had lived to reacii to and 
beyond four-score years. Mrs. Ockler never knew 
a sick day in her life u}! to the time of her death, 
and had never tasted medicine, having no cause 
to do so. Some twelve years prior to her death, 
whicli occurred a few months previous to that of 
her husband, she lost her eyesigiit from natural 
causes. Mr. Ockler's death occurred on the 1-lth 
of Fel)ruaiy, 1893, the result of an injury to his 
iiij) sustained some five weeks before. He had 
enjoyed comparatively good health up to the time 
of the accident that resulted fatally. Few men 
were better known or more beloved than he in 
Muskego Township. A man of genial nature, he 
made many friends. During his boyhood days 
he was a devoted fisherman, and many lively tales 
of his sport were told for the amusement of his 
ciiildren and grandchidren. Side by side this ven- 
erable couple lie in Muskego Cemetery; so long 
united in life, they were soon united in the spirit 
world. 

Charles Ockler was reared and educated in the 
town of Muskego, and grew to manhood on his 
father's farm, where he learned lessons of industry 
and thrift that have been of untold value to him. 
Possessed of a natural liking for agricultural pur- 
suits, he has followed that occupation throughout 
his life. On the 23d of November, 1873, he mar- 
ried Miss Maria Peters, a daughter of Christian 
and Henrietta (Bastmann) Peters, and a native of 
Zarnikow, Schwerin Mecklenburg, Oerman3', where 
she was l)orn April 26, 1851. Mrs. Ockler- was the 
second in a family of three; her sister, Mrs. John 
Wolfin, died on the 3d of July, 1890, while her 








(ya:^^^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



589 



brother, Jobn, is a railroad man of Milwaukee, 
Wlien twenty-one years of age, accompanied by 
friends, siic emigrated to the United Stales, com- 
ing to relatives in the town of Miiskcgo. In 1878 
Mrs. Peters followed her daughter to this country. 
The former was born March 22, 1826; her hu.s- 
band, whose birth occurred in 1823, passed from 
among the living in 1857, dying in his native 
land. 

Mr. and Mr.-,. Ocklcr liavc one son and lliree 
dauglilers, as follows: Minnie, an accomplished 
30ung lady, is yet at home; Kmma, the next, mar- 
ried Andrew Kuemmerlein, a business man of Mil- 
waukee; William, born Februarj' 23, 1878, assists 
in conducting the farm; and Ilaltie, now seven 
years old, is the pet and pride of the home. 

Mr. Ockler is well known in his town, and en- 
joys the esteem and good will of his neighbors. He 
has been called by his fellow-townsmen to serve 
as Treasurer of the town, and is at present Treas- 
urer of Muskego Centre Cemetery. He is a Re- 
publican in politics, and in religious belief he and 
his family are members of the Lutheran Ciiurch. 
His brother, William Ockler, served as a soldier in 
the War of the Rebellion, beinga member of Com- 
pany K, Nineteenth Wisconsin Infantry. In the 
Battle of the Wilderness he suffered severe wounds, 
but recovered sutlicicntly to resume active duty. 
He is a prominent and respected citizen of Dunn 
County, and h.is served his county in the Legis- 
lature. 

^^^ ^J^ P • 



HON. TIIOMA.S Md'ARTV, a representa- 
tive business man ofWaukcsiia County, 
who now owns and operates a good farm 
t)f two hundred and forty acres on section 19, 
Menomonee Township, is a native of Buffalo, N. 
Y. He was born October 29, 1838, and is a son 
of Dennis and Sarah (.ludge) McCarty. The fa- 
ther was born In County Cork, Ireland, and when 
a young man came to America, crossing the At- 
lantic to Quebec. In 1830 he became a resident 
of Buffalo, N. Y., where he resided for several 
years. He w.as there married in 1837 to Miss 



Judge, and in the fall of 1842 emigrated to Wau- 
kesha County-, locating on section 19, Menomonee 
Township, where he purchased eighty !i<!res of tim- 
ber land. Not a tree had been cut on the claim. 
He built a log cabin lGx22 feet, the roof being 
made of three foot shingles cut from red oak 
timber, while the floor was of plain basswood. 
In the house was one door and one window and it 
was heated by an immense fire-place, over which 
the meals were cooked. Here Mr. McCarty spent 
his last days, his death occurring in February, 
1848. He was laid to rest in St. .lames Catholic 
Church, where a monument stands sacred to his 
memory. He worked untiringly to develop a 
home for his family, laboring earnestly from morn- 
ing until nigh'l till he was called aw.iy. He was 
made familiar wiih the history of this community 
m its pioneer days and was both widely and fav- 
orably known. His wife, who wa.s born in 1817, 
died December 3, 1891, and was laid to rest by the 
side of her husband. .She was a faithful Christian 
woman, esteemed by all who knew her, and her 
fortitude and care much relieved the suffering 
which fell to the lot of the pioneers. She was 
born, reared and educated in County .Sligo, Ire- 
land, and on coming to America, made her home 
with her brothers, .lames and Michael, who had 
previously emigrated to this country. Her par- 
ents died on the Emerald Isle. Another brother, 
Charles, came to the United States in the '50s 
and .served during the late war. He is now an in- 
mate of the Soldiers' Home in Milwaukee. After 
the death of Dennis McCarty his wid(jw became 
the wife of .lames Vox, and they had a daugliter, 
Lucy, who married John Morrison, a merchant of 
Vermillion, Clay County. .S. Dak. Mr. Fox w.is a 
well known and honored pioneer of Waukesha 
County, lliDugh his dcatli occurred in Clav Coun- 
ty, S. Dak. 

Thomas McCarty of this sketch is the eldest in 
a family of five children, three sons and two 
daughters, of whom three are yet living. His 
brother I'hilip has for nearly a iiuaiter of a cen- 
tury followed farming in South Dakota. The sis- 
ter. Mary .\nn, born in 1840, is the wife of Ed- 
ward Brown, an agriculturist of Oranville Centre, 
Milwaukee County. 



590 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



In takinjr up tlie liistoiy of our subject we pre- 
sent to our readers tlie life record of one of tlie 
most prominent citizens of tliis eominunit^-. He 
was reared in MenomoneeTownsliip, and attended 
its district scliools. H,v experience and observa- 
tion he lias beconie a well informed man. With 
the family lie went thri)Uj:h all the hardships and 
trials of frontier life and was early inured to the 
arduous labors of developing a new farm. His 
fellow-lownsnu'ii, appreciating his worth and abil- 
ity, have called upon him to serve in positions of 
pul)lic trust. In 1869 he was elected on the 
Democratic ticket as Assessor by a large majority 
and discharged his duties with promptness and ti- 
delity. 

In the fall of 1H69, Mr. McCarty was chosen by 
his party as Assemblyman, and while a member of 
that body strongly favored a change from the old 
commissioner system to the present system of rep- 
resentation on the County Hoard. In fact ever 
since that year he has served the people in an 
official capacity. In 1877 he was again elected 
to represent his district in the Slate Legislature, 
which consists of the towns of Menomonce, Lis- 
bon, Ocoaomowoc, Delafield, Pewaukeeand Brook- 
field. For fourteen terms Mr. McCarly was Chair- 
man of the Town Board, and for two terms was 
Chairman of the County Board. While holding 
the latter position he was also made Chairman of 
the Building Committee which had in charge the 
erection of the new jail. lie was given the power 
to appoint the other four members of the com- 
mittee, an honor not often bestowed. 

On the 6th of February, 1894, Mr. McCarty 
married Miss Alice, daughter of John and Cather- 
ine (McCafifery) Boyle. Her parents were laid to 
rest in the burying ground of St. James Church. 
In their family were three sons and four daugh- 
ters, of whom five are yet living, namely: Mrs. 
McCarty, Mary Ann, wife of Peter Kiefer, a quarry- 
man of Menomonee Township; Thomas, a farmer 
of the same township; Kate, wife of James Sheri- 
dan, a quarryman residing on section 17, Menomo- 
nee Township; Margaret, wife of Barney Cawley, 
a farmer on section 28, and Frank, who carried on 
agricultural pursuits on section 21. The members 
of this family belong to St. James Catholic Church. 



Mr. McCarty has been faithful to all public trusts, 
a capable and earnest official, and his name is in- 
separably connected with the history of this coni- 
munitv. 



PR(^F. WALTKR T>OWRIE RANKIN. Car- 
roll College has a varied and interesting 
history, extending back for more than 
a half century. It was originally known as Prai- 
rieville Academy, and was incorporated by the 
Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin, on the 19tli 
of February, 1841. The first structure was a two 
story building, begun in 1840, and finished the 
following year, and is said to be the first building, 
wholly of stone, erected in Wisconsin. The school 
appears to have been conducted on the academic 
plan for a number of years. Educational work, 
connected directly with Carroll College, was be- 
gun in November, 1845, when Mr. Eleazer Root 
secured a lease of the academy for a period of 
seven years. With the approval of the trustees he 
drew up a charter under which the academy was 
incorporated as Carroll College. It was so called 
in honor of Charles Carroll, one of the signers of 
the Declaration of Independence. The act of in- 
cor])oration bears the date of Januaiy 31, 1846. It 
is not the intention in this article to give * com- 
plete history of the college, but simply to give a 
few of the more important facts connected there- 
with. It is but justice to say that Mr. Root was 
the leading spirit in the movement in securing the 
charter under which the institution, as a college, 
was organized. He was a man of great energy 
and force of character, but funds were needed to 
carry on the work, and at the end of a year, both 
academic and collegiate instruction ceased. The 
former had been under the charge of Professor 
Root,"while Prof. J. W. Sterling carried the college 
class through the Freshman year in all its studies. 
In 1848 renewed impetus was given to the cause 
of education by the generous donation of Morris 
D. Cutler and Charles R. Dakin, of ten acres in 
Cutler's & Dakin's Addition to Prairieville, now 
AVaukesha, as a site for a new college building. 
In the early part of 1850, a plan was consummated 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



591 



which liad long been under consideration, to 
transfer Carroll College to the care and control of 
the Prosbvtery of Wisconsin (old school). ( )no of 
the conditions of this transfer was, that the Pres- 
bytery, in connection with the Hoard, should raise 
money to erect l)iiildiiij;s, support the faculty and 
pay all just debts Tndcr the new regime. Rev. 
.h)hn A. Savage, I). 1)., became President. The 
administration of Dr. Savayc extended lhrou<;h a 
period of twelve years, and was marked by the 
progress of the institution. Kariy iii his adminis- 
tration a new college huildiui; was erected, which 
served the purpose of the college until its de- 
struction by lire tliirty-two years later. Four col- 
lege classes, containing in all nineteen Noung men, 
were graduated in the yeais lH,'»7-(i<i. Finan- 
cial conditions and other causes finally led to a 
suspension of instruction in December, 18(ill. The 
institution had received liberal contributions and 
gifts from the people of Waukesha and other 
places in Wisconsin, from churches in the eastern 
states, from private individuals, and from the 
Presbyterian Board of Education. My the contin- 
uance of this liberality it was enabled to re- 
open, and in .September, \H(ui, instruction was re- 
sumed. Several teachei-s were employed, at the 
head of whom was Rev. William Alexander, who 
the following year a.ssunied entire charge of the 
institution on his own account; he was at the 
same time pastor of the Presbyterian Church in 
the village, but discontinued his labors after the 
month of April, 1865. 

We have now arrived at the time when Profes- 
sor Rankin assumed control of the again defunct 
institution. From a historical sketch of Carroll 
College, from whieli the greater part of the fore- 
going facts were obtained, we also learn that the 
Board of Trustees now determined to avoid all 
responsibility in their arrangements with any fu- 
ture in.structor whom they might employ. At the 
same time they evinced a desire to revive the in- 
stitution, by the appointment, ( K'tober 12, IHfi.'), of 
a committee on correspondence, with Rev. Charles 
L. Thompson, of .lancsville, as Chairman, tt) jn-o- 
cure a I'resident. By this means the name of 
Walter 1,. Rankin. .\. .M., was brought before the 
Board, and by their unanimous vote on .laniiary 



27. 1866, the management of the institution was 
offered him on liis own pecuniary responsibility. 
The college was now in a stale of suspension, in 
debt, its patronage scattered and its treasury 
empty. Professor Rankin ri^-opened the school 
with lifteen pupils on Monday, March (I, IHfifi. 
From that d.ate to the present time he has remained 
at the head of the college, with the exee|iti<iii of 
two perit)ds aggre<ialiiig three and a-lialf years; 
first accepting a position in the Pennsylvania Fe- 
male College at Pittsburg, and afterward in Lake 
Forest Cni versify, only to return .again to the 
leadership of Carroll College, .Inly 24, 1872, and 
.Iiiiie If), 1881, by the unanimous vote of the Board 
of Trustees. During this long period he h.as filled 
the positions of nieinl)er and otiicer of the Board 
of Trustees, President of the school, and financial 
agent, at all times doing the full work of instruc- 
tor, except when absent on ulliclal business. Nearly 
all the ironey received by the school, after his 
first twfi years of incumbency, has been raised by 
his personal effort and solicitation. 

On the 21llhof .lanuary. 1885, the college Imild- 
ing burned; the struggh; to rebuild, and the success 
thai attended the efft)rt, are well known, .lanuary 
11, 1887, the new building was occupied; it is a 
commandiiig and atliactive edifice, the architect- 
ural [nide of Waukesha. It is constructed of 
Waukesha limestone, three stories in height with 
basement, with a tower well proportioned aii<i 
graceful. The curriculum of the institution dur- 
ing recent years embraces the full list of college 
preparatory studies, incluiling ancient and monern 
languages, a .scientific and Knglish course. An im- 
portant addition has been recently made to the 
course of instruction and is now in operation. 
The curriculum now covers the following grades 
and in the academic coui-sc includes: Preparatory, 
snli-.Iuiiior,.Iunior, Middle and Senior cl.asses. and 
College course through the first or Freshman year. 

Prof. Walter Lowrle Rankin, President of Car- 
roll College, was born in .Mlahab.ad. at the junc- 
tion of the (ianges and .Juinma Rivers, llindoslan, 
India, May 7, 1841. The family were at that time 
residing in that far off country, the father. Rev. 
John C. Rankin, D. 1)., being a missionery under 
the auspices of the American Board of Foreign 



592 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Missions. Rev. John C. Rankin is a native of 

Nortli Carolina, where his birtii occurred in 1816. 
He received his literary education in liis native 
state, and his theological course at Princeton The- 
ological Seminary. lie married Sarah Comfort, a 
daughter of Rev. David Comfort, of Kingston, 
N. .)., who was for fifty years p.astor of the Presby- 
terian Church at that place. In 1840 Rev. John 
C. Rankin went as a missionary to India, return- 
ing in 1848. Pi'ofessor Rankin is the eldest of 
four children born there. The iiealth of the fa- 
ther induced the return of the family in 1848. 
Two years later, 1850, he settled as pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church at Basking Ridge, N. J., 
where he is still p.astor, having begun his labor in 
that field forty-three years ago. The wife and 
mother passed aw.-iy in 1867. As already stated 
Professor Rankin is the eldest of four children 
born in India; the next in order of birth is Mrs. 
Sarah Arrowsmith, of Ingram, Pa.; the third is 
Rev. iMlward P. Rankin, pastor of the Presbyle- 
lian Church at Stevens' Point, Wis.; and the 
youngest, Hon. John C. Rankin, the present Mayor 
of Elizabeth, N. .1., but engaged in business in New 
York City. 

Professor Rankin received his primary educa- 
tion at the school of Rev. David II. Pierson, in 
Klizabeth, N. J., and entered the Sophomore class of 
Princeton College in 1857, graduating in 1860, at 
the age of nineteen years, standing third in a class 
of ninety members, and receiving the honor of be- 
ing selected to deliver the salutatory on the occa- 
sion of his graduation. For some time after his 
graduation Professor Rankin taught a select school 
at Basking Ridge, preparing pupils for college. He 
had not at that time fully determined to devote 
his life to the profession of teaching, but had in 
view the profession of law, and accordingly en- 
tered the law oHice of Chancellor Benjamin Will- 
iamson, at Elizabeth. In this law office and in 
that of Mr. Joseph Alward of the same city he re- 
mained sometime as a student, lie was then in- 
duced to accept the principalship of the First Ward 
public school of that city, where he remained two 
years, coming from that position to [neside over 
Carroll College. 

On the 9th of .Inly, 1867, Professor Rankin was 



married in Waukesha to Miss Mary Nickell, daugh- 
ter of A. C. Nickell, one of the pioneers of that 
place. Mrs. Rankin was born in the village Octo- 
ber 4, 18.39. Their children are: Walter L., born 
July 23, 1868; May N., March 7> 1870; and Adela C, 
March 23, 1880. 

The most encouraging history of Carroll Col- 
lege dates from 1881, when Professor R.ankin was 
for a third time placed in charge of the affairs of 
the institution. Its condition was then critical; 
instruction was again in a state of suspension, but 
infusing new spirit into the enterprise, he assumed 
its financial management and again placed the 
college in running order. Then came the fire of 
1885, and new and embarrassing complications 
added, but over all these he triumphed. The pres- 
ent valuation of the college jnoperty is ^60,000. 
The members of the faculty are united in their 
Christian character and the permanent success of 
the coUesfe is assured. 



•r EVI p. MERICLE,of the town of Summit, 
I O is a settler of 1837. He was born in what 
was then called Upper Canada, at the head 
of Lake Ontario, October 2, 1815, and is a son of 
William Mericle. His paternal grandfather was a 
native of Holland, and an early settler of Mont- 
gomery County, N. Y. He served as a soldier in 
the American army during the Revolutionary War, 
and after the close of that struggle, settled in Can- 
ada, where he lived till his death. William Mer- 
icle married Abigail Peer, who died in Canada. 
After her death he came to Wisconsin and settled 
at Juneau, Dodge County, where he died in Sep- 
tember, 1865, having reached the age of about 
eightv-two years. He and his wife were the par- 
ents of eight children, five sons and three daugh- 
ters, liut a number of them have passed away. 

As stated, Mr. L. P. Mericle came to the town 
of Summit in June, 1837. In May, 1840, he was 
married to Miss Phoebe J. Ilardell, of the same 
township. Mr. and Mrs. Mericle have six chil- 
dren, one son and five daughters, namely: Ellen, 
wife of Benjamin Ellis, of McHenrv County, III.; 




ELIZABETH R. CHAMPENY. 



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K " ^02 



EDWARD CHAMPENY. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



597 



Josephine, wife of George Webster, of Watson, 
Lac-qui-parlc County', Minn.; William Walter, at 
home; Abigail J., wife of William Youngs, of 
Mankato, Minn.; .lennie A, wife of Henjamin 
Youngs, also of Maiikalo; and Minnie E., wife of 
Henry Millet, of Buffalo County, S. Dak. 

In 1863 Mr. Mencle removed with his family to 
Blue Earth County, Minn., but after an absence of 
seventeen years returned to Summit Township, 
where he, with his family, resides on section 28. 



V- 

t 



_o<:2 






MRS. ELIZABETH R. (MARTIN) CHAM- 
PEN Y has been a resident of Waukesha 
County since 1846, and has therefore 
been an eye-witness of the many wonderful changes 
that have been made in this part of the country 
during the last half-centur}'. The ladies of our 
nation, no less than the men, have performed an 
important part in its history; in this county among 
those who participated in the events incident to 
pioneer life may be mentioned the lady whose 
name appears at the head of tliis article. Mrs. 
Champeny is a native of Somersetshire, England, 
born June 12, 1824, and w:is the fifth in a family 
comprising five sons and four daughters. The 
parents, Thomas and Maria (Russell) Martin, were 
natires of the same shire. The father, who was a 
farmer by occupation, was boin on the 21st of 
March, 1791, and died in England February 23, 
1879, aged eighty-seven years. Of their children. 
Mrs. Champeny and one brother, James Russell 
Martin, alone survive. The latter, who grew to 
manhood in his native country, is a successful 
merchant in the city of Mclhourne, Australia. 

Mrs. Champeny' spent her girlhood and youth 
in England, and on reaching maturity became the 
wife of Edward Chami)eny. their union being sol- 
emnized at Priddy Wells, Somersetshire, England, 
on the 28th of April, 1846. Mr. Champeny was 
born in Somersetshire, England, on the 16th of 
Se|)tember, 1816, and died at his home in Waukc- 
Bha County, Wis., September 7, 1891. Deciding 
to try his fortune in the New World, in 1842 he 
bade adieu to home and friends, and sailed from 
19 



Bristol for New York, arriving at the latter port 
after a voyage of six weeks. Coming direct to 
the territory of Wisconsin by way of the Erie 
Canal and the Great Lakes, he landed at the ham- 
let of Milwaukee, that being before any pier had 
been constructed. After prospecting for a loca- 
tion he selected a claim of eighty acres; it was 
wild land and covered with timber. He immedi- 
ately began to improve his property and remained 
here till about the fall of 1845, when he returned 
to P^ngland, where he wedded Miss Elizabeth R. 
Martin, as above stated. 

Soon after their marriage the young couple 
turned their faces toward the home in the far away 
Wisconsin, almost five thousand miles distant, 
taking passage on a sailing-vessel bound for New 
York. After a voyage of three weeks' duration 
they landed in the United States, and on the 28th 
of June, 1846, arrived at Sussex. 

Mr. and Mrs. Champeny began their domestic 
life in a log cabin. Like their neighbors, it was a 
primitive affair, board partitions dividing the in- 
terior into rooms, but they made of it a cozy and 
comfortable home in which some of the happiest 
days of their lives were passed. Their first grain 
was harvested with the old fashioned four-fingered 
cradle, and In harmony with the times other kinds 
of farm labor were carried on. Mr. Champen}' 
followed agricultural pursuits until 1852, at which 
time he engaged in general merchandising in Sus- 
sex, continuing in that line until 1884, when he 
disposed of his business to A. J. Elliott. 

A Democrat in politics, Mr. Champeny was 
called upon by that party to serve in various offi- 
cial positions; he was Side-Supervisor and Asses- 
sor. In religious belief, he and his wife and family 
were members of St. Alban's Parish in Sussex. Af- 
ter walking side by side for almost a half-century, 
Mrs. Champeny was called upon to mourn the 
death of her husband, who passed away on the 7th 
of September, 1891. He was a man universally 
respected, a kind and loving father and husband. 

Mr. and Mrs. Champeny were the parents of 
seven sons and three daughters, five of whom are 
living, in 1894, namely: Anna M., who was educa- 
ted in the public schools and the Young Ladies' 
Seminary of Milwaukee, is at home; T. M., who is 



598 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the next, is a successful business man of the town 
of Lisbon; Frank G., who was educated in the 
White "Water Normal, is engaged in mercantile 
business at Mitchell, S. Dak.; Charles C, the next, 
is associated with his brother, Edwin C, in busi- 
ness in Mitchell; Edwin C. is also living in that 
city. Mrs. Champeny with her daughter, Anna 
M., is living a retired life in her comfortable home 
in the village of Sussex, where she hopes to spend 
the evening of life, surrounded by hosts of warm 
friends. 



(^ 



(^ 




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^ 



JAMES DAWSON, of the town of Pewaukee, 
is numbered among the early settlers and 
worthy citizens of the county. He is a native 
of the hamlet of Cros! and Factory, Yorkshire, 
England, where his birth occurred August 18, 18.30, 
he being the youngest in a family of three boys 
and three girls. So far as he knows there are three 
of his father's family living besides himself, all of 
whom are residents of England: they are Joseph, 
of Lockwood, Mrs. Martha Bentley and Mrs. 
Sarah Cotton, of Yorkshire. His father was born 
in Berrybrow, near Iluddersfield, Y'orkshire, Eng- 
land, in 1790, and died in this country in 1856. 
He was an expert cloth finisher, at which occupa- 
tion lie worked until emigrating to this country. 
In May, 1843, the family sailed from Liverpool 
for New Y'ork, where they landed after a voyage 
of six weeks and two days. The passage was made 
memorable by storms — one being of such sever- 
ity as to break the bowsprit. From New York 
they continued their journey to Milwaukee by way 
of the Hudson River, Erie Canal and the Great 
Lakes. As there were no piers at the latter port 
they were brought ashore by boat, landing on the 
3d of July. Milwaukee then contained but one or 
two taverns, while other improvements were pro- 
portionately few and insignificant. The village 
was full of "redskins" and Mr. Dawson clung very 
closely to his father's hand lest some accident might 
befall him; everything was new and strange, while 
of the Indians he was much afraid. On the trip 
to the United States the Dawsons were accompanied 



b}' the Mitchell and Bottoml}- families, the party 
remaining in Milwaukee one week. 

Upon arriving in Wisconsin Father Dawson had 
but $5 in money, but notwithstanding this state 
of affairs, was not to be discouraged. Coming to 
Waukesha County he located on an eighty acre 
claim of wild land, situated northwest of Prairie- 
ville, now Waukesha, where he erected a cabin and 
began the labor of clearing and developing a farm. 
The house was built of slabs, while the floor was 
laid with oak planks; the lumber being green thej' 
would warp and thus become very uneven. To 
lessen this unpleasant feature Mrs. Dawson would 
turn them over frequently. Letters were addressed 
to "James Dawson, Prairieville, Snail Lake, Terri- 
tory of Wisconsin." In Pewaukee there were some 
three houses and a sawmill, that of Deacon Clark 
being by far the most pretentious. Upon this 
farm, whicli forms a part of the present homestead 
of our subject, the father and mother passed the 
remainder of their lives. Both were devoted mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church and lived in accordance 
with the profession the}' made. In political senti- 
ments the father was an Abolitionist. 

The gentleman whose name heads this biogra[)hy 
was bul a lad of thirteen years when he came with 
his parents to Wisconsin. About all the educa- 
tional advantages he enj03'ed were furnished by 
the schools of England. After coming to this new 
country there was but little opportunity to attend 
school, as it was necessary for every one to do all 
he could to provide for the home. However, 
Mr. Dawson did attend a term in a little slab 
schoolhouse, which was taught by a Mr. Watter- 
man. During his residence here he has been an 
eye-witness to the many wonderful changes that 
have transformed "the wilderness into one of the 
most beautiful of agricultural sections. At that 
time there were no railroads in the state, and in- 
deed but very few roads had been laid out, it be- 
ing the custom when starting out from home to 
carry an ax, with which the trees were blazed and 
underbrush cut, thus marking a way b}' which they 
might return. Churches, schoolhouses and the 
various other factors that mark the progress of 
to-day were then in their infancy or not at all. 
Before the soil could be tilled it was necessary to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



599 



clear it of heavy timber, and after tlie grain was 
grown it was iiiirvested with the olfl-fasiiioned 
cradle, then threshed with a tiail. Oxen were used 
for all purposes where the horse of to-day serves, 
our subject priding himself on the skill with which 
he could manage the long ox- whip and drive two 
3'oke of oxen. Like others of the pioneers they 
did their marketing, for the most part, in Milwau- 
kee, where young .lames often drove the ox team. 
Indians often came to his father's home; they 
would beg and steal almost anything. Deer were 
also abundant, as many .as forty-live passing within 
a few rods of the house in one drove, while the wolf, 
made bold by hunger, would sometimes come to 
the very door. All their corn was shelled 1)3- hand, 
usually the long winter evenings were spent at 
tills pastime, the apparatus consisting of a spade or 
shovel laid on a bucket. Mr. Dawson led a busy, 
active life, but for all that there were times when 
his heart almost failed him. When more discour- 
aged tiian usual he would go to a large stone which 
was upon the premises and there sit and ponder 
over the problems that were so difficult to solve, 
and many times the tears unbidden would flow 
down his cheeks, but he would go back with a 
stronger determination to succeed. 

Mr. Dawson has been twice married; his Tirst wife, 
who was a native of England and bore the maiden 
name of Mar}' Ililliar, died after a wedded life of 
but eighteen months. Ills present wife, to whom 
he was married February 13, 18G8, was Miss Eliza 
Granger. Of this union three children were born. 
namel\': James II., who died at the age of eight 
3'ears; Mar)', who became the wife of William 
Jones, and has three children, James Byron, Ruth E. 
and George D., and Eliza, who is a dressmaker in 
Pewaukee. Mrs. Dawson was born in W.ashington 
County, N. Y., September 3, 1833, being one of a 
family of three sons and two daughters, whose par- 
ents were Jeremiah and Margaret (Allen) (iranger, 
all of whom are living. Her Grandfather Granger 
was a Revolutionary soldier, and her uncle, Aaron 
Granger, served in the War of 1812. Her father 
was a native of Massachusetts, and on his mother's 
side was related to John (^uincy Adams. However, 
he early removed, with his parents, to New York 
and there grew to manhood and married. In 



1844, with his family, he emigrated to Wisconsin, 
landing in Racine, and from there came overland 
to 15rook(ield Township, where they located on a 
claim of (me hundred and twenty acres, twenty of 
whidi had been cleared. Their home was a one- 
rooined log cabin, and when they came to the dense 
thicket and timber where it was to be, Mrs. Granger, 
who was not prepossessed with the outlook, said: 
"Mr. Granger, what evil spirit possessed you to lo- 
cate our home in such a desolate place as this?" 
Mrs. Dawson has seen the Indians pass the log 
sciioolhouse where she attended school, as she was 
but a miss of eleven years when she became a resi- 
dent of Wisconsin. Both her father and her mother 
passed the last years of their lives in this state. 

Mr. Dawson has always been a Republican in 
political sentiment, having supported Gen. John 
C. Fremont, the first candidate of that party, since 
which time he has voted for each successive nomi- 
nee. He and his wife are members of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church and are consistent Christian 
people, ever setting a worthy example before their 
children. Their comfortable home is located on 
tlie old homestead of his fatlier, one mile distant 
from the vill.age of Pewaukee. Mr. Dawson hauled 
the first load of stones used in the construction of 
the Methodist Church at Pewaukee, while his 
father had the distiiution of being present at the 
first school organization in the township. The 
latter was also an attendant at the meeting of the 
pioneers, the object of which was to make Pewau- 
kee the county seat. The family is one among the 
oldest in the county and lU; members have always 
been respected for their honesty and integrity. 



MR.S. C A T H A R I N E COLLOTON, who 
dates her arrival in Waukesha County 
from 1842, is one of three children, one 
son and two daughters, born to James and Cath- 
erine (Foley) Quick, who were natives of County 
Cork, Ireland. Mrs. Colloton's father died when 
she was a small child, and some five years later 
her mother was again married, becominji the wife 
of William O'Brian, who wa.s a blacksmith by 
trade. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 



600 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



O'Brian emigrated to the United Stales, locating 
in the east. After a residence of six years they 
came to Wisconsin and settled at Saylesville, Wau- 
kesha County, where he resumed work at liis pro- 
fession. Mrs. Colloton, lier brother and sister re- 
mained in their native land until the parents lo- 
cated at Saylesville, then joined them in this 
country, the former living at home until her mar- 
riage to Mr. Colloton. Her birth occurred Janu- 
ary 3, 1828. 

At Saylesville, January 3, 1814, Miss Catharine 
Quick became the wife of Mr. Patrick Colloton, 
who was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, in 
August, 181.'), and there grew to manhood. About 
1839 he emigrated to America, and after working 
a time on the canal at Lockport, N. Y., came to 
the town of Miikwonago, Waukesha County, where 
he purchased eighty acres of land from the Gov- 
ernment, paying the nominal sum of ^1.25 per 
acre. Upon this farm tlie young couple began 
their domestic life in a log cabin that Mr. Collo- 
ton had erected. Their furniture was of the most 
primitive character, and largely of home impro- 
visiou. Their chairs were pieces of logs hewn 
down and supported by four legs; a packing box 
answered for a table, while their bedstead was one 
of their own manufacture. However, some of the 
happiest years of their lives were spent in this 
lo"- house, with its many seeming inconveniences. 
As time passed, a comfortable farm residence re- 
placed the cabin; barns and other outbuildings 
were erected, while the changes in the interior 
kept pace with those made outside. By industry 
and economy Mr. and Mrs. Colloton added to the 
original tract until at the time of his death their 
estate comprised two hundred acres of valuable 
land. 

To this union eleven children were born, of 
whom the following survive: William is a farmer 
of Oregon; Annie liycs at home; John is engaged 
in agricultural pursuits in the town of Mukwon- 
ago; Elizabeth is a resident of Milwaukee; and 
Frank is engaged in the livery business at Wauke- 
sha. Those deceased are James, IMarcellus, Thomas, 
Thomas, Catherine and Mary Jane. The father of 
this family passed to the world beyond on the 4th 
of May, 1874. He was an industrious, hard work- 



ing man, and was respected by all who knew him. 
In politics Mr. Colloton was an uncompromising 
Democrat. In religious faith he, as vvell as his 
wife, was a Catholic, the latter belonging to St. 
Paul's Church in the town of Genesee. 

Mrs. Colloton well remembers the appearance of 
the country fifty-two years ago; when she became 
a resident of this county Indians roamed over the 
country, begging wherever they thought there was 
the least possible opportunity to secure something 
without effort; while deer and other wild game 
were abundant. Wolves were so numerous that 
sheep could not be kept for many years, nor could 
the3- let the pigs stray from the yard without a 
possibility of their never returning or being fouud. 
However, she has lived to see these conditions 
give way lo the onward march of civilization, and 
in their stead to-day may be fouud one of the 
most ijrogressive and prosperous counties in the 
state. 



H 



ON. EPHRAIM BEAUMONT. To give 
a correct account of the events connected 
with the history of Waukesha County 
from au early day down to the present time a rec- 
ord of the above named gentleman, who has been 
intimately and prominently identified with the 
affairs of Merton Township, must be given. The 
name Beaumont is familiar not only in Waukesha 
County, but throughout many portions of the state. 
Mr. Beaumont is a native of Yorkshire, England, 
born on the 19th of February, 1834, on land that 
was in the grant made to the Beaumont family by 
William the Conqueror in the j'ear 1100. The 
house in which his birth occurred was within three 
miles of Hudderstield, and was one of the oldest in 
that shire, having been erected as a house of re- 
fuge and protection from the lawless invaders in 
the old Feudal days. The original house stood 
until about 1863, at which time it was torn down 
and rebuilt. The progenitors of the family in 
England came over from Normandy, France, in 
an early day and established themselves on the 
territory given them by the Conqueror; they were 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



601 



among the nobles in his following, and aided in 
the conquest of Kngland. 

The father of our subject, Matthew Ueaumont, 
was born in the same house as was iiis son, tiie 
date of that event being February 24. 1810. He 
enjoyed only ordinary educational advantages, 
but being possessed of much natural aliilily, be- 
came one of the most successful financiers and 
business men of his time. During his residence in 
his native country he followed the occupation of 
a mechanical engineer; he was an expert in his 
calling, wliich he carried on in Lord's Mill, and 
in the woolen mills of lieaumonl ilr Stock, near 
Ilonly, Yorkshire. In 183.3 he wedded Miss Frances 
Radcliffe, a lady of liberal education and splendid 
attainments, also an accomplished musician and 
vocalist. Mrs. Ueaumont was a sister of .Sir David 
Radcliffe, who was twice elected Mayor of the city 
of Liverpool, and was the only man who was ever 
unanimously elected to serve a second term since 
the time that King John granted the charter to 
that city. 

To Matthew and Frances (Radcliffe) Beaumont 
were born three sons and three daughters, of whom 
five are livins;, in 1894: Epiiraim, who is the sub- 
ject of this record, is the eldest; Ksau, who served 
in the late war, is a resident of Lisbon Township; 
Zilpha, who is the widow of Ileniv Swallow, lives 
ill the town of Merton; Kli/.abetli Ann, wiio wed- 
ded George W. Kollock, is a resident of Merrill, 
Wis.; and Frances Mary, who w.as educated in 
Oberliii College, has been First Assistant in the 
high school of Cleveland, Ohio, for twenty-six 
years, and is known in that city as I'rof. Frances 
Mary Beaumont. In 18;'>() Mr. Heauniont emi- 
grated to this country, sailing from Liverpool to 
Boston, and from there came direct to liacine 
County, Wis. Not being satisfied with the out- 
look in that county, he came to Waukesha County, 
and soon thereafter sent for his family, which con- 
sisted of a wifeand five children. They. t*)0, sailed 
from Liverpool for Boston, making the passage 
on board the good ship '-Hell Rock of Boston." 
Twenty-six days after leaving their native coun- 
try, they landed in the American port, and soon 
after joined the IiusIkiikI and father in this coun- 
ty. Mr. Beaumont rented a farm of .loseph Fuller 



in the southern p.Trt of the town of Pewaukee in 
1852, and there resided until 18.'35, at which time 
he purchased six hundred and forty acres of land 
in Portage County, this state, and there lived un- 
til 188(). In politics he was a stanch believer in 
the principles of the Republican party, and as an 
oflicial served his town as Chairman of the Board 
of .Supervisors for several 3ears. He was reared 
under the auspices of the Episcopal Church, and 
in England became a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, which was the only social 
organization to which he belonged. When he 
came to this country he was a poor man, but by 
untiring and well directed effort became quite 
wealthy before his death, which occurred on the 
.30tli of March, 1893. 

Mr. Beaumont of this article was a youth of 
seventeen when he came to Wisconsin. He re- 
ceived a liberal education in the parish and pri- 
vate school and the Moscow Academ}', and after 
coming to Waukesha County, was a pupil in the 
schools of the village of Waukesha. At the age 
of twenty he conceived a great desire to visit the 
Pacific Slope, and in company with Randall and 
Jo.seph Fuller, .loel Bidwell. Thomas Hext, .lohn 
Porter, Henry Swallow and others went thither, 
leaving Waukesha on the 14lh of March, 1854, 
and arrived in Sacramento, Cal., on the 14th of 
September following. Jlr. Beaumont remained in 
that state until the Gth of April, 1862, when he 
sailed from San Francisco, making the return trip 
by way of the Isthmus and New York. During; 
the seven years that be was there he was engaged 
in gardening and mining, and on the whole the 
venture proved successful. On his return to Wis- 
consin he bought one hundred and sixty acres of 
land on section 2fi in the town of .Merton, which 
forms a part of his present estate, and began farm- 
ing. 

On New Year's Day. 1863, was celebrated the 
unit)ii of Mr. Beaumont and Mits Deborah Ann, 
daughter of Wright and Harriet (Branch) Wood, 
the ceremony being performed in the log cabin 
erected by the bride's father in the town of Pe- 
waukee, where her birth had occurred January 
27, 1848. Mrs. Beaumont enjoyed such education 
a.s the early schools afforded, and it is worthy of 



602 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



mention that the same old schoolliouse in which 
she atteuderl in tlie town of Pewaukee is to-day 
doing service as a carpenter shop. Father Wood 
was born in the town of lUiry, Laiicastersiiire, 
England, in 1816, and died in tins county in Oc- 
tober, 1890. He was reared to the life of a me- 
chanic, and became a skilled workman. In 1842 he 
came to the territory of Wisconsin, and in what is 
now the town of Pewaukee purchased canal land. 
Indians were still quite numerous in this section 
of the present state, and the beautiful body of 
water now known as Pewaukee Lake was then 
called Snail Lake. The land was covered with 
limber and brush, but he went to work to develop 
a farm, and in time cleared all of it, doing the 
work unaided. At the time of his marriage he 
had cleared forty acres. His wife was born in 
Brighton, England, the great summer resort, in 
1826, and is still living on the old estate in the 
town of Pewaukee. Of their seven children a son 
and a daughter, George and Jane, have passed 
away. The living are Mrs. Beaumont, who is the 
eldest of the family; Thomas and William, of the 
town of Pewaukee; (ieorge, who is engaged in the 
local mail service of Chicago; and Lizzie, who is 
the wife of Irlenry Sherman, of Aberdeen, Wash. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont were born three sons 
and four daughters, named as follows: Saxie F. 
was educated in the high school of Merrill, Wis., 
and also received musical instruction; Richard 
II. assists in operating the homestead; Hattie 
C, who was educated in the Normal at White 
Water, died March 14, 1889; Charles R. is also at 
home; William M. was educated in the Union 
schools of Waukesha, Carroll College, and in the 
Agricultural Department of the State University 
at Madison; Bessie J. and Edith A. were both stu- 
dents in the Waukesha schools, and at St. Mary's 
Academy in Milwaukee, and they were also stu- 
dents under Professor Eaton, the former being a 
skillful artist. 

Mr. Beaumont is one of the stanch Republicans 
of the county, and is a radical believer in the prin- 
ciples advocated by that party. His first Presi- 
dential vote was cast in favor of .lolin C. Fre- 
mont at Downieville, Sierra County, Cal.,and was 
one of three Fremont ballots cast at tlial place. 



As an official, Mr. Beaumont is one of the best 
known men in the county. During the years 
1867 and 1868 he served as Chairman of his Town 
Board; in 1870 was elected County Treasurer, and 
re-elected in the fall of 1872, holding that office 
from 1871 to 1874 inclusive. In the fall of 1874 
he was elected Sheriff, his term ending in 1876. 
He filled that position with credit to himself and 
to the satisfaction of his constituents, his bill for 
salary and expenses being allowed in full by the 
Board. He was assisted by the following Deputies: 
John Porter, of Waukesha, being Under Slieriff; 
John Stephens, of Waukesha; William Patterson, 
of Oconomowoc; V. L. Nehs, of Menomonee F'alls; 
and Charles Evans, of North Prairie. In 1879 he 
was the formidable opponent of the Democratic 
nominee, Hon. Richard Weaver, of the town of 
Lisbon, for the State Seuatorship, and was defeated 
by only seventy-thiee votes. He was again de- 
feated in 1887, by J. J. Hadfield, who w.as elected 
to the Assembly, and in 1889 was elected Assem- 
blyman over W. E. Hennessey, of Eagle, Mr. Beau- 
mont receiving eighteen hundred and ninety-two 
votes, while his opponent was given thirteen hun- 
dred and sixty-nine. During the Assembl3' ses- 
sion he served upon various important ctunrait- 
tees, being a member of the Committee on State 
Affairs, and Chairman of the Committee on Agri- 
culture. He has also been the choice of his fel- 
low-townsmen to represent them in the State 
Nominating Conventions. F'or the last twenty 
vears Mr. Beaumont has been either President, 
Vice-President or Superintendent of the Waukesha 
County Agricultural Society, and in every posi- 
tion to which he has been called has discharged 
the duties involving upon him in a fearless and 
eminently satisfactory manner. 

The Beaumont estate comprises two hundred 
and eighty acres of land lying in the town of Mer- 
ton. It is finely watered, the supply being fur- 
nished by springs and the Bark River, which flows 
through it, making one of the most valuable as 
well as desiralile stock farms in the town. His 
comfortable brick residence was erected in 1867, 
and is surrounded with all the conveniences of a 
well managed farm. Here, surrounded by their 
family, Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont are spending their 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



603 



lives most bappily. Every thing that hns promised 
to be of benefit to his chosen town and county has 
received the wliole-souled support and encourage- 
ment of Mr. Heaumont tliroughoiit tiic forty-three 
years that this has been his liomc. 



JOACHIM SCHUKT, who on the 11th of May, 
1891, celebrated his eighty-third birthday, 
has resided on section 16, in the town of Mus- 
kego, since the year 1864. He is a native of 
Schwerin, Mecklenburg, (Jermany, and is a son of 
John and Maria (Altenburg) Schuet, being the 
fourth in order of birth in a family of nine chil- 
dren, named as follows: John, Jacob, Christian, 
Joachim, Henry, Catherine, Maria, Helena and 
Sophia. 

Joachim Schuet was reared to farm life and ed- 
ucated in the common schools of his native land. 
In 1837, he was married to Miss Maria, daughter 
of John Miller, by whom he had tliree children, 
one son and two daughters. His son, Joe, who 
was born on the 27th of August, 1842, is' the only 
living child. He wedded Miss Lena Drusa, a 
daughter of Carl and Ernestine (Bastman) Drusa, 
who came to America in 1868, and settled near 
the home of Joachim Schuet. The bride was 
born in Schwerin, Mecklenburg, Germany, on the 
5th of June. 1852, and is also one of three chil- 
dren, who are as follows: John is a business man 
of Milwaukee; Charles is a contractor and builder 
of the same city; and Mrs. Schuet is the youngest. 
Mr. and Mi's. Schuet celebrated their marriage 
May 15, 1871, in the Lutheran Church at Tess 
Corners, and to them have been born six chil- 
dren: Edward, who assists his father on the farm; 
Emma and Amanda, who are in Milwaukee; Mar- 
tha, wlio is at home; Hertha, who is still in school; 
and Albert, who completes the family. Joe .Schuet 
bought twenty-four acres of land, formerly the 
home of his wife's parents, both of whom are 
now deceased, but now carries on the homestead 
for liis father. 

Joachim Schuet. the gentleman whose name ap- 
pears at the head of this article, is the only one of 



his father's family that ever crossed the ocean to 
the New World. The voyage was made in a sail- 
ing-vessel from Hamburg to New York and con- 
sumed twenty-eight d.ays, during which time sev- 
eral severe gales were encountered. Continuing 
his journey westward, he went by rail to Buffaloi 
thence to Milwaukee by boat, arriving in the lat- 
ter city in the fall of 1864. That winter he lived 
at Tess Comers, and in the spring following 
bought eighty acres of land, twentj- of which had 
been cleared, while the remainder was covered 
with a heav3- growth of timber. Upon this prop- 
erty he has since resided, though of late 3'ears, be- 
i;ause of his advanced age, he has turned the act- 
ive management of his business interests over to 
his only son and is now living retired. To the 
original purchase Mr. Schuet has added until at 
this time he owns a fine farm of one hundred and 
five acres, of wiiich some thirty-five remain in 
timber. A comfortable dwelling house adorns the 
farm, while the other buildings are such as may be 
found on the well regulated and best conducted 
farms. 

Few men in Muskego Township are better 
known or more liiglil}- esteemed than the worthy 
subject of tills sketch. He has not only witnessed 
the transformation that has made of this country 
one of the finest farming sections to be found, 
but has aided materially in the development; his 
own estate has been changed, by the united efiforts 
of himself and son, from a comparative wilder- 
ness into a highly imjjroved and cultivated farm. 
Beginning in life with small means, Mr. Schuet, 
through industry and wise management, has se- 
(•ured for himself and family a comfortable com- 
petence. 

AMUEL \V. VAN DYKE. Araongthemany 
beautiful locations in the town of Sum- 
mit, is numbered that of Mr. Van Dyke, 
his home being situated on the west bank of Ix)wer 
Nashotali Lake, on section 12. The farm contains 
one hundred and forty-two acres, but formerly 
included two hundred and forty-six acres, Mr. Van 
Dyke having disposed of a purlion of the original 
tr.act. The residence is situated in a l)eautiful 



604 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



grove of about five acres. It would be difficult to 
find anywiiere a more charminu; spot for a Liome 
than this. 

Mr. Van Dyke is one of tiie oldest residents of 
the town of Summit, having settled where he now 
lives in 1852. He is a native of Pennsylvania, 
born March 3, 1826, his birth-place being about 
thirty miles from Gettysburg, which has become 
famous in liistory as the scene of the greatest bat- 
tle of the War of the Rebellion. His father, Will- 
iam Van Dyke, was a native of Ilarrisburg, of the 
same state, and his father, our subject's grand- 
father, came from Holland in an early day, and 
settled in the valley of the .Susquehanna. William 
Van Dyke died just at the close of the late Civil 
War. His wife, who bore the maiden tianic of Nancy 
Duncan, and was descended from Scotch paren- 
tage, died some years ago at the home of her son in 
Milwaukee. Of the six children that constituted 
the famil}' of William Van Dyke and wife, com- 
prising five sons and one daughter, but three are 
now living. The eldest surviving membei' is Lam- 
bert, who is a resident of Clarksville, Tex., where 
he has lived since Texas was a republic of itself. 
Joiin H. resides in IMilwaukee, while the subject of 
this record is the youngest. The deceased were 
James A., a lawyer by profession, who died a num- 
ber of years ago in Detroit, Mich. William was a 
soldier in the War of the Rebellion, and was mor- 
tally wounded at the battle of Dranesville, dying 
soon after in the hospital at Wasliingtoii. Ellen 
became the wife of John Patterson, and died in 
Pennsylvania several years since. 

Samuel W. Van Dyke grew to manhood iii his 
native state, and was educated at Marshall College 
in Mercersburg, Pa. In 1849 he went to Milwau- 
kee and entered the law office of his brother with 
a view of preparing for the practice of the legal 
profession. He has been troubled more or less 
since early life with asthma, and he found that the 
disease was aggravated by a life within doors, so 
he determined to make a change, and accordingly 
located where he now lives in 1852. 

Mr. Van Dyke was married in 185.3 to Miss 
Anna Patterson, a native of the Keystone State, 
and a daughter of William H. and Maiy (Wilson) 
Patterson. They have six children, as follows: 



William, Harry, .Tames, Carroll, Norman and Anna. 
They lost two children in early life. Mr. ^'an Dyke 
is one of the highly esteemed citizens of the town 
of Summit, where he has resided for forty-two 
years. 



ellARLES E. SHARP, M. D., the lea.ling 
physician of Eagle, Waukesha County, was 
born in Port Alleghen3', Pa., January 22, 
1862, being a son of Peter and Martha (Fowler) 
Sharp. The former was a native of Ulster County, 
N. Y., but his father emigrated from Scotland and 
his mother from Holland. Martha Fowler was 
born in Potter County, Pa., and was of German ex- 
traction. Her death occurred some jears ago. 
Peter Sharp still resides at Eldred, Pa. Through- 
out life he lias followed the trade of mill-wright, 
having built during these j'ears some thirty tan- 
neries. His children are all living, four sons and 
nine daugliters. Three of the sons are practicing 
physicians, while the fourth is pursuing a course 
in pharmacy. J. H. Sharp, M. D., is located at 
Genesee, Waukesha County. R. 11. Sharp, M. D., 
conducts a sanitarium at Chautauqua Lake, N. Y.; 
The gentleman whose name heads this biography is 
the next; Devere is the pharmacist. Dr. Sharp 
was but six years of age when his parents removed 
to Newark Valley, Tioga County, N. Y., where he 
received a good academic education. When nine- 
teen years old he began the study of medicine with 
Dr. W. J. Burr, a noted surgeon of that place. 
Having remained with him some two years, Dr. 
Sharp spent an equal period of time with his old- 
est brother. In 1885 he entered the University of 
Buffalo, graduating in 1888 in a class of forty-two- 
Seventy-two applicants took the examination for 
diplomas, but thirty of them failed to make the 
required grade. In March of the same year Dr. 
Sharp located at Eagle, where he has secured a 
liberal patronage and won a pl.ace in the front 
rank of the profession in Waukesha County. 

After establishing himself at E.igle Dr. Sharp re- 
turned to Pennsylvania, and at Eldred married, 
October 22, 1888, Miss Eva Lamphier, a native of 
that place. The young couple at once began their 




HON. R. F. GOSS. 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



607 



domestic life in Eagle, where tliey have since re- 
sided. By his vote Dr. Sharp supports the men 
and measures of the Repuljllciin party, tliough he 
takes no active |)arl in maiiipulatin;; political af- 
fairs. 

In a professional way he is connected with tlie 
Brainard Medical Society of Milwaukee; with the 
New York Medical Society, and with the National 
Association of Railroad Surgeons, being the pres- 
ent local surgeon for the St. Paul Railroad. So- 
cially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, 
belonging to the Robert Morris Lodge No. IL"), 
A. F. & A. M., of Kagle. 



l®). ^*4 _@J 



HON. B. F. GOSS (deceased). The mention 
of this gentleman's name will be sutlicient 
to recall to the minds of those who knew 
hira a distinct remembrance of the character and 
achievements of one of Waukesha County's fore- 
most citizens. As a man of affairs, as an original 
investigator, and as a careful thinker, lie had few 
e(iuals in this section. Mr. Goss was born in 
Lancaster, N. H., April 24, 1823, the son of Na- 
thaniel and Permelia (Abbot) Goss. The progen- 
itors of this famil}' in America came from the lit- 
tle country of Wales and located in the eastern 
part of the colonj'of Massachusetts, where they re- 
ceived from the King of England a tract of land 
wliich has passed to each successive generation of 
the Goss family, ami of which Mrs. B. V. Goss has 
the original plat of the first survey. 

lion. B. F. Goss was one of four children, two 
sons and two daughters. Until eighteen 3'ears of 
age he lived in his native town, where he received 
a liberal education, which was ac()uired in an acad- 
emy of Lancaster and in a printing ollice. 'J'he 
year IS41 witnessed hisarrivalin Milwaukee, where 
he worked at the printer's trade until the follow- 
ing spring; he then took u claim of one hundred 
and sixty acres on section 17, in what is now the 



town of Pewaukee. This was five 3'ears before the 
establishment of Waukesha County, and seven 
years before Wisconsin became a state. Few im- 
provements of any kind had been made, and to 
use a crude expression, this country was then a 
''howling wilderness." 'I'o the deveiopmciit of his 
claim, which lay only one mile west of the village 
of Pewaukee, he devoted his energies assiduously. 
Having prepared a home Mr. Goss sought a com- 
panion and helpmate in the person of Miss Abby 
Bradley, to whom he wa.s married January 21, lHf)\. 
Of this union were born three children, two sons 
and a daughter; only the latter grew to matur- 
it}'. She was born April 1, 18G1, and received the 
Christian name of Clara Frances. .She was a na- 
tive of the .SunHower State, and throughout the 
entire warp and woof of her disposition were 
woven threads of sunshine. Ever amiable and 
cheerful, her presence made glad tlie home and the 
social circle in whicli she moved. In the public 
schools of Pewaukee she received a good literary 
education which was supplemented by musical 
training. Soon after her marriage to B. F. Boor- 
man, a native of Waukesha County, and a son of 
Benjamin Boorman, the well known miller of Pe- 
waukee, she was called to the spirit world,. Septem- 
ber 21), 1881. 

Mrs. Goss was born in the town of Genoa, Ca- 
3'uga County, N. Y., Octolwr 6, 1833, and was the 
second in a family consisting of two sons and three 
daughters, whose parents were Lyman and Eliza 
(Young) Bradley. Mr. Bradley had been married 
previously' to a Miss Tillottson, by whom he had 
three children, one son and two daughters, all of 
whom are deceased. Her father was also a native 
of the Empire .Stale, where his birth occurred 
about 1796, being the second child born in Ca^-uga 
County'. His parents were strict members of the 
Presbyterian Church, and were noted for their 
kind and benevolent deeds. In 1844, accompan- 
ied by his family, Lyman Bradley came to Wiscon- 
sin, and on landing at Milwaukee piircha.sed ox 
teams and wagons and at once moved his family 
and goods to the town of Pewaukee, where he took 
a claim of one hundred and twenty acres on which 
stood a partially built log cabin, and of which a 
1 few acres had been broken. Inconveniences of all 



608 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



descriptions had to be put up witli. Oxen were 
used not only to do the work in the field, but also 
for light driving. On a Sunday morning one 
might see the family of Mr. Bra<lley wending their 
way to church in an old-fashioned ox cart. All 
the grain was cut with a cradle, and the postage 
on a letter was only twenty-five cents. The red- 
men, who were inveterate beggars, would often 
stop at the home of Mr. Bradley on their hunting 
and fishing excursions to .Snail Lake. In 1851 
this pioneer passed from among the living. He 
was a man mucli esteemed for his true worth, and 
was a consistent member of the Wesleyan Method- 
ist Society, to which his wife also belonged. He 
assisted liberally in erecting the Methodist and 
Congregational Churches on the old plank road, in 
the southern part of Lisbon Township. The re- 
mains of tiiis pioneer couple were laid to rest in 
the Pewaukee Cemetery. Of their children three 
survive, Mrs. Goss being tlie oldest; ElishaT.. who 
resides in Portland, Oregon, has one daughter, 
Blanche; Helen E., who became the wife of Thomas 
Ileliier, has four children, two sons and two daugli- 
lers, and with lier family lives in Buffalo, Minn. 
Mi-s. Goss was a miss of eleven summers when she 
accompanied her parents to Pewaukee. Her edu- 
cation was obtained in the common schools and at 
the old academy in Waukesha. Having completed 
her education she was successfully engaged in 
teaching in this county. After her marriage to Mr. 
Goss her interests became identical with those of 
her husband. 

Mr. Goss was elected to the Assembly for the 
session of 1855, but in the spring of that year left 
Wisconsin, and after spending a time in the gro- 
cery business at Freeport, 111., and two years in the 
real-estate business at Waverly, Iowa, settled in 
Kansas, being one of the company that built the 
mills, and laid outand organized the city of Neosho 
Falls. When the late Rebellion broke out he was 
one of the early ones to respond to the demand for 
home protection, being made Captain of a compan}' 
of Home Guards. In this line of duty he was act- 
ive until his enlistment, January 21, 1802, for three 
years in the United Slates Army. He was elected 
and served his full term as Captain of Company F, 
Ninth Kansas Cavalry. In the battles of Cave Hill 



and Prairie Grove, Ark., as well as in numerous 
other engagements, he led his company to victory. 
Stricken by disease at Little Rock, Ark., he was 
compelled to go to the officer's hospital, where he 
received a furlough and returned home, but as soon 
as he could get out he again joined his command. 
During his army life Captain Goss was for the 
most part on scouting duty, which, in Missouri and 
Arkansas, where such bands of desperadoes as 
Quantfell's were to be met at any time, was attend- 
ed with the utmost danger. Brave, energetic and 
daring, he always executed his movements in such 
a manner as to win the confidence of his own men 
and the approval of his superior officers, as well as 
to inspire the enemy with a wholesome fear of 
meeting him. The term of his enlistment having 
expired he was honorably discharged. In 1866 he 
again came to Wisconsin and successfully engaged 
in merchandising at Pewaukee for over a quarter 
of a century. His time, however, was not wholly 
given to business affairs, but much of it was de- 
voted to the study of natural history, especially to 
the breeding habits of birds. As a nidiologist he 
had gained an enviable reputation, not only in 
America, but throughout the civilized world. His 
skill and untiring efforts in that line bore abun- 
dant fruit, as his [jrivate collection of the eggs of 
North American birds, which he generously gave 
to the Milwaukee Public Museum, was one of the 
largest and most valuable in the United States, 
being valued at $10,000. The actual worth of 
such a collection, however, cannot be estimated 
in dollars and cents. A quotation from the pen 
of Capt. C. E. Bendire will give some idea of how 
Mr. Goss was esteemed among scientific men : "Like 
his younger brother. Col. N. S. Goss, who died a 
couple of years before him at Neosho Falls, Kan., 
March 10, 1891, he was an equally ardent student 
of nature and a valued correspondent of the la- 
mented Prof. Spencer F. Baird, contributing much 
new and valuable information to both our ornitho- 
logical and oological knowledge, and also many rare 
specimens to the Smithsonian Institute. Nearly all 
his leisure hours, especially in later years, were de- 
voted to the study of the nestling habits of our 
North American birds,and his name will always be a 
familiar and prominent one in any standard work 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



609 



on this subject. Few naturalists since the days of 
Audubon, Wilson and Nutlall,havc done more ac- 
curate Held work than Capl. B. F. (ioss, who in the 
course of his investigations visited many then 
rather out of the way and inaccessible portions of 
the great west and southwest in pursuit of his favor- 
ite studies, yiiortly after the termination of the 
Civil War he began making an oological collectioni 
which was one of tlie most complete, and at the 
time of his death contained not less than seven hun- 
dred and twenty-one North American species and 
sub-species, and which he donated in its entirety to 
the Public Museum in the city of Milwaukee." 

Politically Hon. B. F. Goss was a life-long ad- 
herent to the principles of the Democratic party. 
In an otlicial way his fellow-citizens delighted to 
do him honor. In his town he was elected Treas- 
urer, Chairman, and to other positions of minor 
importance. In 1892 he was again elected to 
the Assembly, receiving nineteen hundred and 
sixty-eight votes, four more tli.in the Republican 
opponent, O. L. Rosencranz. His public, as well 
as his private career, was aliove reproach, and no 
man more sincerely merited or more generally en- 
joyed the confidence of both political parties. So- 
cially Mr. Goss was an honored Mason, and ranked 
high ill the Odd Fellows' fraternit}-. He was a 
member of (ieorgc B. Townsend Post, (i. A. R., of 
Pewaukee, and in honor of him the post at Neosho 
Falls was named H. F. Goss Post. To the public 
schools he gave his earnest support, and of his 
means contributed liberally to the churches of all 
denominations in his vicinity. Mr. Goss was a 
diligent student and an extensive reader; his well 
selected library contains the best products of the 
human mind, both of a literary and scientilic na- 
ture; among the latter is a complete set of the val- 
uable works of Audubon. On the 6th of July, 1893, 
well ripened in years, Mr. Goss passed to "that 
bourne whence no traveler returns." In his life 
and labors he honored the county where he made 
his home for so many years. At his death he left 
his wife and a little adopted daughter. Pearl F. 
Goss, aged ten years, to mourn his loss. She is a 
bright little miss and her presence in the home 
makes the sorrow of the wife less poignant. Mrs. 
Goss resides in her beautiful home in Pewaukee. 



She is one of those grand Christian ladies that de- 
light to do good wherever an opptn-tunity pre- 
sents itself, thus making the world better and hap- 
pier for their having lived in it. 



IRA BEN.IAMIN ROWELL, an early settler 
and a prominent business man of Waukesha 
County, was born in Naples, Ontario County, 
N. Y., January 19, 18.'}3. His parents, Ira and 
Lucy Maria (Ford) Rowell, were also natives of 
the Empiie State. In early life his father learned 
the plow manufacturing business, and after work- 
ing for others for some time, established himself 
in the same line of work, which he carried on in a 
small way until liis emigration westward. Ilcalso 
owned and operated a small farm. From his home 
in Livingston County, whither he had moved, Mr. 
Rowell, accompanied by his family, started by 
team and wagon for Buffalo, N. Y., in company 
with half a dozen others. Having crossed Lake 
Erie, they continued the overland journey, com- 
ing by way of the villages of Chicago and Milwau- 
kee. At Wauwatosa Mr. Rowell left his family 
with a friend until he could locate a tract of land, 
as his purpose was to engage in agriculture. This 
was in 1842, which makes Mr. Rowell one of the 
pioneers of this section. In the town of Lisbon, 
near Lake Five, he purchased at the Government 
price one hundred and eighty-six acres of heavily 
timbered land. While a crude cabin was being 
erected, the Rowell family, consisting of parents 
and eight children, lived in their wagon. The 
first cabin gave way to a large hewed log house, 
which in turn was supplanted by a good frame 
residence. Their first home stood not more than 
two rods from the old Chicago and Winnebago In- 
dian trail. In their passage back and forth the 
redmen often stopped at Mr. Rowell's and some- 
times became an annoyance. .Mrs. Howell, a woman 
of undaunted courage, would with her broomstick 
drive the savages away. 

With the a,ssistancc of his sons, Mr. Howell de- 
veloped a good farm, on which he lived until late 
in life, when he moved to Hartford. There bis 



610 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RLCORD. 



wife died, and later he went to Menonionee Falls 
and spent Ins last days with his son George. 
Tliough not professing Christians, it would be 
hard to lind two better people than this pioneer 
couple. Politically, the husband was a strong 
Democrat until the rise of the Free Soil party, 
whose principles he heartily endorsed; later he be- 
came a stanch Republican. In the family of Mr. 
and Mrs. IJovvell were eleven children, three hav- 
ing been born after their arrival in this county, all 
of whom save one are living. The oldest, John 
K., is traveling salesman for I. B. Rowell & Co.; 
Lewis F. is a farmer of Lyon County, Minn.; E. 
Gilson is a horse breedei- of Hartford, Wis.; Ira B. 
comes next; Gilford D. is a partner in the Valley 
Iron Works at Appleton, Wis.; Mark M. resides at 
Grand Meadow, Minn.; A. Dwight is a partner in 
the Hartford Plow Works; Lucy Matilda wedded 
Michael Bush, and resides in Milwaukee; George 
W. belongs to the firm of I. B. Rowell &, Co.; 
Charles S. died when about five years old; and 
Horace V. is a dealei- in farm implements at Hart- 
ford. 

Ira B. Rowell was but a child of nine years when 
he became with his parents to Waukesha County. 
He had no chances for schooling, and what educa- 
tion he has was obtained by reading, observation 
and practical experience in the business world. At 
that early age he commenced to help in the work 
of clearing a farm by piling brush and in various 
other ways making lighter the labor of his father 
and older brothers. Like a dutiful son he gave 
his services to his father until twenty-one years of 
age. The father had established a shop for mak- 
ing i)lows some years after coming to this county, 
and in that the son familiarized himself with the 
business. 

In 1861 Mr. Rowell married Miss Eliza Osborn, 
and thereupon settled in Wauwatosa, where his 
wife died about eleven months later. Having lost 
his companion, he returned home, and in 1863 en- 
listed in a company called the Merton and I^isbon 
Invincibles, but as that company, as well as others, 
was not full it was necessary that they should be 
consolidated. This caused a surplus of oflicers, 
and notwithstanding the fact that the comi)any of 
Invincibles was much fuller than others, by skillful 



scheming its officers were dropped, and in conse- 
quence many of the boys refused to go. Had Mr 
Rowell been treated with any degree of justice, he 
would have been an oHicer in the volunteer serv- 
ice. The same 3'ear he went to California, b}' waj' 
of the Isthmus, and worked in a wagon shop at 
Mar^-sville. The following spring he continued 
his journey to Pioneer City, Idaho, in which 
place he was engaged in gold mining. From the 
gold dug with his own hands, he and his wife 
have souvenir rings. During seven months he 
never lost a day, in fact he gained a day by 
working over time. The gold which he received 
in payment for his services, he sent to Portland 
and traded for greenbacks, getting 12 for *1. 
In the year 18C.5 Mr. Rowell' returned by wagon, 
taking sixty-eight days to reach home, and with 
the exception of three nights he slept under no 
shelter of any description during the trip. On 
reaching the Black Hills, the United States sol- 
diers tried to prevent their coining farther for fear 
of massacre by the Indians, but the hardy miners, 
who had learned how to take care of themselves, 
had made up their minds to come home, and were 
not to be deterred even by uniformed men with 
glistening bayonets. 

On the 31st of .lanuaiy. 1866. the subject of 
this biography was again married, the lady of his 
choice being Miss Louisa Chipinan, a native of 
Merton Township, this counl3', and a daughter of 
John B. Chipman, one of the pioneers. For some 
two years after his marrige, Mr. Rowell operated 
the farm of his father-in-law. At that time Gil- 
ford D. Rowell, a brother of our subject, owned 
the shop established by his father south of Lake 
Five. With him became associated in business I. 
B. Rowell and A. D. Bradley. The shop was at 
once moved by teams to Menomonee Falls, where 
the citizens generously gave them a lot on which 
to place it. Some three years later the shop and 
contents burned, being practically an entire loss. 
Again the generosity of the citizens of that vil- 
lage manifested itself in helping to rebuild. About 
two years later I. B. Itowell and John Gray became 
sole' proprietors, the latter having acquired Brad- 
ley's interest previously. In 1880 the firm of I. B. 
Rowell 6i Co. was established, the members of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



611 



which are I. B. and G. W. Rowell, C. K. Schlafer 
and W. T. Camp. Tlicj' liavc a substantial factory 
and a lar<;e warcliousc in which they employ from 
liflcen to tvvent^'-five men in tiie manufaclurc of 
plows, cultivators, tedders and other farm imple- 
ments. For three years our subject was a jjartncr 
in the Menonionee Fails l^oller Mill Company. In 
addition to other interests, he owns seventy acres 
of land adjoining the village of Menomonec Falls. 
INIr. and Mrs. Rowell had a family of three chil- 
dren: Mable M., who became the wife of Myron 
Woldish, died December 3, 18'J3; Harry H. and 
Kdilli L. still malve their home with their parents. 
For nineteen years Mr. Rowell has been an hon- 
ored member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging 
to Lincoln Lodge No. 18.'5, of Menomonee Falls. 
His wife is an active worker in the Metliodist Epis- 
copal Church. Politically the former has been an 
uucomproniising Rc|(ulilican since casting his first 
Presidential vote for Fremont. Mr. Rowell is a 
genial, whole souled man, and has done a great 
deal toward advancing the business interests of 
Menomonee Falls. 

CTT. ALBAN'.S PARISH, Sussex, Wis. This 
<!-yj parish celebrated on the 2d and 3d of 
October, 18!)2, its fiftietli anniversary. In 
the year IH 11, Messrs. .lames and William Wea- 
ver, members of a settlement of English peo- 
ple in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha County, 
hearing that the missionaries, Hreck, Hobart and 
Adams were in the village of Prairieville, now 
Waukesha, sought them out and reipiested that 
they give them the services of the church. They 
did so, and for a time held service in the houses 
of James and William Weaver and Oeorge Elliot. 
October 1, 1842, Rev. Mr. Hobart walked from 
Prairieville to James Weaver's, and prepared the 
barn on his farm for use the next day, for the 
Bishop's first visitation. A table was placed at 
the south end of the barn door, to serve as an 
altar; rough planks formed the seats for the con- 
gregation; the choir was ))laccd in the hay mow. 
Bishop Kem|)er in his robes, Rev. Messrs. Adams 



and Hobart in surplices and Rev. Mr. Brack in his 
cassock, conducted the services. 

The exercises having Ijcen closed the men met 
and organized St. Alban's Parish, electing David 
Ilartson, Senior Warden; George Elliot, .luiuor 
Warden; James Weaver, William Weaver, Ed- 
mund Ihaiiiard and Ebulius (J. Ilartson, Vestry- 
men. Of these men, one only survives, viz.: 
William Weaver, Sr., who is now within a few 
days of ninety years old, yet walked down the 
old trail, across lots to the barn, for this Fiftieth 
Anniversary service. 

The meeting on the first day of this celebration 
was held at the church, but on Monday morning, 
service w.as held in the old barn which witnessed 
the organization of the parish. Fifteen persons 
of the congregation present in 1842 were present 
again in 1892, and some four or five others were 
present at the rectory grounds during the day. 
The congregation, as many of them as could be 
accommodated, were seated on planks as in 1842; 
the choir being seated on a large dry goods box, 
to the right of and behind the clergy present. 
Morning Prayer was begun by Rev. Dr. Wright, 
reading from the prayer book presented to the 
parish by the Nashotah brethren on Whitsunday, 
1844, when the little frame church was first 
opened, which book is con.sc(iuentl3' forty-eight 
years old. 

.St. Alban's Church has never looked prettier 
than it looked when the busy workers completed 
their labors on Saturd.ay night. A rude screen 
had been erected, consisting of five Gothic aiches, 
trimmed with wheat and oats in the straw, and 
garnished with ears of blight golden corn, bunches 
of grapes, and dahlia hlo.ssoms. Behind the altar 
and organ, and in the windows, was a magnificent 
array of potted plants and cut flowers, including a 
small orange tree with three ripe oranges on it, 
which stood before the lectern and served to give 
point to some of the Archdeacon's illustrations in 
his addresses. A former Sunday-school teacher 
and organist had with happy forethought prepared 
banners, bearing the dates 1842 and 181)2, which 
were hung conspicuously above the choir. Tall 
stalks of green corn and vegetables of various 
kinds were placed here and there to evidence the 



612 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



fact tliat we celebrate our Harvest Home in con- 
nection witli our Jubilee. 

'I'lie parish has given two of her sons to the 
sacred ministry, Rev. Leverett D. Braiiiaid, Rec- 
tor of St. John's Church, Glen wood, Iowa, and 
Rev. Colin Campbell Tate, Rector of the Church 
of the Holy Comn union, Maywood, 111. Another 
of her young men, Claude Greengo, is lay reader 
for the parish at the present time. The parish 
has built two churches and two rectories during 
the past fifty years. The present beautiful stone 
church was erected twenty-eight years ago, with- 
out the tower. Under Dr. Wright's rectorship 
fourteen years ago the substantial tower was 
added, and a sweet-toned bell purchased, which 
DOW calls the people to the services of the church. 
The place of tlie bell was supplied on the original 
frame church by a huge triangle, which still holds 
a place in the memoi ies of the older members of 
the parish. St. Alban's boasts a rectory which is 
the surprise of all visitors for its size and con- 
veniences. 

The property of the parish consists, besides the 
church, rectory, barn, etc., of four acres of ground, 
one-half of which is a (iod's acre, where lie the 
bodies of those who have gone before. The 
church stands in the center of the grounds, divid- 
ing the rectory grounds from the cemetery; and 
between the church and the rectory is a spacious 
lawn, and grove of evergreens making an ideal 
spot for parish picnics. Here the Jubilee dinner 
was eaten. The parish has a membership of nearl3' 
three hundred persons, and has one hundred 
actual communicants. 

At the above mentioned festival the following- 
poem was read: 



Fil'ty Years Ago. 



BY ADA R. W HAVER. 

A glorious time we've had to-day! 

'Tis our d.ay of Jubilee! 
When, as the hearty hand grasps hand 

Old faces dear we see. 
The forms once straight are bended now; 

Once rai)id steps are slow, 
And the voices tremlile as they speak 

Of "P'lfty Years Ago." 



Where has the time so swiftly sped ? 

It seems but a few short years 
Since we sailed from Merry England, 

With e3'es all dimmed by tears. 
But we look at the heads now whitened 

B3' many a winter's snow; 
And say, "Yes, we'ie the bo3's and girls 

Of Iift3' 3'ears ago." 

We think of long-loved faces, 

Now lost from our longing view; 
As we pause by the mounds in God's acre 

And old mem'ries sweet review, 
While in fancy we hear their voices 

As soft, and sweet, and low 
As we heard their loving accents 

Full fifty 3-ears .ago. 

The parish of St. Alban's now 

Is half a century old; 
And its past and present are dearer far 

Than the wealth of untold gold. 
'Tis a blessed heritage to us. 

This growth so sure, if slow. 
And we lovingl3' thank the pioneers 

Of "Fifty Years Ago." 



LEONARD MARTIN, deceased, was one of 
C^ the earliest and most prominent citizens of 
Vernon Township, and was widely known 
throughout this portion of the state. Born in 
Ferrisburg, Vt., on the 16th of April, 1814, his 
boyhood and youth were spent at school in his na- 
tive state, where he also learned the art of survey- 
ing. At the age of twenty-two years, accompanied 
by a friend, Mr. Martin started for the west; their 
trunks were loaded into a wagon that was drawn 
by an old horse which belonged to the friend, who 
in addition to his baggage carried some"Y''ankee" 
notions with which he intended to partially defr.ay 
his expenses, but so sensitive was he that he never 
offered a cent's worth of his goods for sale. Their 
horse was a verj' lazy animal and kept one of the 
boys busy whipping and urging him to go. Thus 
they continued some distance west of Albany, N. 
Y^., then boarded a canal boat for Buffalo, whipping 
the horse on to that place. On reaching Buffalo, 
they took passage on a steamer bound for Detroit, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



613 



Mich., where tlicy again loaded the wagon and 
started across the country for St. .Joseph, Mich., 
traveling fifteen or twenty miles per day. By the 
time they reached that place their horse was about 
tired out, but forlnnatcly there was a schooner in 
the bay bound for Cliicago, and putting the ani- 
mal on a ''lighter" they pushed out to the vessel and 
were taken on board. On reaching Chicago they 
had to push their horse overboard and let him 
swim ashore. Afraid to continue his journey to 
Milwaukee on the old boat bound for that village, 
and not wishing to entrust his surveying instru- 
ments aboard the vessel, he started on foot, carry- 
ing his outfit the entire distance. The only road 
that directed his footsteps was the Indian trail. 
To the surveyor, who w.as laying out streets in 
Milwaukee, he loaned his instruinonts, .and in rec- 
ognition of his kindness Mr. Martin was hired to 
assist in plowing and improving the streets. This 
was in the spring of 18.'^6. 

Securing work witii David Wells, .Ir., Mr. Mar- 
tin was empIo3'cd until fall in surveying and lay- 
ing out Walker's Addition. The land was covered 
with a dense growth of timber, and in order to 
cross the river they had to use a canoe, and when 
not engaged in surveying, Mr. Martin shoveled 
gravel. Coming to N'ernon Township he took a 
claim on the 19th of November, 1836, which ever 
afterward continued to be his home. However, 
that winter he was engaged in surveying, and for 
two inonths while platting Kewaunee, Wis., saw 
no one outside of the few who constituted his 
party. Returning to his claim in the spring of 
1837, he erected a log house, but during the sum- 
mer worked for Messrs. Wedge and Dewitt, who 
were building a saw mill, and while in their employ 
earned sufficient money to buy a team of oxen 
with which he began to improve his claim. He 
dug the first well in this part of the count3- and 
improved one of the earliest farms. The follow- 
ing winter he locked up his house and went to 
Milwaukee, where he did chores for Mr. Wells, in 
that waj' paying for his board. He chopped tim- 
ber, helping to cut that off the site now occupied 
by the I'lankinton Hotel of that city. Thus he 
struggled on with poverty, turning his hand to 
whatever promised to earn him an honest dollar. 



Tiling of his lonely life he decided to make a 
visit to his eastern home, and in November, 1839, 
boarded the steamer "Madison" on his way to Ver- 
mont. 

March 11, 1810, Mr. Martin was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Betsey F. Munson, who was born 
in Bristol, Addison County, Vt., on the 16th of 
December, 1815. Her father. Noble Munson, was 
a native of Mass-ichusetts, the date of his birth l)e- 
ing December 24, 1769. On reaching manhood he 
married .Miss Betsey Forman, whose birth occurred 
at Cove, L. I., November 7, 1775. their union be- 
ing solemnized on the 3d of December, 1797. For 
many years their home was in Bristol, a village 
founded by the husband, and there they both died, 
he on the 27tli of November, 1851. and she at the 
.ige of eighty-eight years, two months and nine 
days. They were worthy people and highly es- 
teemed in the community in which they lived, the 
husband, who had served in the War of 1812, be- 
ing widely known as Captain Munson. They 
lived to quite an advanced age, as did their chil- 
dren, with one exception. Their family consisted 
of two sons and four daughters, namely: Minerva, 
who was born August 29, 1798, became the wife 
of Ebenezer Saxton and died in February, 1878; 
Luman, who was born May 9, 1800, was a promi- 
inent man in the state of Vermont, where his death 
occurred on the 1 1th of October, 1877; Laura, who 
became the wife of (ieorge C. Deyfoot, of Oeorge- 
town, Ontario, Canada, was born May 9, 1803, and 
died on the 1st of August, 1880; .Samantha, born 
April 25, 1809, died October 1, 1821; Noble, Jr., 
born December 20, 1812, is living retired at Swan- 
ton, Vt., being now in his eighty -second year. He 
is the only other member of the family who came 
to make his home in Wisconsin, but because of ill 
health he returned to his native state. Mrs. Mar- 
tin, who was the youngest in her father's family, 
spent her girlhood in her native place, and was 
there married, she having met her husband prior to 
his emigration to Wisconsin. .Soon after marriage 
the young couple set out for the home prepared 
by the husband in the far away territory of Wis- 
consin. During his absence the cabin was further 
ornamented with a split bass-wood floor hewed out 
and put in place by his life-long friend Ijivarlette 



614 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Flllerson. Tliere tliey began llieir domestic life, 
and tliougli the days were full of work and care, 
spent some of the happiest years of their lives. A 
son and two daugiitors came to bless the home of 
Mr. and Mrs. Martin: Ann Eliza, born June 22, 
1842, is the widow of Everett Chamberlin, to 
whom she was married on the 10th of October, 
1866. He was a roan of rare attainments, a veter- 
an soldier and an honored citizen. At his death, 
whicli occurred February 19, 1875, he left a wife 
and three children, Mary Elizabeth, Julia Drake 
and Richard Everett, to mourn his loss, one son, 
the third in order of birth, Leonard Martin, hav- 
ing preceded him. Sarah Elizabeth, born May 25, 
1846, became the wife of Charles A. Pride, a law- 
yer of Milwaukee, April 10, 1878, being her wed- 
ding day. To this union a son, Leonard David, 
has been born. The only son in the family of Mr. 
and Mrs. Martin, Stoddard Munson, was born on 
tlie 12th of April, 1854. For a wife he chose Miss 
Emma, daughter of John Keyser, and a native of 
the city of New York, their nuptials being cele- 
brated on the 24lh of September, 1878. Of their 
three children, a son and two daughters, but one 
survives, Bessie Munson. S. M. Martin is one of 
the progressive men of his township and is a suc- 
cessful business man, being engaged in mercantile 
pursuits. 

Leonard Martin was one of the most prominent 
and honored citizens of his township, and as such 
has been called upon to occupy places of trust and 
public honor. Prior to the organization of Wau- 
kesha Couutj- he was four times elected Chairman 
of the town of Muskego to represent its interests 
in the Milwaukee County Hoard; was elected the 
first County Surveyor of Waukesha County, and 
during the first session of the Legislature was ap- 
pointed one of the Commissioners to appraise the 
school and university lands lying within the limits 
of Waukesha County. In 1847 he was elected to 
represent his district in the last session of the Ter- 
ritorial Legislature, which provided for the second 
Constitutional Convention. lie was County Com- 
missioner under the old regime, and was several 
times elected Chairman of the Board of Supervis- 
ors from the Republican town of Vernon, notwith- 
standing the fact that he was a Democrat of the 



Jacksonian type. During his life he was wont to 
say that his advocacy of those principles had lost 
him more offices than any other man in the whole 
countiy. Harnest and whole-souled, he did not 
liesitate to stand for what he deemed best and 
right though he stood alone. That he was always 
foremost in any and all measures promising to ad- 
vance the growth of his town and count}' there 
are many who will attest, and whatever position 
he was called upon to fill he gave his personal time 
and attention to its duties. On the 20th of March, 
1891, Mr. Martin was called from this life. His 
estimable wife, who still survives, resides in the 
old home, where she is surrounded by her children 
and grandchildren, who give to her their love and 
sincerest attention. 



r^ 



.^g^ll^^, 



T-^lll^i^' 



_Q 



^ 



AMUEL B. SMITH, who is numbered among 
the very earliest settlers of Vernon Town- 
ship, is a native of Andover, Windsor 
County, Vt., where his birth occurred September 
15, 1831. The progenitors of this branch of the 
Smith family in America emigrated to the Colo- 
nies in the sixteenth century. The parents of the 
gentleman whose name heads this article, Jesse and 
Sylvia (Burton) Smith, were among the honored 
])ioneers of this county, and are represented in the 
sketch of Warren H. Smith, though a few remin- 
iscences of their early life in Wisconsin are here 
given. Their first house, which was erected in 
1837, was built of logs and covered with "shakes" 
and provided with a puncheon floor. One door 
and two windows were the only openings, save 
the one in the roof through which the stove-pipe 
extended. This served as the home of these pio- 
neers for forty-five years, or until they built a 
frame house, which was a rare luxury in those 
days. The latter was consumed by fire in 1848, at 
which time Mrs. Smith was sick in bed with chills 
and fever. Under the excitement of the occasion 
she arose, carried her bed clothes out into the clear- 
ing and, strange to sa}', the chills left her never to 
return. She lived to the advanced age of seventy- 




ROBERT BROWN, Sr. 




i.rcKirriA hrown. 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAl'lUCAL liliCORD. 



619 



five years, wliile lier liuslmnd reaclicd tlie age of 
eighty-two. 

8. 15. Sniilli, !i,s lie is coniiiionly known, was a 
lad of six suiiiiiiers when lie liecaiiie a lesideiit of 
what is now Waukesha County. His opportunities 
for education were very meager, liul his thanccs 
for learning to pick up stones, hold the plow aixl 
swing the ax were abundant and well improved. 
Ills lirst teacher in Wisconsin was Miss Mary Cald- 
well, who held forth in one of the primitive log 
school-houses. Though deprived of good educa- 
tional advantages, Mr. Smith has become, by read- 
ing and contact with business men, an intelligent 
citizen. When twenty-four years of age he went 
to Minnesota and took up a claim of a quarter- 
section of Government land in Steele County, thus 
becoming a |)K)necr f>f that county. Having re- 
mained there some three years he disposed of his 
claim and returned to this county and purchased a 
large tract of land, of which he still owns four hun- 
dred and sixty .acres, and which constitutes one of 
the finest farms in ^'ernon Township. A comfort- 
able home was erected about 1**G6, which with 
good barns and other outbuildings adorns the 
place. 

On the 23d of .September, 185.5, Mr. Smith and 
Miss Frances M. Thomas were united in marriage. 
The bride was a native of .\ndover, Xt., horn Feb- 
ruary 6, 18.'3.'i, and is a daughter of .lohn ami Me- 
rial (.Spaiilding) Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. .Smith had 
three children: Eugene, born August It, IK.Ofi.died 
on the 23d of (Jetobor, 1H7G; Delbcrt K., who was 
born November 15, 1862, is a progressive farmer 
of A'ernon Township, having charge of his father's 
estate. For a companion he chose Miss Je.ssie, 
daughter of Alfred and Frances (Vanvalin) Van- 
arnam,a native of Racine County, born August (!, 
1870. The young coui)le also have three children, 
Dorris, Vanarnam and Eugene. Kate, the youngest 
chdd of Mr. .Smith, was born .Tunc fi, \Hiii. and 
married L. A. Davis, a well known business man of 
Big Bend. 

Politically Mr. Smith h.is been an advocate of 
the principles held by the Republican |)arty ever 
since its organization. He h.os never sought official 
distinction, as his private affairs have fully (X-cu- 
pied his time. For years he has been an ljouore<} 
20 



member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to 
Lafiiu LodgeXo. 217, of Mukwonago. Mrs. Smith 
is a member of the Universalist Church. 

I'^y OBERT BROWN, Sk., deceased, w.i.s for 
t~^ over fort3' years well known Uj the people 
of Waukesha County, lie was born in Suf- 
folkshirc, England, February 22, 1821, and died 
on the 20th of April, 1888. lie was brought up 
on a farm, and remained in his native land until 
his maturity. His education was very limited, as 
all he enjoyed was obtained outside of the walls of 
a school-room. Possessed of much natural ability, 
great persistency and energy, he was enabled to 
carve out for himself a most successful business 
career. On Christmas Day, in 1814, he wedded 
Miss Lucretia West, a native of .Somersetshire, 
England, who had received a moderate education. 
In the month of April of 18)5, the young couple 
bade farewell to home and kindred, and sailed 
over the sea to make for themselves and their chil- 
dren a home in the New World. The voyage was 
made from Liverpool to New York, and consumed 
some thirty-six days. From the latter port they 
came at once to Wisconsin, making the inland 
trip by W!»y of the Erie Canal and the (Jreat Lakes, 
landing at the old north pier in Milwaukee on 
the 8lh of .lune. Coming direct to Lisbon Town- 
ship, then a part of .Milwaukee County, .Mr. Brown 
bargained with a '-squatter" for sixty-seven acres 
of land on section 7, where his son W. W. Brown 
now resides, the specified price to be paid being 
$180. lie h.ad not a farthing to advance on this 
purch.'ise, and as he was direct from the Mother 
Country, was not acquainted with the Yankee 
ideas of business. That the "squatter" was a ras- 
cal was shown in t!ie contract made by the parties, 
which stipulated that In case Mr. Brown did not 
receive the money to pay for the claim on the ex- 
act day mentioned in the writings upon which the 
payment w.as to be made, the property and all the 
improvements thereon should revert to the former 
owner. As the system of postal service was very 
?Iqw »Dd uncertain in those early days, it became 



620 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



a vital question whether thej- could get a letter to 
En<flaii(I and the return in two months or not, for 
u)x)n this alone they must depend for securing the 
claim. However, good fortune favored Mr. Brown, 
and two days before the payment was due, the 
iDonej' was received to the consternation and dis- 
gust of the unscrupulous fellow who had the con- 
tract drawn up. 

When Mr. Hrown and his wife arrived in this 
county their possessions consisted of two watches, 
one of which thuy traded for a feather bed, and 
the other for a clock. Tiius it is seen that they 
began life in this new country under very unfa- 
vorable circumstances, but possessed of that per- 
sistency and determination so characteristic of 
tlieir countrymen, they were not to be discouraged. 
As the years passed, Mr. Brown became one of the 
most prosperous farmers of his town, and was 
known for his honesty and fair dealings. They 
began their domestic life here in a "squatter's" 
cabin, built with a slanting roof held in place by 
logs put on horizontally. Through the crevices 
in the roof the snow would sift, and often times 
on rising on a winter's morning, they would find 
floor and bed covered with two or three inches of 
snow. The chimney was built of sticks, stone and 
mud, while the earth was the only flooring with 
whicli it was furnished. In the course of time this 
rude structure was replaced by a more comfortable 
and substantial building. Wandering bands of 
Indians often passed their doorway, but thej' were 
always most friendly. For all purposes, whether 
farm labor or driving, ox-teams were used. 

In promoting the welfare of his community, Mr. 
Brown took an active part, and especially in ad- 
vancing the cause of education; being deprived of 
the privilege of attending school in his youth, he 
was determined that his children should receive far 
better advantages than were possible to him. He 
was one of the organizers of the first public school 
in his immediate vicinity and aided in construct- 
ing the first schoolhouse. For several terms Mr. 
Brown served as Supervisor of Lisbon Township, 
and besides held various other offices in the gift of 
his fellow-citizens. He and his wife were both 
members of the p4)iscopal Church of Sussex, to- 
ward the erection of which building he had given 



liberally. A kind and indulgent father, an es- 
teemed neighbor and friend, he died lamented by 
all who knew him. His life was well and worthily 
spent, and throughout his career he was blessed 
with abundant success. He began in this country 
without means, in fact he borrowed the money with 
which he made his first payment on land purchased 
here, but by his indomitable will and perseverance 
he surmounted all obstacles and became well off, 
at the time of his death owning four hundred and 
twenty-five acres of finely improved land, besides 
a beautiful home in Waukesha, where his two 
daughters reside. At their death Mr. and Mrs. 
Brown left to their son, Robert W., a number of 
family souvenirs, among which is a copper tea- 
kettle that was brought by them from England; 
another is a flowered sugar-bowl that they pur- 
chased in Lisbon Township in 1845, which is still 
doing service. 



^•{••5"}"!''5 



JAMES RODGERS. For over half a century 
has this honored old Scotchman been a resi- 
dent of Waukesha County. A native of 
Perthshire, Scotland, he was born in 1811, 
and was the eleventh in a family of twelve chil- 
dren, including seven boys and five girls, whose 
parents were Alexander and .Janet (Mcl^agan) 
Rodgers. Of this family but two are now living, 
Mr. Rodgers, who is the eldest, and Margaret, 
widow of Richard Craven, of the town of Lisbon, 
who is about eighty years old. The fatiier and 
mother were also natives of Perthshire, their 
births occurring respectively in 1765 and 1767. 
The former, who was a linen weaver by trade, 
received but a very limited education; his father 
dying when he was eleven years of .age, he was 
forced to begin life on his own responsibility 
early. A devout member of the Presbyterian 
Church, he died as he had lived, passing away in 
his native land in 1837. The mother's death oc- 
curred in America, whither she had come with her 
children after her husband's death, in 1848. 

Mr. Rodgers of this biography has been twice 
married. Previous to his emigration to this coun- 



PORTRAIT AND BlOftRAFHlCAL RECORIX 



621 



try he was united in marriage, July 12, 1H38. with 
Miss Margaret Imrie, also a native of Perthshire, 
Scotland, who died in 1857. There are no chil- 
dren living of this union. On the 17th of 
December, 1857, Mr. Hodgers wedded Mrs. Rlioda 
B. (Look) Botsford, who was born March 26, 
1H21, in Sniithlield, Madison County, N. Y. Mrs. 
Hodgers was a dauglitcr of .Joseph and Silence 
(Bond) Look, and was one of a family comprising 
four sons and four daughters, of whom but three 
are living at the present time, the other two being 
liudolphus, who is an agriculturist of Onondaga 
County, N. Y., and Miranda, the wife of Thomas 
O'Brien, a retired farmer of Tierce County, Wis. 
Father Look, who was born in Ashfield. Mass., in 
1785, died in 1874. He was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, that being liis life work. About 1815 he 
emigrated to the west, locating in Walworth 
County; from tiiere he went to .Jefferson County, 
thence to Waukesha County, where he lived until 
his death. 

Mrs. Rodgers was reared in her native state, 
where she acquired a good education, largely 
through her own efforts, as she earl}' formed the 
habit of devoting her spare moments to self-im- 
provement. On the 15th of ,lune, 1843, she be- 
came the wife of Sherman Botsford, and by this 
union became the mother of five children, all of 
whom are living as follows: James S., who has 
adopted the legal i)rofession as his life work, is a 
resident of Kansas City, Mo. He is a talented ora- 
tor, and is considered one of the able attorneys of 
the southwest. His education is largely the result 
of his own efforts. In politics he is a thorough 
Republican. For a companion he chose Mrs. .Sal lie 
(Warner) Nutter, a Kentucky lady. The second 
is Clarissa, who is the wife of Amos Allen, who 
superintends a ranch in North Dakota. She was 
a student in the Normal University, at Normal, 
III., after which she taught successfully in the 
public schools for a number of terms. She is the 
motlier of four children, a son and three daughters. 
Martha, the third, wedded David Muir, an exten- 
sive farmer and stock-raiser of Franklin County, 
Iowa. She was also educated in the university at 
Normal, III. Mrs. and Mrs. Muir have three sons 
and one daughter. Charles L. is the fourth in 



order of birth. He is an attorney-nt-law, k)catcd 
at Norman, Okla. His professional education was 
obtained in the Michigan University at Ann 
Arbor, being a graduate of the Law Department 
of that institution. He is also married and has 
four children. Pho-be J., the youngest, became 
the wife of J. 15. Wilcox, who is engaged in mer- 
cantile business in Scdalia, Mo. Mrs. Wilcox has 
been a teacher in the graded schools of Sedalia for 
many years. She was a student at Waukesha, at 
Normal University, and at Newark, 111. They 
have two sons. 

Mr. Botsford was a native f)f Madison Count}', 
N. Y., born in November, 1815, and died in the 
town of Lisbon, Waukesha County, Wis., on the 
3(lth of October, 1851. He w.is by occupation a 
farmer. In 1833 he emigrated to Wisconsin, and 
located wilii his mother in Lisbon Township, 
though Waukesha County was but little more than 
a wilderness at that early day and Lisbon Town- 
ship had no name. , His first home was a log cabin 
which his brother Lucius had constructed; it was 
covered with bark, had a puncheon floor, and a 
mud and stick chimney. The country was inhabi- 
ted by many Indians at that time. Mr. Botsford 
was a resident of Wisconsin ten 3'ears prior to its 
admission into the Union, and was closely identi- 
fied with the early growth and lii>t((ry of his 
town. Politically he was a Republican wlien that 
party was organized, but at first he was a strong 
Abolitionist, and was ever ready to lend a hand to 
the oppressed and down trodden slave. In relig-* 
ious faith he was a member of the Congregational 
Church. 

After the death of Mr. Botsford, Sirs. Rodgers 
continued her residence in the old home until her 
marriage with our subject, she having resided con- 
tinuously in Waukesha County for the period of 
fifty-one yeare. Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers are the 
parents of two children. Anna and John A. The 
former married John Rankin, a merchant of the 
village f>f Waukesha. She was educated in the 
common schools, in Carroll College, and in White 
Water Normal School, and was a successful teacher 
in the schools of this county, also in the state of 
Iowa. 

On the 12th of May, 1841, Mr. Rodgers sailed 



622 



PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPfflCAL RECORD. 



from Dundee, Scotland, on the good ship "Peru- 
vian," and after a voyage of seven weeks' dura- 
tion, landed in New York, July 4, 1841. In 
November of the same year he came to Wisconsin, 
which was then under a territorial form of govern- 
ment. The trip to the west w.as made by the lakes 
to Milwaukee, but as the vessel could not make a 
landing he was carried on to Chicago, at that time 
but a small and uninviting place, the greater part 
of the present populous city being prairie and 
marsh land. lie came on to Burlingtou, Racine 
County, by wagon with another man, and from 
that point to the town of Libson, AVaukesha 
County, he walked. Upon his arrival here Mr. 
Rodgers had only money enough to buj' an ax. 
He at once commenced work in order to earn 
enough with which to purchase the necessities of 
life. He made a claim of fifty acres of wild land 
on section 27, in the town of Lisbon, which was 
without a vestige of improvement. The first 
home he owned in the county was a balloon frame 
structure filled in with poles, while he himself 
built the chimney' of stones, sticks and mud. If 
his house was primitive it was not out of harmony 
with its surroundings and the houses of his neigh- 
bors. Indians would pass his doorway, while the 
woods abounded with deer and other wild game. 
His first grain was cut with the cradle and 
threshed with a flail, implements with which the 
early settlers were very familiar. After the 
threshing was over the ox team was hitched to 
the wagon, the grain loaded and hauled to the 
market at Milwaukee. Mrs. Rodgers remarked 
that she made her first two trips to Milwaukee by 
riding on a load of potatoes drawn by an ox team. 
At that time the beautiful Cream City was al- 
most an entire tamarack swamp, especially the 
western part where now stand the most substantial 
business lilocks. They have witnessed the wonder- 
ful dcvelopement of Waukesha County into one 
of the most beautiful and prosperous counties to 
be found in the state, or in many states. 

In politics our subject was a strong Abolitionist, 
but when the Republicau party came into being 
he espoused its principles, and has to the present 
time been a stanch adherent to its men and 
measures. His first Presidential vote was cast for 



the Abolition candidate, John P. Hale. Mr. and 

Mrs. Rodgers are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church in the town of Lisbon. They are 
living a retired life in their country home, situated 
within a few rods of tliat of their son, John A., 
and are passing their declining years in pe.ace and 
contentment. This record of their lives will be 
cherished by their children, when they who have 
given them so worthy an example of riglit living 
have passed to that bourne from whence no trav- 
eler returns. 

• ^P • 



<^T^ SA WILKIN.S, one of the early settlers and 
j — \ esteemed men of the town of Vernon, who 
has retired from active business life, is 
quietly spending his declining days on the old 
homestead on which he located almost a half-cen- 
tuiy ago. Mr. Wilkins is a native of Franklin 
County, Vt., his birth occurring on the 8th of JNIay, 
1815, and is a son of Asa and Mariam (Cooley) 
Wilkins, being the sixth in a family comprising 
five boys and five girls. The father was born in 
Windsor County, Vt., came to Wisconsin in 1847, 
and died at Black Earth, Dane County, at the age 
of eighty years and two months. The mother, 
who was a native of New Hampshire, also passed 
her last days in Dane County, dying there at the 
age of eighty-eight years. Of their family there 
is but one other survivor besides our subject, 
Robert, a retired farmer of Fairfax, Rankin Coun- 
ty, Vt., though all but one of their children grew 
to manhood and womanhood. Two daughters 
died in Wisconsin, Polly, who maj-ried Martin War- 
ren, and Lucina, who was the wife of a Mr. Mc- 
Nally. The former left two daughters, Ida and 
Helen. 

Asa Wilkins, whose name appears at the begin- 
ning of this biography, passed his boyhood and 
youth upon his father's farm in his native slate, 
and there laid the foundation of a successful busi- 
ness career. Duriug the winter months he at- 
tended the district schools, spending the remainder 
of his time until twenty years of age upon the 
farm. With a companion he then started out for 
Boston, carrying his bundle on his back. When 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



623 



be left home be bad $5 in bis pocket, and after 
traveling some six days secured work on a farm. 
Upon his arrival at tliat place lie had just one fifty- 
cent piece left, and here began his career on his 
own responsibility'. After remaining in the em- 
ploy of that farmer for nine months he re- 
turned to his home and began to work at the 
carpenter's trade, later doing work on his own ac- 
count. Vermont continued to be his home until 
1815, when, accompanied I)y his wife and eliildien, 
he emigrated to Wisconsin. Going to ISurlington, 
Vt., he took a steamer to White Hall, and after 
crossing l.,ake Chami)lain continued his journey by 
way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo, where he em- 
barked for Milwaukee on the old side-wheeler, 
"Phoenix," arriving in that city on the 28th of 
May, 18-15. From Milwaukee he went to the town 
of Vernon over the old Mukwonago road, reach- 
ing his destination at two o'clock in the morning. 
On his way out he stopped to make inquiries at 
the home of Orin Haselton, who directed him on 
his road. Soon after coming into the town of 
Vernon he purchased two hundred acres of land, 
lying on sections 15, 28 and 34. A few acres had 
been cleared and the first crop stood in all its 
splendor. It consisted of fourteen acres of winter 
wheat, a few acres more of corn and some potatoes. 
He has since extended the boundaries of his estate 
until it now embraces live hundred and sixty acres 
of valuable land, on which he h.as placed valuable 
improvements. His residence, which is a modern 
one, is surrounded by such barns and outbuild- 
ings as ma\' be found on a well inaimged and 
highly cultivated farm. 

In 1850, in a company of sixteen |)ersons, Mr. 
Wilkins started with ox teams nnd fifty head of 
slock to the Pacific Slope. A part of the outfit 
was iron to be used in constructing a sawmill, 
wiiich, however, they became tired of and sold in 
Iowa. The journey was commenced on the 12th 
of March, but on reaching the Missouri River, near 
St. .Joseph, they had to wait two weeks for the 
grass to grow sullicicntly to su.stain their slock. 
In the meantime thej' purchased supplies from the 
surrounding country, !is everything in market w.as 
very high priced. .lust six montlis to a day after 
starting on that long and wearisome trip tbej' 



reached Hangtown, near Placervillc, Cal. Many 
exciting incidents occurred on the way. While 
encamped on the North Platte River wolves that 
had come to a swamp to devour the carcasses of 
buffaloes that had mired down frightened a herd 
of those animals that were feeding near b^' and 
caused them to stampede. Helter-skelter, pell- 
mell came the buffaloes, followed by the wolves, 
past the camp where Mr. Wilkins and his com]>an- 
ioiis were resting. All their animals save one horse 
belonging to Mr. Wilkins joined in the general 
fright, and it was only after pursuing twelve 
miles that they were overtaken. Another rather 
serious though somewhat amusing incident hap- 
pened on the w.ay. One of the company, William 
Ead, went some seven miles ahead to look for a 
camping place, and during his absence swapped 
ponies 'vith an Indian, giving his shirts to boot. 
Ere long the same Indian met the companions of 
Mr. Ead, who supposed that the Indian had made 
way with him and seized his effects. Mr. Wilkins 
took the pony by the bridle and tried to explain 
to the redraan that it belonged to his companion, 
while the savage, who also held the bridle, tried to 
explain thai lie had traded for it. Neither being 
able to make the other understand the savage pro- 
posed to send an Indian and a white man after 
Ead. This, however, met with little favor, .as it 
was feared that another of the white company 
would be foully dealt with. The Indians then 
proposed to send one of their boys with two white 
men, which seemed so fair that it was acceded to 
and in due time Mr. Ead was brought to his com-' 
panions safe and sound but without a shirt to his 
biick. Soon after reaching his destination our sub- 
ject and two of his companions, with what money 
they possessed and ¥7(H) which they borrowed, 
paying ten per cent, a month for its use, bought 
goods at San Francisco and hauled them to George- 
town, where they disposed of them at a good profit. 
In fact they kept the money but thirleen days 
since they had money enough of their own, after 
making one trip, to carry on the business. Having 
made three such ventures .Mr. Wilkins turned his 
attention to mining, meeting with a fair degree of 
success. After an absence of about two years be 



624 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama and 
New York to his Wisconsin home. 

Mr. Wilkins was married on the •22d of Septem- 
tember, 1839, to Miss Racliei T. Taljor, who was 
born in Fairfax, Kianklin County, Vt., on tlie 17th 
of Februar}-, 181G. Siie was the second in a fam- 
ily of four sons and tiiree daughters wliose parents 
were Tiiomas and Sally (Peck) Tabor. Of Mr. 
Wilkins' brothers and sisters but tiirce survive. 
Preston and Permoit, retired farmers, and Susan- 
nah, widow of Simeon Wilcox, ail of whom reside 
at Fairfax, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins had five 
children. Oscar, liorn September 2, 1840, is an 
extensive ranchman of Alamosa, Colo. He has 
two daughters, Alice and Bertha. Albert, born 
April 1, 1842, died October 18. 1863. In Septem- 
ber, 1861, he enlisted in Vernon Township, be- 
coming a member of Company H, First Wisconsin 
Cavalry, and with his command went to the front. 
At the battle of Chickaraaiiga he suffered an in- 
jury from the effects of which he died at Steven- 
son, Ala. For meritorious conduct he had been 
promoted, and at the time of his deatli was serv- 
ing as Sergeant. The third child, Myron, born 
F'ebruary 15, 1844, is also in Alamosa. He has 
four children, Carrie, Asa, Orley and Harry. Lucina 
E., born February 2, 1848, became the wife of E. 
D. Jackson, a farmer of Vernon Township, on the 
2d of February, 1870. George A., born November 
9, 185.5, is engaged in agriculture in the town of 
Vernon. On the 31st of July, 1880, he wedded 
Miss Ella Saddler, who was born at Raymond, Ra- 
cine County, June 22, 1861. Mr. Wilkins has six 
grandchildren, Jean Albert, Inez Blanche, Mae 
Louise and Rachel Margaret Jackson; John Asa 
and Boyd Everett Wilkins, all of whom live near 
enough to visit him often and take great delight 
in doing for "grandpa." On the 15th of February, 
1894, Mr. Wilkins was called upon to mourn the 
loss of his wife, who had shared with him the pleas- 
ures and hardships of pioneer life. After a wedded 
life of over forty-five years he was left to finish 
the journey alone. Mrs. Wilkins was a devout 
member of the Free Will Baptist Church of the 
town of Vernon, and ever lived in harmoii\- with 
the jirofession she made. 

In politics Mr. Wilkins has always been a Re- 



publican. He warmly advocates the cause of tem- 
perance, and is opposed to the liquor traffic in 
every form. During the late war he served as 
Chairman of his town and did much to secure the 
splendid lecord made b^- Vernon Township, and 
of which she may justly be proud. He has also 
served as Assessor, Supervisor, and since the Re- 
bellion has been Chairman some four terms, dis- 
charging the duties devolving upon him with sat- 
isfaction to his constituents and with credit to 
himself. Since his settlement in Waukesha Coun- 
t3' in 1845 he has beeu closely identified with its 
growth and development, with the exception of 
the two years spent in the gold fields of California, 
and has ever been found ready to give his support 
and encouragement to every measure that is cal- 
culated to advance the interests of his town and 
county. 

' — ^mc^ — - 

<i"7^ SA CLARK, or as he was better known, 
/ — \ Deacon Clark, was without doubt the first 
settler within the limits of the village of 
Pewaukee. In 1836 became from Vermont to Mil- 
waukee, where he purchased an Indian pony on 
which he made a tour over this part of Wisconsin. 
Pleased with tlie country about Pewaukee Lake, he 
made a selection and returned to his home in Ver- 
mont. Ill the spring of 1837, he sent his son, T. 
L. Clark, to the land he had chosen, with instruc- 
tions to erect a cabin as near the mouth of the lake 
as possible. The orders were carried out, and thus 
was built the first house where afterward sprang 
up the village of Pewaukee. In 1839 Deacon 
Clark put up the first frame house there, though it 
was built for another ])arty. During the summer 
of 1837 he moved his family to their western home. 
In all affairs that pertained to the welfare of the 
community, the Deacon took an .active part. At 
the first town meeting he was chosen Moderator, 
and before its close was elected Side-.Supervisor. 
On his first visit to this county he had secured the 
land at the outlet of Pewaukee Lake, and in 1838 
he erected there a sawmill. Seven years later Mr. 
Clark completed a flouring-mill at the same site, 
which has been in successful operation since. To- 
ward building up the material, moral and Intel- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



625 



lectual welfare of his neighborhood he ever lent 
his intluenee and encouragement. In religious 
faith he was a strict Presb^'lerian. and liis manner 
of living was in complete accord with his profes- 
sion; in truth he left an example of a (!odly life 
that might be imitated with profit by his poster- 
ity. Both he and his wife lived to the advanced 
age of eighty-six. It would be diflicult to find a 
couple more sincerely' beloved than they, or one 
whose death was a greater loss to the community. 
Three children of this ])ioneer pair became idcn- 
tifii'd with the county, T. L.,. lames and A. M. The 
first resides in Neoslia Falls, Kan., and the second 
is deceased. The hist, like his father was inti- 
mately identified with the growth of the county. 
For a number of years he assisted his father in 
running the mill, and when the plank road was 
built he converted his home into a public house, 
often entertaining forty or fifty guests over night. 
The coming of the railroad rendered that business 
unprofitable, and he accordinjjly turned his ener- 
gies to farming. On the 2Gth of May, 1881, he 
passed from the toils of earth, at the age of sixty- 
three years, lie was twice married, and by each 
wife left a son and a daughter, all of whom are 
living. 



1(g). ...^iM_ _®) 



MRS. MARTHA B. WRKIHT. Since 1848 
the subject of this biography has been a 
resident of Waukesha County, perform- 
ing her part in its development. She is a native 
of the Kmpire State, born in Orange C'f>untv, Sep- 
tember 11, 1838, being the third in a family of 
eight children, comprising three sons and five 
daughters, born to William and Margaret (Porter) 
Turner. Seven of this family survive and are 
named as follows: Robert C. is a [irospcrous farmer 
of Mukwonago Township, Waukesha County; Sam- 
uel R. is a farmer of Spring Valley, Minn.; Mrs. 
Wright is tlie next in order of birth; .\nna L, is 
the wife of .John Hilton, a retired capitalist of 



Newburg, N. Y.; William S. is a farmer af Wau- 
kesha County; Margaret P. became the wife of 
Rev. M. A. Gault, a graduate of Monmouth Col- 
lege, Monmouth III., now pastor of the Reformed 
Presbyterian Church at Bloomington, Ind.; Mary 
E. wedded Matthew Mann, a farmer of Denison, 
Kan. 

William Turner was a native of Belfast, Ireland, 
where his birth occurred in October, 1800, while 
May 16, 1862, marks the date of his death. He 
w.as brought up in the Old Country, and there 
learned the trade of a shoemaker which he fol- 
lowed for a number of years. When ayoungman 
Mr. Turner emigrated to the United States, resid- 
ing for some time in the cit}' of New York, where 
he pursued his trade. Later he removed to Orange 
County, N. Y., and engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits. In 1848, with his family, he came to Wis- 
consin, locating in Waukesha County, where the 
remainder of his life was passed. On his arrival 
in this county, Mr. Turner purchased eighty acres 
of improved land in the town of Waukesha, of 
which he made a valuable farm. Politically he 
was a Republican, and in religious faith was a Re- 
formed Presbyterian. His wife was born in 1814, in 
the city of New York, and still survives, her home 
being with her daughter, Mrs. Wright. In church 
work Mrs. Turner was identified with her husband, 
as well as in all other interests. 

Mrs. Wright was educated in the public schools, 
and was for a number of terms a teacher in the 
schools of Waukesha County*. She was a maidea 
of nine years when she came with her parents to 
Wisconsin, and has therefore witnessed the won- 
derful change that has been made since the terri- 
tory donned the robes of statehood. From a wilder- 
ness this county has grown to be one of the most 
beautiful in the state, occupying a leading place 
among its sister counties. At that early day Mil- 
waukee was hut a small city, indeed hardly aspir- 
ing to such distinction; there were no railroads in 
the state, all the traveling being done by team and 
wagon. The first railroad was surveyed in 1849, 
and the first train was run from Milwaukee to 
Waukesha in February of 1851. There were many 
Indians roaming through the country, and deer and 
other wild animals were common. .She very dis- 



626 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



tinctly remembers many incidents connected with 
pioneer life. 

On the 23d of June, 1875, occurred the mar- 
riage of William L. Wright and Martha H.Turner. 
Mr. Wright was a native of Ireland, horn August 
27, 1817, in County Antrim, and died in Wau- 
kesha County, Wis., on the 23d of October, 1890. 
His parents, James and Jane (Logan) Wright, who 
were of Scotch descent, came with their family to 
America in 1839, locating in Gcneseo, N. Y., where 
they resided until 1845, when they removed to 
Wisconsin. The father purchased one hundred 
and sixty acres of land in Waukesha Township, 
upon which he erected a large frame house. In 
this cabin was held the Brst meeting of the Cove- 
nanters that convened anj'where in this section, 
Mr. Wright being actively identified with that 
branch of the church. The last years of his life 
were spent here, his death occurring July 22, 1850. 
William L. Wright was a man of mature years 
when he came to this country. He lived for some 
time in the state of New York, but from 1845 until 
the time of his deatli was a resident of Wisconsin. 
In the early days he was employed as a barn 
builder, but his chief occupation was that of a 
farmer. His last purchase of real estate was the 
present beautiful homestead of two hundred and 
fort3' acres, upon which his wife resides. In poli- 
tics he was a Republican and took a lively interest 
in the triumphs of that party. His loss was deeply 
felt b}' the community. To show the regard in 
which he was held we quote from the Freenian: 
" On Fridaj' last occurred the death of one of the 
early settlers of this town, a man who enjoyed the 
highest esteem of neighbors and friends. Mi-. W. L. 
Wright was a liberal citizen, and contributed freelj' 
to churches and scliools. especially to those of the 
Presbyterian di'nomiii.Ttion. He was the chief sup- 
port of the Refoniu'd Presbyterian Cliuroli, which 
is located near liis home." In his home, as else- 
where, Mr. Wright was kind and genial, in all bus- 
iness transactions upright and honorable. Believ- 
ing that the Constitution of the United States en- 
dorsed slavery u|i to IHCG, and that it contains no 
recognition of God or Christianity, he never swore 
allegiance to it, and was in conse<nience an alien. 
His last resting place is marked by a beautiful 



monument in the cemetery in Vernon Township, 
near the Reformed Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wright had three children, onesou 
and two daughters, two of whom are living: Will- 
iam James, born August21, 1879; and Anna Mary, 
born May 14, 1884. The eldest, Margaret Jane, 
born July 16, 1877, died November 27, 1891. She 
was the light of the household and the joy of her 
mother's heart. She was a bright little girl in her 
scholastic work and gave promise of more than 
ordinary talent in painting and music. The ab- 
sence of her sweet, sunny life from the home has 
left a void that can never be filled, and a heartache 
that cannot-be understood, save b3' those who have 
experienced a like loss. 

Mrs. Wright superintends individually her es- 
tate, which shows evidence of a careful, thrifty 
management. She is a lady of pleasingand cordial 
address, whose hospitable home is ever oi)en to her 
friends. A representative of one of the early fam- 
ilies, Mrs. Wright is in every way worthy of men- 
tion among the prominent and leading citizens of 
Waukesha County, and by her children a skeuth 
of her life will be treasured and held sacred after 
she has passed to the spirit world. 






eHARLES M. CRANE, D. V. S., is well 
known as a veterinary surgeon through- 
out AVaukesha County, which litis been 
his home since his birth in Pewaukee Township, 
October 1, 1859. His father, Dr. Lemuel H. Crane, 
who was also a veterinaiy surgeon, was born De- 
cember 3, 1833, in Warrensville, Ohio, and in 1844 
came with his parents, Rev. Hiram B. and Jane A. 
Crane, to this county. The trip was made by 
team, by way of Chicago. Rev. Mr. Crane was a 
farmer and a pioneer Methodist preacher. He is 
well remembered by the early settlers here f(jr his 
piety and exemplary life. In the town of Pewau- 
kee he was deprived, by death, of his wife. His 
death occurred while on a visit with his sister in 
Ohio, having reached the age of eighty-three 
3' ears. 

Dr. L. B. Crane in early life acquired education 
suHicient to enable him to teach school, which call- 




H. L. CULVER. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHTCAL RECORD. 



629 



ing he followed for a short time. Being a great 
admirer of tlie noble steed, and possessing a natu- 
ral talent for discovering and treating its intirmi- 
ties. Dr. Crane turned his attention to veterinary 
surgery, which he practiced successfully for about 
thirty years. Though not a graduate of any j)ro- 
fessional school, he acquired by reading and ex- 
perience a fund of knowledge more valuable than 
any school could give. He had an extensive ac- 
(luainliince throughout the county, and was rec- 
ognized as the leading man in his profession. 

His marriage to Miss Katie Stahl was celebrated 
in Waukesha April 2, 1857. Mrs. Crane was born 
January 29, 1«40, in Meintz, Hesse-Darmstadt, 
Germany, and when three years of age accompan- 
ied her parents, Philip and Catharine (Zaeder) 
Stahl, to this country, and settled in the town of 
New Berlin, Waukesha County, where her mother 
died. Her father spent his last days in Milwau- 
kee. To Dr. Crane and his wife were born five 
children, one son and four daughters. On the 21st 
of April, 1889, the father of this family passed 
from among the living; his widow still survives 
and makes her home in Waukesha. 

Dr. C. M. Crane, as he is generally known, spent 
his earl}' life at farm labor and in obtaining an 
education in the district schools. In boyhood he 
began to take an interest in his father's profession, 
and would accompany him on his visits to see pa- 
tients. At the age of seventeen he commenced to 
make calls, diagnose casesand prescribe on his own 
responsibility. His father had given him quite 
a thorough training and ever continued to be his 
adviser. In 1873 the family removed fr<un Pe- 
waukee to New Berlin Township, and in 1885 lo- 
cated in the village of Waukesha. Wishing to 
prepare himself more thoroughly for the |>ractice 
of his chosen profession. Dr. C. M. Crane pursued 
a complete course in the Chicago Veterinary Col- 
lege, entering in 1891, and graduating in March, 
1893, with the degree of I). V. S., in a class of 
eighty-three. Thereupt)n he returned to Waukesha, 
and ha.s since continued to devote himself entirely 
to his profession. 

Dr. Crane married Miss Km ma Bergeler, a na- 
tive of Waukesha, and a daughter of Charles C. 
Bergeler, deceased, an early settler of that place. 



The marriage was celebrated November 26, 1890. 
Like his father and grandfather. Dr. Crane is a re- 
liable Democrat. For two terms he has served .as 
Constable of Waukesha, and is now serving Ins 
first term as a member of the County Board of .Su- 
pervisors. In the line of his profession, he is an 
honorary member of the Chicago \'eterinary Asso- 
ciation. He is abright, energetic young man, and 
to whatever he gives his attention brings all his 
infiuence and powers to bear; as a result he seldom 
fails in an undertaking. 



^^H^ 



[=_ 



HKNRY L. CULVER, the leading general 
merchant of Pewaukee, is a native of 
Farmington, Warren County, Pa., born 
.luly 8, 1853. His parents, Simeon G. and Almira 
(Chandler) Culver, were natives res| ectively of 
Pennsylv.ania and New York. The latter is a 
relative of the noted statesman, "Zac" Chandlei. 

In 1861 .Simeon G. Culver enlisted as a defen- 
der of the I'nion cause, but after serving a time 
w.as discharged on account of sickness. About 
1864 he removed to Dodge County, Wis., and 
again entered the service of his country .is a 
blacksmith. When the war was over he returned to 
Dodge County, and after pursuing his trade there 
for a number of years removed to Pewaukee, 
where he spent his l.ist da^vs, dying in 1871. His 
widowstill survives, making her home in Pennsyl- 
vania. » 

Henry L. Culver is the only child born to this 
worthy couple. He was about eleven years of 
age when the family located in Dodge County, 
hence his education and business skill have been 
acquired in Wisconsin, entitling him to be called 
almost a product of this state. Until eighteen 
years of age he remained under the parcnUil roof, 
receiving good training in the common schools. 
At that time he began to do for himself, entering 
the store of Hon. B. F. Goss, of Pewaukee, as sales- 
man in 1872. For nineteen yeare he continued to 
be the trusted employe of that gentleman, and 
during much of the time had entire management 
of the business. In IH'.M .Mr. Culver purchased 



630 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the store of Mr. Goss and still conducts it suc- 
cessfully. The room in which he commenced as 
clerk forms a part of his present storehouse. 

In Chautauqua County, N. Y., was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Culver and Miss Cora A. 
Cowles, a native of that pl.ice. the event occurring 
September 15, 1878. Of this union has been born 
one child, Claude L. Mrs. Culver is an active 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
is an active, energetic man, who by careful atten- 
tion to every detail of liis business has arisen from 
a clerkship, at a very moderate salary, to the 
ownership of the largest store in Towaukee. 



JACOB HENRY .JOHN.SON, a proprietor of 
innrble works at Waukesha, is a native of 
Wisconsin, born at Waupun November 18, 
1850, and is a son of Ephraim and Sarah 
^Ward) .lohnsoii. His parents were natives of 
Nortlianiplonshire, England. t)oth having emi- 
grated to the I'nited States in early life and set- 
tled in New York, wiiere their marriage was cele- 
brated. Early in the '40s they came to Milwaukee, 
thence to Waukesha, where they remained one 
year, going at the end of that time to Watertown, 
Walworth County. About 1848 they removed to 
Waupun. Hy occupation Ephraim .lohnson was a 
mason, having learned that trade in the Old Coun- 
try, and after coming to the I'nited States he also 
engaged in contracting. In the cit.\ of Waupun. 
Fond du Lac County, he did iiuk-Ii of the mason 
work. In 1867, he removed to Mattoon, III., and 
one year later, 18G8 to Andrew County, Mo., 
where he engaged in agi icultiiinl pursuits, and 
where he still lives, having reached an advanced 
age. His wife, while on a visit to her son, J. II.. 
died in Waukesha in May, I80O. Hotli husband 
and wife were consistent members of the Presb}'- 
teriaii Church, and in politics the former has been 
a Republican since the rise of that part}'. In their 
family there were eight children, seven of whom 
survive. 

The gentleman whose name heads this biography 
was the second in order of birth in his father's 



family. His education was acquired in the public 
schools of Waupun and of Mattoon, III. Under 
his father's instructions he learned the mason's 
trade, which he followed until 1891. In 1873 Mr. 
•Johnson moved to Milwaukee, where he was em- 
ployed as foreman some seven years for Dunn 
Bros. In 1885 he came to Waukesha and engaged 
in contracting until 1890, when with a partner he 
bought the marble business of .1. B. Muir. The 
following year he purchased his partner's interest 
and has since conducted the business alone. He 
carries a full stock of m.arbles and makes up any- 
thing desired from designs. 

In Empire Prairie, Mo., Mr. Johnson was married 
November 28, 1872, to Miss Edna Wildish, a na- 
tive of Waukesha County, who was on a visit to 
that place at the time of her marriage. Mrs. John- 
son is a daughter of Charles and Harriet (Greengo) 
Wildish, who are natives of England, and early 
settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson 
have five children, Carrie M., Minnie, Maud, Frank 
and Ethel. He and the oldest three children are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
in politics he is a Republican. 

Mr. Johnson is an enterprising business man, 
who through faith in the permanent growth of 
Waukesha li,-,s been led to make judicious invest- 
ments in real estate, which has made him one of 
the well-to-do citizens. 



%^ 



=^» 



JACOB HILL, of the town of Summit, w.as 
born in Cheshire, England, July 19, 1836. 
His father was William Hill, and his mother 
l)ore the maiden name of Rachel Bradley. In 
August, 1842, the family emigrated to the United 
States, and settled on section 1 7, in the town of 
Mukwonago, Waukesha County. The father died 
there in January, 1871, wljile the mother survived 
till April, 1890. They were the parents of seven 
children, of whom two sons and four daughters 
are living. One son died in infancy. 

J.icob Hill made his home at the homestead un- 
til 1804, at which time he settled where he now 
lives, on section 28, Summit Township. He was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



631 



married on the 27th of Januar>', 1864, to Miss 
Louise A. Weseraai), daugiitt'r of Henry and Cath- 
erine Weseman. Tliej' were natives of (icrmany, 
and came to lliis country before liielr marriage 
wliicli was solemnized in the city of New York, 
June 11, 1836. Tiiey continued to live in New 
York for six years after their marriage; in 1842 
coming to Summit Township, tiiey settled on the 
farm wliere Mr. Hill now resides. The fatiier died 
on tlie 8th of November, 1848, at tiie age of forty- 
two years, his death resulting from an accident. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wescman were the parents of five 
children, four sons and one daughter. Henry is a 
resident of Austin, Minn.; William lives in Cali- 
fornia; Rudolph is also in Austin, Minn.; Mrs. 
Hill is the next in order of birth; and Kdmund 
resides in Verndale, Minn. The three eldest were 
born in New York City, and the youngest two on 
the home farm in the town of Summit. Mrs. Wese- 
man, whose birth occurred .lune 13, 1807, lives 
with her daughter. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hill have live children, namely: 
Frank E., Orlin W., .lessie K., Cilenn H., and Fan- 
nie R. The family are numbered among the 
highly respected and esteemed citizens of Summit 
Township. 



^#(^ 



MOSES CLEMENS, who resides on section 
4, in the town of Oconomowoc, is one of 
the pioneers of Waukesha County, the 
year of his coming having been 1844. He was 
born in the town of Charlton, Worcester County, 
Slass., October 13, 1815. His father, Simeon Clem- 
ens, was a native of the same township. The fam- 
ily is of English origin, but for man3' generations 
residents of the Bay State. The maiden name of 
Mr. Clemens' mother was Clarissa Clemens; though 
of the same name as her husband, she was of no 
known kindred. In the spring of 183l>, .Simeon 
Clemens removed to western New York. The fam- 
ily all went at that time except Moses, who followed 
in the fall of the same 3'ear. In the fall of 1844, 
the family starte<l for the territory of Wisconsin. 
They left Buffalo on the steamer " Illinois," com- 



manded by Captain Blake,and landed at Milwaukee 
on the 9th of November. They broiigiit with them 
three teams and wagons; in fact, they expected to 
come all the way to Wisconsin by team, but al- 
though so early in the season, a severe snowstorm 
came on, and induced them to take a steamer at 
Buffalo. On arriving in Milwaukee they at once 
started westward with their teams and wagons, go- 
ing directl3- to the town of Oconomowoc. The 
father bought eighty acres on section 4, where he 
and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. 
The latter died in 1848, after which the former 
was again married. His death occurred in .Sep- 
tember, 1872. 

Moses Clemens w.os the eldest of three sons; .Si- 
las, the second, died at his home in Kansas, Decem- 
ber 23, 1891. He lived in Oconomowoc until the 
spring of 1878, when he sold his farm and removed 
to Kansas. .Simeon B., the youngest of the broth- 
ers, owns and occupies the homestead of his father. 
Luther, the only child of the seci>nd marriage of 
the father, also lives at the old home. 

Our subject and his brother Sila.s, in company, 
bought in 1846 eighty acres of land on section 4, 
in the town of Oconomowoc, and later in the same 
year purchased one hundred and twenty acres 
more, making a total of two hundred acres. In 
18G.5 they purchased twenty acres of woodland. 
In the spring of 1878, Daniel .S. Clemens, the only 
son of Moses Clemens, bought his uncle's interest 
in the farm, and father and son have since owned 
the property in company. 

On the 25th of November 1839, Moses Clemens 
was married to Miss Mary Ann McFarland, who 
was born in the tow'ii of Thompson, Conn., July 
14, 1818. Mr. Clemens was bereft of his wife by 
death, February 18, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Clemens 
became the parents of four children, two sons and 
two daughters. The eldest, Almina P., grew to 
womanhood, and married .Joseph Heathcote. Her 
death occurred September 27, 1878 Daniel S., the 
only survivor of the four children, was born on 
the 30lh of May, 1846. He was married on the 
29th of December, 1875, to Miss Jane Woodard, 
and to this union have been born two sons and 
six daughters. Archib.ald, the second son of .Mr. 
Clemens, was born June 18, 1850, and died on the 



632 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



30tli of October, 1853. Tlie youngest was Eliza- 
beth A., whose birth occurred .January 10, 1855, 
and her death October 30, 1873. 

Moses Clemens, as has been seen, is one of the 
earliest of the pioneers of the town of Oconomo- 
woc. For fifty years he lias been a resident of that 
township, and been identified wltii its growth and 
development. Honorable and upright in all the 
walks of life, lie has tiie esteem and respect of all 
who know him. 



> 



nn 
'%i<^ii 



0HARLES F. STEELE, a prominent citizen 
of the town of Pewaukee, first became a 
resident of tiiis count}' in 1852. He was 
born in Prussia, Germany, on the 11th of Septem- 
ber, 1847, and was the second in a family of five 
children, four sons and one daughter, of whom 
only two are living: William, a prosperous farmer 
of Pewaukee Township, and the gentleman whose 
name heads this article. Ilis parents, John and 
Mary E. (Harlos) Steele, were natives of Prussia, 
where they were reared and where their marriage 
took place. In 1852 they with their three eliil- 
dren emigrated to America, sailing from Antwerp, 
Belgium, for New York. The voyage across the 
Atlantic was a perilous one. The ship encoun- 
tered many storms, in some of which she was so 
badly damaged that the passengers quite despaired 
of ever seeing land again. However, after forty- 
two days on the water, anchor was dropped in the 
American port, all on board returning thanks for 
their safe deliverance. Upon their arrival in this 
country- tiiey had but little capital, but with strong 
hearts and stronger wills began liie making of a 
home for themselves and tlieir children. Coming 
direct to Wisconsin, tlie trip being made by rail 
and the Great Lakes, they located first in the town 
of Berlin, where for one year Mr. Steele rented 
land. At the expiration of that time he came to 
Waukesha Township and tiierc remained until his 
death. He was a man known and revered fur his 
honorable and upright life, ilis wife, who sur- 
vived him a number of years, died December 16,. 



1893, her remains being interred in Prairie Home 
Cemetery. For some time her iiome had been in 
the village of Waukesha. 

At the time of his coming to Wisconsin Mr. 
Steele, of this sketch, was but five years of age. 
His education was largely acquired in the district 
schools, and has been broadened by careful read- 
ing and observation. Until the age of fifteen 
years his life was spent upon the farm. At this 
time the countiy was in great jieril and to the call 
of President Lincoln for one-huudred-day men 
Mr. Steele, young as he was, responded. Enlist- 
ing in May, IHOl, he became a member of Com- 
pany B, Thirty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry, under 
Colonel Butterick,of Milwaukee, Camp Washburn, 
in that city, being their place of rendezvous. His 
regiment was sent to Memphis, Tenn., and there 
assigned to the Arraj' of the Tennessee. The reg- 
iment's camp was some three miles south of Mem- 
phis, and while here joung Steele did picket and 
guard duty. The time that the Rebel General 
Forrest with his bushwhackers rushed upon the 
federal forces at this point, the skirmishing lasted 
all day, the Union boys being exposed to many 
dangers. At the expiration of his term of enlist- 
ment Mr. Steele was honorably discharged, the 
date of that event being September 11, 1865, after 
which he returned to his home, walking from 
Camp Washburn to Waukesha. 

In 1864 he went to the upper peninsula of 
Michig.an, near Escanaba, where he engaged in the 
lumber bu.siness, remaining there eleven years. 
When he started he had just money enough to 
take him there. Beginning as a laborer, by close 
attention to business, he was rapidly promoted. 
Industrious and careful, he saved his earnings and 
upon his return to this county brought home with 
him |i4,000 of hard earned money. He soon en- 
gaged in the hardware business with Franklin I). 
Clark, but one year later disposed of his interest 
to his partner and accepted a position at the In- 
dustrial School in Waukesha. He was at first Su- 
perintendent of the farming interests, entering 
upon the duties of the ollice March 1, 1876, and 
leaving the institution on the 15tli of September, 
1878, after a service extending over two years and 
eight months. While connected with tliis institu- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



6S3 



tion lie was associated with W. H. Sleep, its able 
Siiperintendenl and Manager. 

About this time Mr. .Steele wedded Miss Amelia 
liickei't, their marriage occurring on the 18lh of 
.September, 1878. Mr.s. Steele was a native of 
Waukesha County, her birth having occurred Au- 
gust 2i), 18.t2. Of this union three children were 
born, Ilattie A., Charles W. and Katie E. The 
former has received her diploma from the town- 
ship school, and it is her father's intention to 
place her in the Union School of Waukesha, where 
she may continue her .studies. .She has also re- 
ceived musical training. The mother of this fam- 
ily passed from among the living February 28, 
18!I1. 

Mr. .Steele was married May 27, 1892, to Miss 
Kalherine Bickert, a sister of his first wife. Mrs. 
Steele was born on the 12lh of December, ISSS, 
and W.1S educated in both the P^nglish and the Cer- 
man language. Iler parents, Louis and Catherine 
(Eilei) Bickert. are yet living, their home being in 
the village of Waukesha. In their family there 
were eight children, one son and seven daughters, 
seven of whom survive. 

In 1878 Mr. Steele purch.ised his present he.nu- 
tiful farm of one hundred and twenty acres, wliich 
was known as the Klickman estate, and after- 
ward added five acres. The larger part of this 
farm is tillable and all the surroundings indicate 
the careful and thrifty manager. .Since buying this 
property he has been engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits, has erected large barns and built an addition 
to the house, in fact has made nearly all the per- 
manent improvements. The farm is nicely situ- 
ated and as it is watered by springs is in every 
way desirable. From his home it is four miles 
to Waukesha, sixteen to Milwaukee, and half a 
mile to the junction of the Chicago, .Milwaukee 
A St. Paul and the Wisconsin Central Railroads. 

Politically our subject is a Democrat, tliough 
not in any sense a partisan, preferring to sujuwrt 
the man rather than the party, lie has been hon- 
ored by his party by election tf> the ollice of Side- 
Supervisor for two yeai-s in the town of Pewaukee, 
and as Chairman of the Town Board for two year. 
Mr. Steele has the honor of l)eing one of the build- 
ing committee elected January 6, 1893, its object 



being to arrange for the erection of a new court 
house. So successfully- did the committee do its 
work that Waukesha County can boast one of the 
most beautiful and artistic count}' court houses in 
the state. The building was dedicated March 29, 
1894, with suitable and elaborate exercises. The 
cost of the structure up to the date of April 4, 
1894, had been $69,136. It is safe to say there is 
probably not another piece of work in the state 
that is its equal in bcaut^' of design, etc., that has 
been erected upon such an economical plan. The 
building committee was composed of the follow- 
ing well known gentleman: L. M. Snyder, Chair- 
man, Waukesha; Andrew McCormack, Oconomo- 
woc; John A. Rodgers, Lisbon; Ted Jones, Ottawa; 
and C. F. .Steele, Pewaukee. The woi'k of this 
body f(f men was done with credit to themselves 
and to the county. Mr. Steele has served as Clerk 
of the School Board for three years and has been 
Road Commissioner for the long term of ten years 
and is the present incumbent. He and his wife 
are in sympathy with all religious an<! moral 
teachings and have given liberally toward the 
erection of the German Reformed Church of Wau- 
kesha. 



-i^"''^ 

'■^l:^* 



S^^ 



Ioll N CHENEY, 
praise is the gen tit 
this article. Since : 



Deserving of unstinted 
leiuan whose name heads 
1840 he has resided con- 
tinuously in the town of New Berlin, Wau- 
kesha County. Born in St. Johnsbury, Caledonia 
County, Vt., April 9, 1807, he was reared and edu- 
cated under the loving guardianship of his parents, 
Rufus and Prudy (Piper) Cheney, who were among 
the first settlers of New Berlin Township, and who 
established the first Free Will Baptist Church in 
Wisconsin. 

Rufus Cheney was a native of Antrim, Hillsbor- 
ough Ccninty, N. II., born M»y 4, 1780. His par- 
ents being very [loor they could nt)t give him 
any but the most meager educational advantages. 
His wife was a native of Wiuchenden, Mass., where 
her birth occurred January 18, 178o. Their mar- 



634 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



riage was celebrated on the 12th of January, 1804, 
and to them were born nine children, as follows: 
Sally became the wife of Ira llalstead, a farmer of 
Scioto County, Ohio: John is the subject of this 
sketch; Roswell is a minister of the Close Com- 
munion Baptist Church at Columbus, Ohio; Rox- 
ana died, at the age of fourteen years, in Attica, 
Wyoming County, M. Y.; Harry 15. is a resident of 
Racine County; Rufus and Henjauiin are deceased; 
David 1). resides at Sparta, Wis.; Marcus K., the 
youngest, died on the old homestead on section 32» 
in the town of New Berlin. 

In 1814 the parents of this family moved to 
Alexandria, N. Y., where the father preached the 
Oospel for three years. From that village he 
went to Scioto County, Ohio, where he remained 
in charge of a church for seven years, going thence 
to Medina County of the same state. While here 
he received and accepted a call to assume charge 
of a church at Attica, Wyoming County, N. Y., his 
last official call being to serve in Krie County, Pa., 
from which place he decided to emigrate to the ter- 
ritory of Wisconsin, his object being to do mission- 
ary work. Subsequently he went to Buffalo, where 
he tc)ok passage for Milwaukee, biiiiging his horse 
niid all his hou>eliold effects with iiim. Arriving 
in the latter port he, with his family was trans- 
ferred to thesliore by means of small boats. This 
was in 1837. Making his way as best he could to 
Franklin, Racine County, Mr. Cheney pre-empted 
eighty acres of timberlaud iu the Red River coun- 
try, to wliicli he added l)y purcluise aiiollier eighty. 
On a stream near his claim stood a sawmill where 
the early settlers of this portion of Wisconsin had 
their timbers cut which thej' used in constructing 
their houses. Of this jn'operty one eiglity was 
later deeded to his son navi<l 1)., who still owns it. 
Two years afterward, 1831), Mr. Cheney came to 
Waukesha County and located in the town of New 
Berlin, on section 32, where he erected a log cabin 
KlxKi feet in size, in which the faniil}' lived for 
some years when it was replacetl by a modern farm 
house, the present home of Thomas Faulkner. 
On the 4th of December, 1841, the organization of 
the Honey Creek Church was effected at the home 
of Rufus Cheney, who from thai day never ceased 
his unflagging efforts to secure the erection of a 



house of worship until one was completed in 1846. 
In every good work that tended to advance the 

interests of the church or the community in which 
he lived he wasalwa^^s foremost. He also took an 
active part in laying out roads and establishing 
schools, being a strong believer in popular educa- 
tion. Mr. Cheney was a man of superior business 
ability, by the exercise of which he accumulated 
extensive landed possessions. During his residence 
in Wisconsin he .acquired by entry or purchase 
nine eighty-acre tracts. On the 30th of August, 
1869, this good man was called to lay aside the 
burdens of life. By a large circle of friends he 
was much beloved. His wife, who had for thirty- 
one years been a valued helper, died in W^-oming 
County, N. Y., February 11, 183;j, two years be- 
fore his emigration to the west. 

John Cheney, whose name appears at the head 
of this article, upon reaching inanliood, wedded, 
August 14, 1828, Miss Anliza, daughter of Jabez 
Gray. Four children were born of this union: 
Francis M. resides in Alameda, Cal.; Theresa C"., 
who became tlie wife of Dr. J. L. Ingersoll,of New 
Berlin Town.ship, died June 14, 1893; William H. 
is a farmer and stock-raiser of Renville County, 
Minn., and is also the owner of a large flouring 
mill; Cynthia M., the youngest of the family, 
wedded Henry Draper, an agriculturist of Rice 
County, Minn. 

In June, 1842, Mr. Cheney joined his father in 
the town of New Berlin. The same year his home 
was left desolate by the death of his wife, who 
passed away December 28, 1842. She was the first 
white woman interred in the cemetery located on 
section 32, New Berlin Township. On July 13, 
1843, he married Miss Mary A., daughter of Na- 
than and Alzina (King) Parmenter. Mrs. Cheney 
was born in Attica, N. Y., .September 19, 1821. 
She and her brother Charles are the only survivors 
of a family of six children. 

A glance at the fine farm of Mr. Cheney will 
convince anyone that he has not only been a 
ceaseless worker, but that he has exercised good 
taste and ability in the management of his estate. 
The house which he still occupies was erected in 
1845, nearly a half-century ago. Like his father 
he has been au enterprising citizen and a zealous 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGliAPlUCAL RECORD. 



635 



nieiiiber of tlio Free Will Raptist Church, to which 
his wife niul cliildreii also Ijelong. I'olilicaily lie 
has been a supporter of the Hepuhlican party since 
its iiicoplioii. Mr. C'luMiey cast his first I'residen- 
lial vote for loliii Adams. 

J(MIN I). MrNAUCIITON, who is nuniberod 
among tlie honored pioneers of Waukesha 
County, has been a resident of the town of 
Waukesha for a half-ecntury. lie is a native 
of the Kmpire Slate, horn al Alal>ama, December 2'.t, 
182!), and is the only child of Diiiu-an and Mar- 
garet (Dewar) McNaugliton. His father, who was 
of Scotcli extraction, was horn in New York, 
where his entire life was passed. He was a farmer 
b^' occupation and a man universally esteemed. 
His Nvife w.as a native of Canada, born May 12, 
1806. Her death occurred in Waukesha County 
on the 26th of April, 188."). 

The gentleman whose name heads this article 
was a lad of thirteen years when lie accompanied 
his mother and grandmother to Wisconsin. The 
trip was niatle by wagon from their home to Buf- 
falo, thence by the Lakes to Milwaukee, which 
was a small jilace. Upon their arrival the ves.sel 
was met by scows and the passengers transferred 
to shore by them. Coming to Prairieville, they 
were brought across the Milwaukee River on an 
old-fa.shioned ferry boat. The first purchase of 
the McNaugliton 's was eighty acres of partially 
improved land lying in Waukesha Township. 
There had been some throe acres broken, while a 
small log house and a well completed the mea- 
gre improvements. There were but few roads 
laid out at that time, the settlers traveling mainly 
over the Indian trails. Ox-teams were the only 
means of conveyance in those primitive days. 
Remnants of the Pottawatomie tribe often passed 
by their new home. Mr. McNaugliton has wit- 
nessed the remarkable development of Waukesha 
County from a wilderness to one of the most beau- 
tiful in the state. All the features of civilization, 
such .as churches, schools, colleges, railroads, fac- 
tories and various other enterprises have been 



perfected since his coming. The full responsibil- 
ity of the homestead and its supervision was early 
pl.iced upon his shoulders, which precluded Ins at- 
tendance at school except for short terms. 

Mr. McNaugliton wedded Miss Margaret Miller, 
a native of Scotland, born March 1.3, 1838, their 
marriage being celebrated February 21, 1859. To 
them were born ten children, of whom seven are 
living, one son and six daughters. Christie K. 
is the wife of Charles K. Vanderpool, a farmer of 
Vernon Township. Mrs. \'aiiderpool was educated 
in Carroll College and for many years was one of 
Waukesha County's successful teachers. Alexan- 
der, the iKrxt in order of birth, superintends the 
homestead. .Icnnie is at home. Susan .1., who was 
educated in Carroll College, is a teacher in Wau- 
kesha County. Margaret Ann, also educated at 
Carroll College, is a teacher in Waukesha Count3'. 
Kllen and Fdna May, the youngest, arc in school 
at home. Mrs. McNaugliton is a daughter of Al- 
exander and Elizabeth (Parker) Miller, horn near 
.Stewarton, Ayrshire, and w.as a young lady of 
nineteen years when she came with her brothers 
and sisters to America. Her father was a coal-dealer 
in Scotland. In the Miller family there were 
twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Mr. 
and Mrs. McNaughton have given their children 
the advantages of a g(jod education, thus Fitting 
them for useful citizenship. 

The boundaries of the McNaughton homestead 
have been increased until it comprises two hundred 
acres of fine land lying within six miles of the 
village of Waukesha. Politically Mr. McNaugh- 
ton is a Republican, having cast his first Presiden- 
tial vote for (General Scott. However, he has not 
been a radical partisan in his views. He is a friend 
of the public schools and lias taken a general in- 
terest in the education of the masses. In his town 
he has held the office of .School Treasnrer for the 
long period of twenty-four years and is the pres- 
ent incumbent, which clearly proves that the peo- 
ple have reposed the utmost conlidence in him as 
a man of integrity and honor. He is highly in 
favor of the best grade of teachers and that the 
standard should be raised in regard to qualifica- 
tions. Mr. and Mrs. McNaughton and family are 
members of the United Presbyterian Church of 



636 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Vcnion Towii>lii|). They have always- borne tlieir 
part ill couliibuling to the various benevolcuces 
of their church. Their beautiful country residence 
is always open to their many friends, wiio are 
sure to And a hearty welcome. 



"#> 



.«.rj 



eARL (iOTTMKM RI:H(;|<:LKR (deceased), 
who was one of Waukolia's best citizens, 
w.is born near Soldi n, in the northeastern 
part of Biandcnburi,'.(UMniany, December 29, 1832. 
He was reared to farm life, but when young served 
an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade. Hav- 
ing completed the same he worked as a journe}'- 
man until his emigration to the United .States. In 
the spring of 1857 he crossed the Atlantic, coming 
direct to Milwaukee. Soon after his arrival he 
• was taken sick with a fever and sent to a hospi- 
tal, whose unpleasant surroundings made him feel 
that unless he could getaway from there he would 
never reco\er. Seeing a gentleman pass with 
whom he had very slight acquaintance, Mr. Berg- 
eler tapped on the window and beckoned for him 
to come in, which lie did. To his new-found 
friend our subject explained his lack of funds, and 
also re(iuested that he be removed where lie could 
receive better treatment. That warm-hearted gen- 
tleman took it upon himself to secure a phj-sician 
and to care for Mr. Bergeler until he was again 
able to work. Possessed of a high sense of honor 
he repaid his friend with the first money he earned. 
In the fall of the same year he came to Waukesha, 
and began work in the shop of Mr. Gallagher. In 
that village lie wedded September 7, 1858, Amelia 
Goetlel, who was horn in Nesselgrunde, a village 
situated not far from where her husband was born, 
August 3, 1837. When about fifteen years of 
age she came with her father, William Goettel, to 
the United States, and settled in the town of Pe- 
waukee. Later he removed to Iowa, where his 
death occurred. Ilcr mother died in the Old 
Countr3-. 

Soon after marriage Mr. Bergeler opened a shoe 
shop on his own account, and for fifteen years 
carried on that business; however declining health 



caused him to abandon that and turn his attention 
to other pursuits. In 1873 Mr. Bergeler became 
proprietor of the Bethesda livery stable, which he 
conducted without interru|)tioii until his death. 
Besides he owned a good farm and valuable pro- 
perty in the vilLage. Through the industry of 
himself and wife all their property was made. 

Politically Mr. Bergeler was a Democrat, and by 
his fellow-townsmen was chosen to fill various 
oflicial positions, serving as Town Treasurer, and 
also as a member of the County Board of Super- 
visors. Though not a member of any church, he 
contributed to the support of the German Re- 
formed Church. Honorable and upright in all his 
business relations, he was held in the highest 
esteem, and at his death it was frequently re- 
marked by tlujse who knew him, that Waukesha 
had lost one of its best citizens. While climbing 
a ladder in the barn he accidentally fell, bruising 
his head quite severelj' and sustaining other in- 
juries. He seemed to recover from the injuries, 
but could gain no strength. A relapse came, and 
on the 24th of February', I8;t4, the sad report was 
heralded throughout the town that Mr. Bergeler 
was no more. To mourn his lo.ss he left a wife 
and six children, as follows: Louise, who is at 
home; Charles A., of whom further mention will 
be made; Emma, who became the wife of Dr. C. 
M. Crane; Clara, who is at home; Lillie, who mar- 
ried Henry Gittner, a merchant of Waukesha; and 
Laura, who completes the family; she is also at 
home. A son died in childhood. 

Charles A. Bergeler, the only surviving male 
member of the above family, was born in Wauke- 
sha, May 16, 1863. Having acquired a good edu- 
cation in the public schools of that village, he as- 
sisted his father in carrying on his business enter- 
prises until after he had reached his majority. The 
first business venture of this young man was to 
purch.ase the privilege of selling, for five years, the 
Silurian Spring Water to the jieople of Waukesha. 
He hired a man to do the delivering while he 
worked in the oflicc for the Silurian Spring Com- 
pany during the day, and of nights pursued a com. 
mercial course of study. Having been appointed 
Street Commissioner, he left the oflTice to discharge 
the duties of that position for a year, and then re- 




EMILY B. CAMP. 




HENRY H. CAMP. 






9ll 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



641 



tuiiu'<l to Ills fiirnier situation, wliicli lie held 
about !i year and a-lialf lonifor. Several years ago 
Mr. IJergeler was appointed agent for the Standard 
Oil Company to succeed Mrs. Shirley, whose outfit 
for carrying on the liusiness he purchased. In 
that line he does an extensive business, supplying 
the wholesale trade, and in connection does a reg- 
ular livery business, also cart and drayage busi- 
ness. Mr. Hergeler owns a good barn at No. 620 
Main Street, which he erected in 1892. 

He is a wide-awake business man, and is deserv- 
ing of not a little credit for having made, by his 
own efforts, every dollar's worth of property he 
possesses. Politicall3' he is a Democrat, and so- 
cially is a member of the Knights of Pythias. 



HENRY H. CAMP, deceased, a settler of 
Mukwonago in 1836, whither became with 
Sewall Andrews and Mai. Jesse Meacham, 
was well known to the pioneers. He had visited this 
county the year before, lint returned to the state 
of New York. His birth occurred in Connecticut, 
October 22, 1803. His parents were also born in 
Connecticut, but in an early day removed to New 
York and carried on a hotel on the shores of Lake 
Erie, about twelve miles from Buffalo. They were 
not people that made much display, but few were 
better known for their hospitality than Daniel and 
Sarah Camp. As before indicated, the subject of 
this sketch was one of the first white settlers of the 
town of Mukwonago. From his home in New 
York to the Indian village of Mukwonago became 
overland by way of Chicago. Having made a 
claim of a section of land, he retuined to the cast 
nd spent the winter. Again returning to his 
..aim he devoted himself to its improvement. In 
Ma3', 1839, Mr. Camp wedded Miss Emily Perry, a 
native of New York State, and a daughter of 
Orin and Margaret Berry, who emigrated to Wis- 
consin in 1837. Near Rochester, In Racine County, 
Mr. Berr3' claimed a half-section of land on which 
he at first built a log house, hut later erected a 
line residence and other first-cla.ss improvements. 
'' was a well known man in his community and 
21 



was a prominent member of the IJniversalist 
Church. His death occurred in .lanuary, 1864, after 
which his widow made her home with her daugli- 
ter, Mrs. Camp, until her death in 1874. 

In 1841 Mr. Camp built the old Exchange 
House in Mukwonago, which he ran for some four 
years. He then built a tenement which he rented. 
Subsequently he turned his attention to merchan- 
dising, in which he was engaged when he died. 
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Camp comprised six 
children, of whom Daniel L., the eldest, is propri- 
etor and editor of the Mukwonago Chief; Julia 
married M. B. Gibson, a retired liveryman of 
Mukwonago; Emma is the wife of Charles Davis, 
who is eng.aged in the livery business at Bara- 
boo. Wis; Henry, Frank and William are de- 
ceased. The father of this family was called to 
his final rest in 1868, his death being lamented by 
a large circle of fiiends and acquaintances. In- 
dustrious and enterprising, he took a prominent 
part in developing the resources of the county 
and in making all beneficial improvements. His 
course in l)usinesswas marked by honesty and fair 
dealing, and he was well known as a man whom 
ever3' one could trust. His widow still resides in 
Mukwonago, where she has a comfortable home. 
She is a prominent nieml)er of the Univcrsalist 
Church, and for five years acted as President of 
the ladies' society. Though now in her sevent3-- 
fourtli year, Mrs. Camp is in full possession of her 
mental faculties. Few women who have passed 
through so many li:u(isliips iuid trials are as well 
preserved as she. m 






<'^ 



HON. JAMES S. DENT, of Waukesha, is 
among the comparatively few citizens of 
Waukesha County whose coming dales 
back more than half a century. Time with his re- 
lentless sc3'tlie never wearies of his work and the 
pioneers of fifty years ago are fast falling victims 
of the silent reaper, death. However, Mr. Dent is 
not yet an old man, having been but a lad, in 



642 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



his eli'veiith year, when he came with his father's 
family from Uie state of NewYdikto the territory 
of Wi.seon.'iiu in 18-12. Richard Dent, his father, 
was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1800. and 
W.1S a son of .Iosei)li Dent, a man of some ])romi- 
nence and considerable wealth. In 1801, Joseph 
Dent, with liis family, emigrated from England to 
America and settled in the town of Oxford, Che- 
nango County, N. V. At that time that part of 
the slate was practically unsettled, and the Dent 
family were among its pioneers. They continued 
to reside there until after the death of the wife and 
mother, Nancy (Tong) Dent. Subsequently the 
father re-married and removed to Licking Coun- 
ty-, Ohio, where he s|)ent the remainder of his life. 
Joseph Deut had five sons and two daughters who 
crew to mature years, all of whom, save one, were 
by his first marriage; however, all of that genera- 
tion of the Dent family have passed away. 

Hichard, the father of .lames S. Dent, grew to 
manhood on the home farm in the state of New 
York, and at the age of twenty-two years was 
united in marriage to Miss .Jean McCibbon, who 
was born in Scotland in 1799, and came to Amer- 
ica with her father's family when but four years 
old. llcr mother died on the pass.age across the 
ocean and was buried in the sea. Her father, with 
his large family of children, settled in Delaware 
County, N. Y., where one of the sons, the only 
surviving member of the family, still lives. After 
his marriage Ricliard Dent continued to reside in 
the Empire State until 1842, when he emigrated 
with his family to the territory- of Wisconsin. 
They came from Huffalo by way of the Great 
L.akes to Chicago. Our subject, though but a lad, 
remembers distinctly the more interesting events 
of the journey. Chicago was then but a small un- 
inviting place, and gave no promise of its |)resent 
greatness. He remembers landing on a pier made 
of tamarack poles, and that he formed quite an 
unfavorable impression of the place and its sur- 
roundings. The family consisted of the parents 
and seven children, five sons and two daughters. 
The eldest of the brothers, .Joseph H. Dent, had 
come from the state of New York in 1839, and by 
him the family was conducted to Prairieville, now 
Waukesha, making the trip from Chicago by team. 



For one year the family lived on the place of A. 
C. Nickell, about two and a-half miles south of the 
village, and then removed to the town of Menoni- 
onee, Waukesha County, (then Milwaukee Coun- 
ty) where they settled on Milwaukee it Rock River 
Canal land. This was land ceded by the general 
Government to the territory of Wisconsin to Hid 
in the building of a canal between Milwaukee and 
Rock River, and consisted of a strip, ten sections in 
breadth, along the entire length of the proi)osed 
canal from Milwaukee, through Waukesha and 
.Tefferscm Counties to Lake Koshkonong. 

It is needless to say the canal was never com- 
pleted and only resulted in giving Milwaukee a 
good water power. An act was passed by the 
Legislature whereby all persons who had bought 
canal lands at twent}' shillings per acre, were given 
a "float" or a certificate of ten shillings per acre 
which could be applied the same as money on the 
purchase uf other lands on that strip. Thus Mr. 
Dent obtained his land at a comparatively small 
cost. The patent to Richard Dent, bearing the 
signature of Gov. Henry Dodge and dated August 
1, 1847, is now in the possession of his son, James 
S., who owns the original homestead. The land 
was heavily timbered, but the father and elder sons 
cleared it u\) and made of ita valuable farm. There 
the parents spent the remainder of their lives; the 
father dying on the 11th of M.ay, 1850, and the 
mother, December 24, 1878. 

Of the family of Richard Dent, comprising nine 
persons, who came together to the territory of 
Wisconsin in 1842, onlj' .lames .S. and one sister 
are living. Joseph II., the eldest of the children, 
who as stated above preceded the family to Wis- 
consin by three years, w.as accidently killed in 
18,')7, being struck by his plow-handle while plow- 
ing on his farm in Green Lake County. He left 
a wife, one daughter and two sons. The latter are 
still living, and both served in the Thirty-first 
Wisconsin Infantry in the late war. William M. 
died August 14, 1852. His widow re-married and 
is now a resident of Milwaukee. Her daughter, 
Mrs. James E. Davis, also lives in that city. An- 
other of the brothers, John T. Dent, enlisted in 
the Thirty-first Wisconsin Infantry, and died of 
typhoid fever in the field hospital in Atlanta, the 



PORTRAIT AND BLOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



643 



day after General Sherman 's army entered that 
city. The subject of this article is next in order 
of birth. Helen is the widow of O. P. Minor, of 
('liort)ke(', Iowa. Olive became tlie wife of David 
Hall, and died in December, 1880. Andrew R. 
volunteered in the Fiist Wisconsin Infantry and 
was kilk'<l in the battle of I'erryville, October 8, 
1862. 

James S. Dent, the subject of this record, is liie 
only surviving son of liis father's family ; bis birth 
occurred in Steuben County, N. Y., August 1, 
18.31, and he was, therefore, but about eleven years 
old when became to Wisconsin, lie grew to man- 
hood on the home farm, which he still owns, as 
stated, and since AjMil, 1888, has resided in Wau- 
kesha. Ills marriage occurred in (iranviile, Mil- 
waukee County, Wis., February 5, 186.'i, the lady 
of his choice being Leinyra J. Oliver, daughter of 
John and Elizabeth (Morse) Oliver. The latter 
are natives of the state of New York, who in 184 7 
emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in the town of 
Lisbon, Waukesha County, which was their home 
until 187(1, when they removed to Waukesha, 
where the father died July 4, 1894, aged eight}' 
years, and where ilie mother lives, .-iged seventy- 
five years on April 1. 189-1. Tlie^- were among the 
well known and esteemed early settlers of Wauke- 
sha. Mrs. Dent was born in the town of darks- 
ton, near Rochester, N. Y., April 2l), 184;"). and is 
one of a family of nine children, six of whom are 
living, four sous and two daughters. The sons 
are all residents of Minnesota, and the daughters 
of Waukesha. Mr. and INIrs. Dent liavehad seven 
childreil, but three of whom are living, as follows: 
Andrew 15., of Waco, Tex.; Willis J. and F.liner J., 
at home. The former is engaged in the real-estate 
business. The deceased children were aged be- 
tween two and eleven years, and were named .My- 
ron J., Alice L., John R. and Sylvia F. 

Mr. Dent has been prominently identified with 
the growth and development of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, and has served in various official [jositions. lie 
was twice Chairman of the town of Menomonee, 
and .Assessor many times; was Assistant Inited 
.States Marshal in 18G1; was elected in the fall of 
1875 to re[)resent the Second District of Wauke- 
sha County in the State Legislature, and is now a 



member of the County Board of Supervisors. In 
his political affiliations he is a Republican. He 
and his wife have a pleasant home at No. 219 Bar- 
nard Sticet, and are numbered among the esteemed 
and respected residents of their village and c^junty. 



<-T^ NDRFW LYTLF MrWHARTFR, of Wau- 
r — \ kesha, is one of the oldest living settlers 
of Waukesha County, where he has re- 
sided since 18.35. He is a native of the state of 
New York, born near Salem, W.ashington County, 
May 21, 1817. His parents, (Jeorge and Polly 
(Lytle) MeWliarter, were natives of the same 
county, the former being of Scotch parentage. 
The latter's father came from Ireland, while her 
mother was a native of Scotland. It will l)e seen 
that the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, 
Andrew McWharter, is largely of Scottish blood. 
His father served in the War of 1812, and in the 
fall of 183,5 emigrated with his wife and children 
to the territory of Wisconsin. They left their 
home in the state of New Y(j|-k on Thursday af- 
ternoon, on the Isl of September, and arrived at 
Milwaukee on tiie 14th of October fc)llowing. The 
parents and five of their children came all the way 
to ftlilwaukee with a team and wagon. Andrew, 
who drove the team the greater part of the way, 
was then a yt)uth of about eighteen years, and 
well remi'iiibi'is many incidents of that overland 
journey, made nearly sixty years ago. The trip 
consumedsix weeks, a distance that would now 
reipiire but a few hours. 

A brollier, Matthew, who was older than An- 
drew, and a sister, who w.as younger, had come 
west by way of the Lakes earlier in the season. 
They called on an uncle who was living in Chi- 
cago, where the latter remained while the former 
looked about for a suitable place to settle. He 
visited imrtions of Illinois and southern Wiscon- 
sin, and finally heard of .Milwaukee, which was 
then but a hamlet. His information was to the 
effect that Milwaukee was favorably situated to be- 
come a pl.ace of some importance, and that the 
country in its vicinity was excellent for farming 



644 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



purposes. Acting upon this intelligence, he came 
farther north to that city, and on looking around 
for a location, selected a piece of land in what is 
now Waukesha Count}', about three miles cast of 
the present village of Waukesha. It was decided 
that the family should locate in the same vicinity 
and thus they became one of the earliest of the 
pioneer families. Andrew and his father selected 
lands adjoining eacii other. The countiy was heav- 
ily timbered and liut few families had then be- 
come residents of the county. It was necessary 
that a shelter should be erected at once to protect 
the family from the storms of autumn and the ap- 
proaching cold of the winter. So the family re- 
mained in Milwaukee, while the father and our 
subject attended to the erection of a house. Af- 
ter selecting their location they returned to the 
city, but later started out again to build a home. 
On their way through the woods they would 
blaze the trees that they might be able to retrace 
their steps, in case they became lost. Arriving at 
their destination, they proceeded to chop the logs 
for their house. It was late in the season, snow 
Kay on the ground and the nights were cold; at 
night they slept on a bed of brush, and in the 
morning resumed work. The log cabin w.as fi- 
nally completed and the family provided with 
shelter from the blasts of winter, which pioved to 
be an unusually severe one. The work of clearing 
up the land was at once begun, and continued 
year after j-ear. There the parents passed the re- 
mainder of their lives; the mother died about 
1850, and the father twenty-five years later. The 
latter married after the death of his first wife. 
The step-mother is still living at this writing, hav- 
ing attained to the advanced age of eighty-seven 
years. 

(4eorge McWharter was a good man and a 
worthy citizen. In religious faith, he and his wife 
were life-long members of the Presbyterian Church, 
in which he served many years .as a Deacon. By 
his first marriage ne had eight children, one of 
whom, a bright little girl, Nancy, died before the 
family left New York State. The seven who grew 
to mature years comprised four sons and three 
daughters. Matthew, to whom reference has been 
made, was the eldest. lie went to California 



when the gold excitement in that state was at its 
height; it is known that he reached the Oolden 
State, but soon after disappeared and was never 
again heard from. The presumption is that he 
was murdered, as circumstances pointed in that 
direction. He left no family. Andrew L. is the 
next in order of birlh. Jane, the eldest sister, is 
the widow of L. H. Lane and resides in Milwau- 
kee. Mary married George Humphrey, and died 
in the state of Michigan many years since. Adams 
L. resides in Trinity County, Cal. George is a 
lawyer by profession and lives in Milwaukee. 
Nancy, the youngest of the family, is the wife or 
Capt. K. Stone, of Summit, Waukesha County. 

Andrew McWharter has passed nearly sixty of 
his seventy-seven years in Waukesha and within a 
few miles of the village. He has witnessed the 
growth of the country from the condition of a 
wilderness to one of beautiful fields, pleasant and 
comfortable homes. I ndians comprised the greater 
part of the population in those early days, and he 
has often seen them camping about Bethesda 
Spring in summer, whither they had come to 
drink of its pure and healthful water. On the 
25th of February, 1847, Mr. McWharter was united 
in marriage to Miss .lane Beedle, who was then re- 
siding in Milwaukee. Mrs. McWharter was born 
in Monroe County, N. Y., in the town of Sweden, 
February 22, 1824, and is a daughter of .lohnson 
and Sally (Taylor) Beedle. The former was a na- 
tive of New Hampshire, and the latter of Massa- 
chusetts. They were early settlers of Monroe 
County, where they spent their declining years. 
The father was a soldier in the War of 1812. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Beedle had been previously 
married and were the parents of a large family. 
Each had six children by their first marriage, and 
they were the parents of live. In 1845 Mrs. Mc- 
Wharter, then a young lady of about twenty 
years, came to Wisconsin to visit a married sister 
living in Milwaukee. But few of her father's 
family are now living. A sister, Mrs. Catherine 
Saunders, widow of AVilliam M. Saunders, living 
in Waukesha, and Mrs. McWharter are all of the 
family that reside in Wisconsin. A brother and 
sister reside in Michigan. 

Mr. and Mrs. McWharter have had ei^ht chil- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



645 



drcn, but three of whom are living, as follows: 
George Ray, who lives at Kilbourn, 111.; Eva, who 
is tlie wife of Frederick Menzel,of Waukesha; and 
William, who is also a resident of that village. 
The deceased children were Carlotla J.. Edward 
Jerome, Carney and Lottie Jane. 

Thus have we given a lirief biographical record 
of a worthy couple who have spent the greater part 
of their lives in Waukesha County, and whose 
happy married life extends over a period of nearly- 
half a century. Together they have shared the 
pleasures and troubles of life, for the}' have had 
their share of trouble, whioli has been borne with 
Christian spirit, and now in their declining days 
are enjoying the fruits of industrious and useful 
lives, hi February, 1883, Mr. and Mrs. McWhar- 
ter left tlieii- farm and removed to the village of 
Waukesha, where they have a pleasant home at 
Mo. 21)7 Arcadian Avenue. 

In liis political alliliations, Mr. McWharter is a 
Republican, and has been identified with that great 
national party ever since its formation. He is a 
man of decided opinions, ever outspoken in sus- 
taining what he believes to be right, and emphatic 
in denouncing what he believes to be wrong. He 
and his wife have ever had the respect and confi- 
dence of the community where they have lived so 
long. 

• ^^^^J^ P • 



JAMES DUNCAN GRANT descends from one 
of the pioneer families of Ottawa Township, 
where his father, Peter Grant, settled early 
in 1843. The latter was born in Grantown, 
Scotland, February (>, 1806, and belonged to 
the clan (Jrant of that country. He was the 
third son of James Grant, and in early life learned 
the trades of stone cutter, mason and shoemaker. 
Ou reaching manhood, he married, November 
16, 1830, Miss Grace, second daughter o( Duncan 
Mcl'herson, of Kerr, Scotland, the ceremony be- 
ing performed b}' Rev. James Grant. (Ir.ace Mc- 
Pherson was educated in Glasgow as a physician, 
and her knowledge of medicine proved of great 
value to herself and neighbors on her arrival 
in this new countr}-, where medical skdl was diffi- 



cult to procure. In 1836 Mr. Grant, accom- 
panied by his wife and two children, set sail for 
the New World. During the voyage one of the 
children died and found a grave in the briny deep. 
On jirriving in tliis country Mr. Grant took a sub- 
contract to do in.ason work on the Erie Canal. By 
the breaking up of the contractors, and also of 
their bondsmen, he was almost ruined linaiicially, 
losing some *8,00(). In 1843 he continued his 
westward journey, arriving at the village of Mil- 
waukee, and from there made the rest of the trip 
by team to Ottawa Township, where he procured 
forty acres of (iovernment land at ten shillings 
per acre. As no improvements had been made, 
Mr. fJranl erected a small log cabin with places 
lor door and windows over which his good wife 
hung blankets. With his family thus housed Mr. 
(Jrant improvised a sled from the fork of a tree, 
across which he nailed boards. With oxen hitched 
to this crude conveyance he hauled wheat to a mill 
at Janesville. It served a double purpose of a sled 
and a sort of raft in crossing the streams. With 
him went a neighbor, and while one drove the cat- 
tle across, the other would steady, and to some ex- 
tent hold ui) the load. It is wonderful to see the 
ingenuity displ.a3'ed by the early settlers in per- 
forming some dillicult task with such meager ap- 
pliances as they ])ossessed. The original cabin 
home was made more comfortable by additions, 
but finally was replaced by one of the best frame 
houses in the community which is now the home 
of the gentleman whose name heads this article. 
Mr. (irant became a suljstantial farmer, owning 
two hundred and forty acres, on which lay a por- 
tion of that beautiful sheet of water known as 
Pretty Lake. His skill as a stone mason was in 
great demand; man}- of the chimneys, b.asements 
to barns, foundations of houses and other stone 
work in the vicinity show that he was a master 
workman. Ho also assisted in putting up the 
cobble-stone house of A. R. Ilinkley. In former 
years Mr. (Jrant was a Whig, but after the rise of 
the Republican party, voted for its men and meas- 
ures. Both he and his good wife were consistent 
members of the Baptist Church, and the first Sun- 
day-school held in that neighborhood was est^ib- 
lished by him. On the 25th of August, 186G, this 



646 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



pioneer was laid to rest. His wife, who was born 
in I nveiiiesshire, Scotland. ,hine 2;), 1805, died at 
tlie home of lier dauj;liter, Mrs. J:uie Kiting, January 
20,1883. Tlie oldest eliild in the above family, 
Margaret, wlio was born in Scotland, September 10, 
1831, became the wife of James .\plin,aiid died in 
the Unvn of Ottawa. Jessie, l)oni Kebriiary 25, 
1834, died on the ocean. .lennette, born August 
15,1836, in New York, died when .about three 
years old. Jane Ann, liorn in New York, October 
17, 183il, married Rolliffe Kiting, and died in 
While Water, Wis. James Duncan is the next. 
Alexander J., born November 10, 181."), was so un- 
fortunate as to be caught in tlie Newhail lire in 
Milwaukee in 1883, and was the only one that es- 
caped unaided. He is now a member of the Wil- 
bur Seed-meal Company of Milwaukee. Daniel 
L., born October 19, 1848, is a merciiant of Glen- 
wood, Minn. David W., born March 26, 18.'')2, is 
a retired merchant of the same place. 

Mr. Grant, whose name ajipears at the beginning 
of this biography, is the only member of the family 
now identilied with Waukesha County. Ilisentire 
life has been passed on the farm which he now 
owns, lliough lie has been engaged in different 
kinds of business. During the war he bought 
and sold cavalry hor.ses. For thirty 3ears or more 
he has been selling farm machinery and buggies, 
and it is no secret that Mr. Grant is one of the best 
salesmen in this part of the state. In connection 
with his other business he put up the J. D. Grant's 
Ohio Cornplanter for a number of ycais,also dealt 
in sewing machines, and for fourteen seasons ran 
an old horse-power thresher. It will thus be seen 
that the lime of this gentleman has been quile 
fully occupied. From time to time the boundaries 
of his farm have been extended unlil he now owns 
fiiur hundred acres of choice land. 

Mr. Grant was married in tlie town of Palmyra, 
.leffersou County', Wis., January 5, 1870, to Miss 
Viola Kinney, the ceremony being performed bj' 
Ucv. K. Soutliworth. The parents of Mrs. (irant, 
SU'idien and Mary (King) Kinney, were born at 
Schenectady, N. Y., the former, August 23, 1806, 
and the latter, July 23, 1809. Having emigrated 
to Wisconsin in 1813, they made a short stay at 
Delavan. and then settled in Palmvra. Mr. Kin- 



ney passed away October 9, 1849, and bis wife 
August 23, 1886. Both were Congregationalists 
in their faith and pracUce. Of their ninechildren 
five died in childhood; Josie born August 20, 1847, 
became the wife of William Jones, and died April 
27, 1873. Jeremiah, born July 27, 1833, lives in 
San Jose, Cal. Mrs. Jennie E. Allen, born August 
13, 1841, resides in the town of Eagle. Mrs. 
Grant born May 14, 1845, completes the family. 
She is a lady of culture and refinement, having 
been educated in the schools of Palmyra. 

Mr. and Mrs. Grant have three children: Ralph 
A., born May 10, 1871, carries on the farm; Har- 
vey U., born January 9, 1879, and Emma L., born 
August 27, 1880, are being educated. The mother 
of these children is a member of the Congregation- 
al Church. Since casting his first vote for Lin- 
coln, Mr. (irant h.as been an ardent Republican, 
though he would never accept any official position. 



MRS. CATHERINK KKRN, widow of 
Jacob Kern, is a native of Kriegsfeldt, 
Rhenish Bavaria, where her birth occurred 
]\Iay 6, 1822. Her parents, Baldasser and Kva Ma- 
rie (Klein) Damm, had two daughters, Margaret 
and Catherine. Mrs. Kern was reared and educat- 
ed in the village of her nativity. When eighteen 
years of age she w.as called upon to mourn the loss 
of her mother. A few years later the father, .ac- 
companied by his daughters, emigrated to America, 
sailing from .\ntwerp for New Y'ork on a three- 
mast vessel. The voyage was a long and tiresome 
one re(piiring seventy-eight days to cross the ocean, 
while numerous storms were encountered and much 
sickness experienced. Mrs. Kern has a very vivid 
recollection of some incidents connected with that 
passage, having suffered continually from sea-sick- 
ness. When near the American coast, during a 
dense fog lasting for several dajs, their vessel col- 
lided with another, and was so badly crippled as 
to cause grave apprehension lest they might be 
unable to reach the shore. Fortunately, however, 
when their destruction seemed inevitable, land was 
sighted off Sandv Hook, and the distress signal 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



647 



from the main mast brought aid from the shore. 
This thrilling experience can never be forgotten 
by those who ijarticip.itcd in it. From liiat place 
tliey proceeded to New York, where but a short 
stay was made. Resuming Ihoir journey, they 
went to Albany, then l)}- liie Krie Canal to Uuffalo, 
and from there b^' way of the CJreat Lakes to Mil- 
waukee, where they arrived in 1843. After a so- 
journ of a few days in tlial city, Mr. Klein came 
to what is now Waukesha County and purchased 
eigiily acres of timbered land located on section 18, 
in the town of New Berlin. Here he erected a log 
cabin and began the work of making a farm. In 
his efforts he was nobly assisted by his daughters, 
who had charge of the home and made it less 
cheerless by their many little accomplishments. 
The father died in this home at the age of sixty- 
three years. His eldest daughter, Margaret, mar- 
ried Michael Buchner, who was a native of Bava- 
ria. They were for many years residents of New 
Berlin Township, but both are now deceased. 

On the 6th of November, 1845, the lady whose 
name heads this article was united in marriage 
with .Jacob Kern, a son of those honored and much 
esteemed pioneers, Lorenz and Kathrina (Wfeifen- 
bach) Kern. He was a native of Sprendlingen, 
province of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born Au- 
gust 28, 1821. In 184.'{ he accompanied his par- 
ents to the I'nited States, arriving in the town 
of New Berlin in July of that year. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kern became the parents of eight Children, six sous 
and two daughters, of svhom six are living: Abra- 
ham, born December 20, 1846, owns a fine farm of 
one hundred and nineteen acres on section 18, in 
the town of New Berlin; William, born November 
9, 1848, is a farmer and resides near Baraboo, Wis.; 
Simon, l)orn May ;{, 1852, resides on the old home- 
stead of his father; Catherine, born February 20, 
1853, wedded Adaui (Jraser, a farmer residing on 
section 17 of the same township; Henry, born Jan- 
uary 11, 1858, is also an agriculturist and resides 
on section 18, where his venerable mother makes 
her home in her declining years; Maria, born 
March 25, 18G3, completes the family. .She be- 
came the wife of Peter Wagner, a farmer of sec- 
tion 17. 

Mrs. Kern was called upon to mourn the loss of 



her husband on the 28th of July, 1872. He was 
laid to rest in the German Reformed Church bury- 
ing ground, where a fine monument stands sacred 
to his memory. H* was a young man who had the 
esteem and regard of all who knew him and was 
much beloved in the community in which he dwelt. 
To his children he left the heritage of a good name 
and the e.Kample of an honorable and upright life. 
He w.as a member of thefierman Reformed Church 
of New Berlin, to the support of which he gave 
liberally, ever living in accord with the profession 
he made. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, 
but never sought honors from his party. Airs. 
Kern was identified with her husband in all church 
work, and with him helped to carry on its various 
undertakings. Surrounded by her children and 
grandchildren, she spends her declining years, en- 
joying comparatively good health for one who has 
attained to the age of seventy-four years. 



LAFAYETTE ELLERSON, a prosperous 
C^ farmer of the town of Vernon, is a native 
born citizen of Waukesha County, his birth 
having occurred March 22, 1854. His parents, 
Lavarlette and Betsey (Mucke3') Ellerson, were 
pioneers of the town of Muskego, the former hav- 
ing become a resident of this county twelve yeare 
before Wisconsin was admitted into the Union, 
and the latter in 1841, seven years prior to that 
event in the history of Wisconsin. 

Mr. Ellerson w.is reared to the life of a farmer, 
which has thus far been his chosen occupation. 
His education was obtained in the district schools, 
to which he has added by reading and observation. 
He owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty 
acres in Chickasaw County, Iowa, where he resided 
for some three yeais, and in this county owns a 
(piarter-section, eighty acres lying in Vernon and 
eighty in Muskego Township. His residence is 
in the former town, and is known as the old Wier 
estate. 

When twenty-two yearsold Mr. Ellerson wedded 
Miss .lane Ann Heseau, a daughter of .Scott and 
Margaret Reseau, who was born in New Jersey, 



648 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



December 12, 1848. For many years Mrs. Eller- 
son was afflicted with a cancer, which terminated 
fatally on the 3d of May, 1884. Some tiiree years 
later the husband was united in niarria<i;e witli 
Miss llattie MiUer, a daughter of George Miller, of 
IJeloit, Wis. Her birth occurred in that city June 
3, 186.0, and her death in Waukesha County on 
the 1st of April, 1889. lie was united to his pres- 
ent wife on the 14th of October, 1890. She is a 
native of Norway, Racine C'ount_v, Wis., born 
April 19, 18G7, and bore the maiden name of Mary 
(ircgerson, her parents being -Hollivei- and LeafFy 
Gregerson. 

Hy his different marriages Mr. Ellerson had five 
children, three sons and two daughters. Those of 
tiie first union are William L., born June 4, 1879, 
in Chickasaw County, Iowa; and George F., born 
March 29, 188.3. Hattie, born March 22, 1889, is 
the only child by his second marriage. Those of 
tiie tliird were Mildred, born October 9, 1891, who 
died in January, 1892; Bessie, wliose birth oc- 
curred March 9, 1893, and an infant son born 
Se|)lember 6, 1894. Mr. Ellerson is a progress- 
ive man and is deservedly popular and much es- 
teemed in the community with which lie is iden- 



tified. 



:£)#Cd: 



REV. JOSEPH KOESTER, the able and pop- 
ular pastor of Holy Apostles' Church of 
New IJerlin, is a native of Aplerbeck, 
Kreis Dortmund, Westphalia, born May 20, 1868. 
He is one in a family of five children born to 
Anton and Caroline (Schumacher) Koester. The 
father died when his son Joseph was a lad of nine 
3'ears. At the age of twelve years he accompanied 
his mother to the United States, their first home 
being in Watortown, Wis., where they arrived June 
29, 1880. Here the son attended St. Henry's 
parochial school, and after his first communion de- 
cided to study for the priesthood. September 5, 
1882, lie became a student at St. Francis Seminary, 
Milwaukee, where he remained nine years, taking 
a five years' classical course and devoting one 
year to the study of philosoph}-. After complet- 
ing his work in these lines he took up the study of 



theology, pursuing the same for a period of three 
years. 

His ordination .as priest occurred June 21, 1891, 
and for two years thereafter he very ably assisted 
that distinguished gentleman and priest. Very Rev. 
Father Conrad, of the South Side Holy Trinit}' 
Church of Milwaukee. July 28, 1893, he became 
the resident pastor of the church at New Berlin, 
succeeding the Rev. Father A. Gardthaus. Fa- 
ther Koester's pleasant parsonage was formerly 
presided over by his venerable mother. She died 
on the 27th of IMay, 1894, and was taken to 
AVatertown, Wis., for burial. The church over 
which Father Koester has charge was organized by 
the well known missionary priest, the Rev. Fa- 
ther Polak, in the year 1859. The successors of 
the latter, each of whom took some important part 
in its growth, are Fathers John Wiekmann. Hubert 
Jausen, William Bonnenkamp, Peter Seibold, .lolin 
Wenning, Anton Foekler, Joseph Mezger Adel- 
mann, C. Schilling, William Blum, Joseph 3Ioder, 
Anton Leitner, Dr. A. (istach, Ferdinand Raess, A. 
Gardthaus and the present pastor. Father Koester. 

For a number of months after the departure of 
Father Gardthaus from New Berlin the Holy Apos- 
tles' Church was without a resident pastor, but un- 
der the administration of our subject interest in the 
church has been revived. .Since his coming an in- 
debtedness of ^1,330 on the church building has 
been paid off, new pews at a cost of $423, a new 
pulpit costing $175 and a confessionary at $75 
have been added to the furnishings of the church. 
Besides, something over $300 has been expended 
in the school room of a very modern schoolhouse 
erected on the church premises. The school is pre- 
sided over by an able teacher from the St. B^rancis' 
Convent of Milwaukee, and has an attendance of 
from thirty-five to fifty-one pupi's. The church 
at this time has a membership of eighty families, 
and in every wa^' is in a prosperous condition. 

On the church property a beautiful spot has been 
selected for a cemeter}-. Here many of New Ber- 
lin's pioneers have found a Last resting place. In 
their midst stands a large wooden cross bearing in 
letters of gold this significant inscription, •' Rette 
deine Seele." 

That Father Koester is an earnest scholar and 




CAPT. ELIHU ENOS. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



651 



thinker is evident from the well selected library 
that adorns the shelves in his study. The books 
on llieology and those pertaining- to iiistory are 
the products of tiie best minds the world has pro- 
duced. Me has been a close student all througii 
life, and, tliough yonng in years of experience, his 
rank as a prieisl of high degree is assured. Genial 
and winning, he commands tlie higli regard of his 
people, one of the most important elements in as- 
suring a successful career. 



B, 



BJ 






eAFr. ELI HIT ENDS, deceased, was for 
many years a noted business man and 
prominent citizen of Waukej^iia. lie was 
a native of Kingsboro, Fulton County, N. Y., 
where his biitli occurred .hinnai-y 2!l, 1821, and a 
son of Kliliu, Sr.. and Dotha (.lohnson) Knos. 
Capt. Enos had superior educational advantages 
for that time; after attending the common schools 
he entered the State Normal School at Albany-, N. 
Y.. from which he graduated in 1847. In the fall 
of the same year he found his way to Waukesha, 
and for two years was engaged in the |)rofession 
of teaching. He had intended to locate at Mil- 
waukee and establish a private school, but through 
the personal efforts of Jacob L. Bean and E. Root 
was induced to come on to AVaukesha. There in 
connection with Prof. Sterling (later an instructor 
in the State I'niversity) he established what was 
known as the "Waukesha Classical and Normal 
School." This enterprise was soon given up as 
Mr. Enos was appointed Postmaster of the village 
in 1849, servi.ig in that capacity- acceptably four 
years. In the j'ear 1853 he exchanged his village 
property for a farm on section 23, in the town of 
Pewaukee, where for twenty years he carried on ag- 
riculture. In an early day each town had a Super- 
intendent of .Schools, and to that position the cit- 
izens of Pewaukee Township elected Mr. Enos in 
1854, and again in 1857. When, in 1861, the 
office of County Superintendent of Schools was cs- 
tablislied he was chosen first to till that place. 
Such was the conlideiice reposed in hini by liis fel- 
low-citizens that he was nominated and elected to 



represent his district in the Assembly in 1856. On 
a Sunday in August, 1862, was held an out-dooi 
mass meeting for the jjurijose of securing volun- 
teers to help put down the Rebellion which seemed 
then to threaten our national existence. The min- 
isters of the different churches lield no services, 
but took an active part in promoting the object 
of this meeting. Among the conspicuous characters 
on this occasion was Mr. Enos, who raised a com- 
pany, of which he was immediately elected Cap- 
tain, and which became Company G, of tlie Twenty- 
eighth Wisconsin Infantry. Capt. F^nos tendered 
his resignation as School Superintendent, to take 
effect as soon .is the fall examinations could be 
completed. The regiment w.as ordered to the field 
in Decemlter of the same year, and in January 
following he was left at Milwaukee with the sick. 
.Subseciuenlly he was on detached duty as (Quarter- 
master of the Brigade, and afterward as Division 
Quartermaster until he was compelled by sickness 
to quit the service. In January, 1864, he returned 
home and soon after resigned tlie captaincy. 

Returning to his farm Capt. Enos continued to 
make that his home until November, 1872, when 
he removed to Waukesha. In the meantime he 
was actively identified with the interests of the 
town of Pewaukee, being Chairman of the Board 
of Supervisors. In April, 1872, he was again ap- 
pointed Postmaster at Waukesha, in which posi- 
tion he was retained until January, 1886. A firm 
believer in the principles of the Repuljlican party 
he was an earnest and infiuential worker in its 
conventions. He was Chairman of the County 
Republican Committee before the war, and for 
several years afterward w.as a member of the Na- 
tional Republican Committee, of which he acted as 
temporary Chairman; and in 1868 was Presiden- 
tial Elector from the Fii-st District of Wisconsin. 
In every position to which he was called he worked 
with all his might and energy, and .as a result his 
cfTorls were valuable and highly appreciated. 

The marriage of Capt. Enos and Miss Prances 
Helen Blake was celebrated June II, 1851. The 
father of Mrs. Enos, Capt. Chesley Blake, was born 
in Maine about 1788, and under his father, who 
was also a sea-captain, became a thorough seaman 
before he had attained his majority. When the 



652 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



War of 1812 broke out he joined the American 
Army and was wounded at the Battle of Lundy's 
Lane, lie was an ollieer of the day at Ft. Erie 
wlien it was blown up, on which occasion tie was 
again wounded. For meritorious conduct he was 
I)ronioted to the rank of Second Lieutenant of the 
Ninth Regiment Infantry, .Scott's lirigade, and 
continued in the service till February 16, 1816. 
For many years lie followed the lakes, and few 
men were hotter known than Capt. Chcsley Rl.Tke. 
In an early day he came to Milwaukee, and in the 
old American House of that city his death occurred 
Octoljcr 3, 184!). After coming west Capt. Blake 
married Miss .Sarah McCarty, who was born on an 
island in the Detroit River. At his death he left 
a wife and live children of whom only two sur- 
vive, Mrs. Enos and her brothei-, I). (). Blake. 
The former resides at her beautiful home in Wau- 
kesha. 

Socially Ca|)t. P>nos was an honored member 
of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. In the love and 
esteem of their fellow-citizens few men have held 
a higher place than the gentleman whose name 
heads this article. Intelligent, warm hearted and 
affable, he became acquainted with many people 
whose friendshii) he retained throughout life by 
his sterling worth. On the 13th of November, 
1892, after long suffering from disease contracted 
during his service in the late war, Capt. Enos 
passed to the spirit world. 

LUDWIO FRANK, residing on .section 13, 
Cy New Berlin Township, is a native of Ba^'- 
ern, (Jermany, born in a little dorf called 
Uttenrcich, Ajiril 27, 1827, and is a son ot John 
and I'.arbara (lluber) Frank. Ilis father was a 
cooper by trade, a profession he followed all his 
life. Our subject attended the common schools of 
his native place and when still quite young was 
apprenticed to learn the cooper's trade in his 
father's sho|), where he remained until his seven- 
teenth year, at that age taking u]) his residence in 
Nurnburg, a distant city, and there remained un- 



til his departure for America. Through corres- 
pondence with a brother who had preceded him to 
this country, he became convinced that a home 
across the water would be more to his liking, and 
accordingly made his way to Bremen, where he took 
passage on a sailing-ve.ssel hound for New York. 
The voyage proved a stormy one. but after forty- 
two days of sailing the good ship landed him at 
Castle Carden on a beautiful day in September, 
1855. However, he did not linger in the city of 
New York, but continued his journey toward the 
west by rail as far as Milwaukee, aniving there on 
the 25th of September. He w.asmetby his brother 
George above referred to, and taken to the home 
of Benjamin Hunkins, in whose .service the latter 
was, and where the former found his first emplo}'- 
ment in the United States. After two years of 
service with Mr. Hunkins, whom many will remem- 
ber, Mr. Frank went to work for his brother, who 
had bought a farm of forty acres, and embarked in 
the business of coopering. At the end of one 
year he had saved money enough to buy ten acres 
of land on section 9, of New Berlin Township, but 
being unable to get a deed for the same the pur- 
chase price was refunded. For a short time fol- 
lowing this he w.as with his brother, but later 
engaged with John Stevens, where he resumed 
work at his trade, continuing in his enij)loy about 
a year. In 1801, Mr. Frank bought sixteen and 
one-half acres on section 11, the only improvement 
on the land being a small log liou.se, in the rear of 
which he opened a cooper's shop, thus establishing 
the beginning of his present valuable farm. 

On the same ship that brought Mr. Frank to 
this country was his i)laymate, friend and be- 
trothed. Miss Catherine Koch. The lady was born 
on the 9tli of October, 1832, at Hammer, a village 
in the kingdom of Bayern, only about three miles 
from the home of her promised husband. .She lost 
her father while still a baby and to the efforts of 
her mother owes the little education she received 
in her home. Being of poor parentage it was 
necessary that she should early begin the battle of 
life for herself, and accordingly went in service as 
a domestic, going alike among friends and strang- 
ers. In her father's family there were but two 
children, Christina, the other one, becoming the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAnilCAL RECORD. 



653 



wife of Zazai'iah Oertel, a goldsmith of her native 
village. The mother afterwards came to America, 
but died two years after her arrival. On board 
the vessel it w:is imitually a<(reed that eaeli should 
save their earnings fc)r the home thai was to he. 
Hy dint of economy and thrift they were enal)led 
to join hands and fortunes within a year after 
their coming to this country, their marriage being 
celebrated in June, 185G. In the log cabin on 
section 11, they began tlieir domestic life, Mr. 
Frank pursuing his trade and farming in a small 
way. During the war lie was busily engaged at ids 
trade, supplying in part the great demand which was 
made for all kinds of barrels, and accumulating in 
that period a good sum which was invested in real 
estate adjoining his lirst purchase, increasing his 
possession to eighty-eight acres. Hy untiring in- 
dustry and frugality Mr. Frank has improved his 
property, erecting a comfortable residence, fine 
barns, and other needful outbuildings, thereby 
making one of the best farms to be found in this 
part of the county. 

Mr. Frank has declined to take any oflicial part 
in politics, Miough he has been an unswerving sup- 
porter of the Republican part}' since its organiza- 
tion. He and his wife are members of the Mat- 
thias I.iithcran Chuicli of North Oreenlield, Mil- 
waukee County, and their lives have been such as 
to deserve the well merited esteem of their friends 
and neiglibf)rs. Mr. Frank has for the past five 
years lived a practically retired life, closing his 
cooper sliop at that time and turning the manage- 
ment of the farm over to his son. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank have three daughters and 
one son: VVilhelmina became the wife of Louis 
Ruchl, a commission merchant of Milwaukee; 
George, the only son, resides on the home farm. 
Like his father, he is a man who takes great pride 
in tine stock and good barns, having one of 
the best arranged stock barns to be found in that 
section. His education was obtained in the com- 
mon schools of his town, but being an eager reader 
he has bcc-ome well informed, mastering many im- 
portant facts pertaining to agriculture, of which 
he has made practical use. He has been of in- 
calculable worth to his father, in the shop and in 
the fleld. To the homestead he brought a bride 



in the person of Gertrude Jager, daughter of John 
and Marie (Frantz) .lager, a native of the town of 
New Herlin, born on section 24. The young cou- 
ple have a baby daughter, Kstelle, the pride of the 
grandparents. Theresa, the third member of Lud- 
wig Frank's family, wedded Fred Kimbel.a farmer 
residing on the Waiikeslia Road. Alalia, the young- 
est, is the wife of Henry Wiesenthal, a farmer in 
the same town. 

Ludwig Frank is one of four children, three 
sons and one daughter, the brothers and sister be- 
ing named as follow.-,: [Tjiiricli, the eldest of the 
family, who was a cooper by trade, still resides in 
the F^ithorland and has reached the age of seven- 
ty-two years. Frederica, the ne.Kt in order of 
birth, died aboard ship in her twenty-eighth year. 
George, who was for many years well known to 
the people of New IJerlin Township, is engaged 
in farming in Cuming County, Neb. 

/'~Y H.\ULF;.S L. mills, one of the proprietors 
V^y of the Menoraonee Falls Roller Mills, is an 
early settler in Wisconsin, having made 
his home here since 1H47. He is a native of the 
town of Le Roy. Genesee County, N. Y., the date 
of his birth being March 13, 1834. Heverley Mills, 
the father of Charles L., was also a native of the 
F^mpire .State, and his paternal grandfather emi- 
grated from Wales. On reaching manhood, Bev- 
erly Mills was wedded in Le Ro\' to Miss Rebecca 
Minor, who was a native of Connecticut. Having 
farmed in Genesee County until 1847, Mr. Mills 
removed to the territory of Wisconsin, and spent 
two years in Milwaukee, which at that time had 
not attained much importance. In the year 1849 he 
came to the town of Menomonee and piirclia.sed 
eighty acres of timber land on section 8. Soon a 
log house and a log stable were erected and the 
father, assisted by his boys, began the arduous task 
of clearing and developing a farm. At that home 
he and his wife p.assed the rest of their lives, 
though neither lived tfi an advanced age. He 
reached tifty-live and she sixty-three years. !'«»- 
litically Mr. Mills was a Whig until the rise of the 



654 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Republican party, with which lie then became 
identified. He served as a member of tiie Town 
Board of Supervisors, and in other ways made 
liimself a useful as well as a higlily esteemed citizen. 
His wife was a con.sistent member of the Mettiodist 
Episcopal Church. Their family consisted of six 
children, five sons and a daughter, and in order 
are as follows: Mrs. Ellen Bush, of Hazelton, Mich., 
is the eldest of the children; Noah T. is a farmer 
at Colusa. Cal.; Charles L. is the next; John died 
in Vernon, Shiawassee County, Mich., October 8, 
1893; Henry lives in Corunna, Mich., and Frank- 
resides in Winsted, Conn. 

Charles L. Mills was reared on a farm where he 
learned the habits of industry and thrift, while in 
the old time district .schools he secured the rudi- 
ments of an education. He liked to go to school 
for the fun hecould get out of it, as he !<ays "If any 
boy ever had a good time at school I did." I'ntil 
twenty-six years old lie worked for his father. At 
that time, March 31, 1860. he married in the town 
of Menumf)nee, Miss Sarah, daughter of Samuel 
and Klizabeth Smith. Mrs. Mills was born in June, 
1835, in England, and when two years of age ac- 
companied her parents to the United States. After 
living some time in Genesee County, N. Y., Mr. 
and Mrs. Smith i.'ame to Menomonee Township and 
located on a farm, where they spent their last days. 
Of their eight children but two survive, Mrs. Mills 
and Samuel Smith, of Milwaukee. 

Upon marriage the gentleman whose name heads 
this article, with his young bride, began domestic 
life on his father's old homestead, which he subse- 
quently l)ouglit and improved by adding to the 
house and erecting a large barn as well as other 
necessary outbuildings. Wishing to retire from 
active farm labor, Mr. Mills moved to Menomonee 
Falls in 1888, where he h.as a neat and comforta- 
ble residence. In 1891 he purchased a fourth-in- 
terest in the Menomonee Falls Roller Mills, with 
which he has since been connected. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mills have two children, Samuel, 
a prominent mcichant of Waukesha, and Banca, 
who is still with her parents. Mrs. Mills is an act- 
ive worker in the Methodist F-piscopal Church. 
In his political views Mr. Mills is an ardent Re- 
publican, though he could never be induced to ac- 



cept the nomination to any office. He is a man of 
good business ability, and when the estates of his 
father and father-in-law were to be settled, he w.as 
made administrator. Through Ins own efforts he 
has accumulated valuable property. Socially Mr. 
Mills is a member of the Masonic order, belonging 
to Lincoln Lodge No. 183, of Menomonee Falls. 



^ 



MATTHEW IIOWITT, a farmer and dealer 
in grain and stock of Pevvaukee, is one 
of the well known business men of this 
county, wh'ch h.as been his home for nearly forty 
years. Ilis native place is Livingston County, 
N. Y., whore his liirtli occurred January 2, 1838. 
When eighteen years of age he accompanied his 
parents, Andrew and Agnes (McKeriow) Howitt, 
to Wisconsin, the family locating in the town of 
Lisbon, Waukesha County. On reaching his ma- 
jority he entered the rtouring mill of B. Boorman, 
at Pewaukee, where he served three years, receiv- 
ing $70 for the first year's work, and ^300 for the 
third. Having completed his trade, he and his 
employer purchased the Kellogg mill in the town 
of Vernon, which they operated for two years. 
In 1878 Mr. Ib)witt, in company with his hrother 
John, bought the water-power and mill at Muk- 
wonago, but after running it for some time the 
former disposed of his interest and invested in a 
farm of one hundred and twenty acres in the town 
of Mukwonago, where he carried on farming until 
188G. Removing to Pewaukee, he operated the 
mill for three years, since which lime he has been 
dealing in grain and stock. 

i\Ir. Howitt was married to Miss Mary Vass, a 
native of Vernon Township, who died in 1872 
after a wedded life of only live years, leaving a 
son, John W., who assists his father in business. 
On the 1.5th of July, 1874, was celebrated the union 
of Mr. Howitt and Miss Mary J., daughter of John 
Small. Mrs. Howitt is a native of Waukesha 
County. Of this marriage have been born three 
children: Belle, George R. and Harvey M. Both 
husband and wife are active church workers, he 
being a Presbyterian and she a Baptist in religious 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



655 



faith. Politically he has been an ardent Republi- 
can since lie cast his first Presidential vote for 
Abraham Lincoln. By his fellow-tuwnsnien he 
has been callt'd upon to fill a number of ollicial 
positions, having served as Chairman of the Hoard 
of Supervisors, both of Mukwonagoand Pewaukee 
Townsliips, Assessor of the former, and also as 
President of the village of Pewaukee in 18!)3. 
During the same year he was(Jeneral Superintend- 
ent of tiic Waukesha Count}- Agricultural Society. 
He is now serving .is Treasurer of the .School Board 
of Pewaukee. While a member of the County 
Board, from the town of I'ewaukcc, Mr. Howitt 
performed an important part in securing the erec- 
tion of the new court house, a much needed build- 
ing, and one of which the people of the county 
have just reason to be proud. 



-^). 



"SJ 



^+^ 



t=_ 



OTIS FRANKLIN SARGEANT, now living 
a retired life in the village of Mukwon- 
ago. is one of the earliest settlers and most 
respected citizens of this part of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, it having been his home since 1840. His par- 
ents were Isaac and .Sallie (Pratt) Sargeant, who 
were natives of ^'erlnont and there sjjent their 
lives. A genealogy of the Sargeant family, com- 
piled by Aaron Sargeant in 18.59, shows that the 
founder of the family in America, William .Sar- 
geant, came from England in 1638 and settled in 
Massachusetts Colon_v, where for a time he was a 
lay preacher. .\l)out 1().')7 he moved to Barnsta- 
ble, Plymouth Colony, where his death occurred 
in 1682. From this sturdy Knglishinau Mr. .Sar- 
geant of this sketch is eight generations removed. 
Our subject was born on the 23tI of May, 1813, 
in Windsor County, Vt.. where he w.as reared on 
his father's farm, and received a district school 
education. At the age of twenty-one he went to 
Boston, where for a year he clerked in a store, 
handling what was then known as West India 
goods. Not liking the coufinement incident to a 
clerkship, he hired out U> a farmer living about 
thirty miles distant from the above city, in whose 
employment he remained for three j-ears. At the 



expiration of that time he went to Chester, Vt., 
where he bouglit a farm of sixty acres, on which 
he resided for two years. 

In thes|)ringof 1840, soon after his marriage, Mr. 
Sargeant and wife came to Wisconsin. From their 
eastern home they came by the Hudson River, Eric 
Canal and the (ireat Lakes to Milwaukee, which at 
that time was a small village, there being no pier 
at which to land, or "bridges to span the river. 
From that city they came direct to Mukwoiiago 
by wagon, paying ^14 for their p.assage. When 
they re.iched their destination they found that the 
friends with whom they were to stop had returned 
to the east, so they went to the town of Vernon 
and stayed at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Blood 
until Mr. Sargeant couhl select a claim and erect 
a house. He bought eight}- acres of Government 
land, paying $1.25 per acre, on which he erected 
their first home, which was sixteen feet square and 
constructed of green oak timber. On its comple- 
tion they moved in and began the task of devel- 
oi)ing a farm in the new country. Mr. Sargeant 
broke seventy-five of the eighty acres himself, be- 
sides doing other work in proportion. As time 
passed he added to his farm until it embraced 
three hundred acres of fine land. The primitive 
home was replaced In- a beautiful farm residence, 
which was surrounded by substantial outbuildings, 
built at a cost of ^4,000. The first four crops 
grown by our subject on his farm were entirely of 
wheat, but later, in connection with general farm- 
ing, he engaged in the stock and dairy business 
quite extensively. In 1867 he sold his farm to 
his son. Henry F., for $8,000, and the .<a me year 
purchased his present home, which is beautifully 
situated in the village of Mukwonago. 

At (irafton, Mass., on the 2«th of .September, 
1837, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Sargeant 
and Miss Nancy Red field, daughter of Cleveland 
and Sally (BeckUy) Redfield, natives of Vermont. 
Mrs. Sargeant received but a limited education in 
the school-room, l)Ut by personal effort became 
well informed. She was a peculiarly talented 
woman, possessing especially a literary turn of 
mind. .She wrote many able articles that were 
published by prominent newspapers, and also was 
a correspondent for other papers. This literary 



656 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAX, RECORD, 



bent manifested itself throughout the family, as 
her brothers were all well known newspaper men. 
They also served in Ihe great Civil War as com- 
missioned ofTicers. Josiali Redlicid actively aided 
in organizing the Eighth Wisconsin Infantry. 

Mr. and, Mrs. Sargeant were blessed with three 
children: Henry F., who owns and farms the old 
homestead in Vernon Township, wedded Irene 
Grcely, a native of Wisconsin, and a daughter of 
Warren and Catherine (Muckey) Greely, by whom 
he has three children: Lester, Hoy and Iva: Abhie 
wedded (Jilbcrt Crocker, and has one son, Fred 
S., who is a student in Rush Medical College of 
Chicago; and l>uther, who was attending Milton 
Academy, died January 18, 18().5. On the 12th of 
January, 1894, Mr. Sargeant was called upon to 
mourn the death of his beloved wife, who has 
shared the pleasures of home with him for almost 
lifty-seven years. She was a devoted wife and 
mother, a kind friend and neiglibor, whose pres- 
ence in the home and community was sadly 
missed. 

In politics Mr. Sargeant was a Whig until the 
rise of the Republican party, with which he has 
since been identified. Both he and his wife have 
been for years believers in the doctrines of the 
I'niversalist Church. 



RICIIAKI) HUMPHREY, of the town of 
Oconomowoc, was born in the town of 
Ixonia, Jefferson County, Wis., February 
5, 1848. His father, Riciiard Humplire3', Sr., was 
born in Caernarvonshire, Wales, in 1816, where he 
grew to manhood and married Jane Humphrey. 
Though of the same name as her husband, Mrs. 
Humphrey's family was of no known kin. In 1845 
the family emigrated to the United States, and 
proceeded directly to Jefferson Count}', where they 
located on a new timbered farm. The family was 
one of several that came together from Wales, and 
formed (piile a settlement in Jefferson County, 
where they were among the pioneers. They were 
a thrifty, industrious people, and did much toward 



clearing up and improving that part of the county 
in which their settlement was made. It is proper 
to state here, that the father of Richard Humphrey, 
Sr., and the stepmother (the first wife having died 
in Wales) and all of the family but Richard had 
come to America previous to 1845, and had settled 
in the town of Delafield, Waukesha County, where 
the elder Humphrey and wife i)assed the remainder 
of their lives. Richard Humphrey, Sr., died at 
his old home in the town of Ixonia, .lefferson 
County, where he had settled more than forty 
years before, in January, 1887. 

Richard Humphrey, Jr., whose name appears at 
the beginning of this sketch, was the eldest of a 
family of eight children, comprising six brothers 
and two sisters, seven of whom are living, namely: 
Richard, Evan, Hugh, Jane, Ellis, Mary and Will- 
iam. The deceased is Owen. Richard lived on 
the farm until he was sixteen years of age, then 
started out for himself, though he spent several 
winters after that at the old homestead. On Feb- 
ruary 28, 1876, he was married to Mary Hinklej-, 
a daughter of Benjamin Rudd Hinkley. Mrs. 
Humphrey was born in Oneida County, N. Y., on 
the same farm where her father was born, and 
which her grandfather purchased in 1795. Mr. 
and Mrs. Humphrey have a beautiful home on the 
west shore of Lake La Belle, of which it commands 
a fine view. 

Benjamin Kudd lliiikley, father of Mrs. Hum- 
phrey, was a well known pioneer of Waukesha 
County. His birth occurred in Oneida County, 
N. Y., on the 13th of January, 1809. His father, 
Amasa Hinkley, was a native of Connecticut, but 
was a ]iioneer of Oneida Count}-, N. Y., where he 
settled in 1795. Amasa Hinkley spent his early 
life at work on a farm. In 1831 B. R. Hinkley en- 
gaged in peddling Yankee notions through north- 
ern New York and Canada, which he followed for 
three years. He was then variously employed, and 
succeeded well in business, but in the panic of 
1837, lost all his accumulations. In 1843 he started 
west with a team and buggy from Rome, N. Y., 
accomi)anied by Dr. Edwards. Their destination 
was Waukesha County, Wis., and in March, 1844, 
they arrived in the town of Summit. Here Mr. 
Hinkley rented a farm of eight hundrad acres from 



I'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



657 



A. Sweet, of Milwaukee, the rent to be paid in iiii- 
proveinents on the farm, wliicli was located on 
sections 3-1 and 35. He conducicd tliis farm suc- 
cessfull}' for three years, and then l)ougiit one 
liundred and sixty acres of land on section II, in 
the same town. This property he owned for a 
number of years, when he disposed of it and i)ur- 
chased one half of section 10. Here he engaged 
in farming, real estate, etc., for many years. Later 
Mr. Ilinkley disposed of his real estate, and as age 
came on practically retired from the active duties 
of life. His death occurred at the home of Mr. 
and Mrs. Humphrey, February 11, 1892. 

Mr. Hinkley was one of the representative men 
of this county; he was prominently identified with 
its public interests, and was well known through- 
out the state. He was Overseer of public highways 
for thirty-four of the thirty-six years that he was 
a resident of the town of Summit. In 18(50, with 
others, he obtained the charter for the bank of 
Oconomowoc, of which he was elected Vice-Presi- 
dent, and afterward President. By Governor Fair- 
child Mr. Ilinkley was appointed a member of the 
Board of Regents of the State Tniversily, and was 
a member of that body for a number of years; was 
also a member of the Committee on Location of 
the State Kxperi mental Farm. He was largely in- 
strumental in the re-organiz.ation of the State 
University, and was re-appointed to the Board of 
Regents by Governor Washburne; was President 
of the .State Agricultural Society for nine succes- 
sive years; was one of the first Directors of the 
Madison Mutual Insurance Company, and was a 
member of that board for many years. In short, 
was prominently connected with riKuiy locai and 
public enterprises. 

In March, 1838, Mr. Ilinkley was married to 
Harriet Hovey, of Oneida County, N. Y., who died 
in the town of Summit in November, 1852, leav- 
ing three children, of whom Mrs. Humphrey is the 
eldest. Helen, the second, was born in the town 
of Summit on the 1st of February, 1845. She 
wedded Lloyd Breck, whose birth occurred in the 
state of New York, March 17, 1.843. His father, 
Samuel Breck, emigrated from the Fmpire State in 
1844, and settled at Nashotah, Waukesha County. 
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Breck was 



solemnized on the 30tli of December, 1869. Henry 
\i. Ilinkley, the third of the faniily, died in Ciii- 
cago in 1873. 

Mr. Ilinkley's second marriage was to .lennette 
Townsend, a native of Attica, N. Y., who died in 
February, 1871. He was again married, his third 
wife being Bessie Norcott Blinn. They were mar- 
ried on the 2d of August, 1871, and she died in 
October, 1883. 



H< n <! < !« ■ « ,■ 



C> IMON IH:HBRAND,oneof the well known 
C/^ business men of Waukesha, is a native 
of Pafenschwabenheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, 
German3-, where his birth occurred August 27, 1849. 
With his parents, Philip and Mary (Weifenbach) 
Herbrand, who were from the same province, he 
emigrated to the United .States in 1855. The voj'- 
age from Havre to New York was made in forty- 
ciglil days. The family spent about a week in 
Utica, N. Y., then continued the westward journey 
to Blue Island, 111., and late in the same year, 1855, 
arrived in Waukesha. For ten years Philip Her- 
brand worked at whatever he could find to do. 
In his native land he had acquired some knowledge 
of butchering, as his father carried on that busi- 
ness along with farming. When he landed in Wau- 
kesha, Mr. Herbrand had only * 1.5(1 left, but by 
carefully husbanding his earnings he accumulated 
a small sum with which he opened a butcher shop 
in 1863. With the assistance of his sons and fiis 
estimable wife, who stood at the block and waited 
on customers while he went out for stock, the bus- 
iness was made a success. In 1864 he purchased 
for $625 the house and lot at No. 321 Broadway, 
where he conducted a market until his death. July 
20, 1873. His widow still resides in Waukesha, 
having reached the age of sixty-eight years. Both 
were members of the Presbyterian Church, and in 
politics he was a Democrat. Of their twelve chil- 
dren, live were born in (jermany, and ten are 
living. 

Simon Herbrand is the second in order of birth. 
When only ten years old he hired to George C. 
Pratt to work on a farm at *2.5() per month. 



658 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



During the sumiiiei' season he would work for 
wages or assist his father in the shop, and in the 
winter attend for a short time such schools as those 
days afforded. When sixteen years old lie went to 
White Water, Wis., and for seven years worked in ' 
the butcher shop of Jacob Kelser. Starting in at 
112 per tnonlh, his salary was increased from time 
to time until it reached ^35 per month. The sue- , 
Deeding four months were spent in the employ of | 
Dudley ct Parmlev, market-men of Chicago. Re- 
turning to White Water he worked a short time j 
for his t)ld employer. 

On the nth of M.iy, 1873, Mr. llerhrand and j 
Miss Emma llaga were united in marriage. Mrs. 
Uerbrand was born on the IHtli of May, 1853, in 
Newark, N. .1., and is a daughter of Frederick and 
Elizabeth llaga, who emigrated from Germany. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Herbrand were born the follow- 
ingchildren: Ilattie; Willie, who died whena3ear 
old; Charles; Willie, tlic second bearing that name, 
who died in his thirteenth year; Mamie, and Frank. 
Holh liushaiid and wife are members of the Ger- 
man Heforniod Church, and in politics he is a Dem- 
ocrat. 

In 1884 Mr. Herbrand |)urch,ased the business 
property where he is now located, No. 219 Broad- 
way. Besides he owns residence property and nine 
acres just outside the village limits. Every dollar 
he possesses has been made by his business ability 
and untiring efforts. 

JOHN FREDERICK DIIEYER, one of the 
oldest living settlers of Ottawa Township, 
was born in Osnabruck, Hanover, Germany, 
November 11, 1811. He is a son of Fer- 
dinand and Clara (Kloeker) Dreyer, both of whom 
were natives of the same province, and there spent 
their entire lives, he attaining to the advanced age 
of eighty years, and she to a good old age. F'erdi- 
nand Dreyer had been murried before, and bj- each 
marriage had two children, however only two of 
the children ever came to the United States: John 
Frederick and his full brother, Henry, who died in 
Ohio many years ago. The former is therefore the 



only rei)rcsentalive of his father's family in this 
country. 

Our subject received a common school educa- 
tion in his native land. When fourteen years old 
he left home and engaged as a stage driver, at 
which he continued to work for some seven years. 
The succeeding two years were spent as a coach- 
man. Having decided to come to America, he 
sailed from Bremen in 1836, and nine weeks later 
landed in New York. The voyage was a long and 
tedious one, made memorable by heavy storms and 
other discomforts and dangers. His first winter 
was sjient in the city of New York, where he did 
whatever he could find to do, being employed 
some two months of the time in a bakery. Going 
to Catskill, he worked some four years in a tan- 
nery. 

In IHII our subject continued his westward 
journey, going on the Erie Canal toIUifl'alo, where 
he shipped on a lake steamer for Milwaukee. F^'om 
that city he came on foot to Ottawa Township, 
where he secured eighty acres of land on section 13. 
After purchasing his place, he erected a log house, 
one of the best in the neighborhood. However, 
before his house was put up Samuel Reed, Henry 
and James Stewart and Mr. Dreyer, lived some four 
years in a shanty in which they had stored several 
barrels of Hour and a good supply of meat. Mrs. 
Reed, thinking she would rather live in the shanty 
and keep house for her husband and his compan- 
ions while they were improving their farms, than 
to remain at the home of her parents, which was 
some miles distant, removed to the new quarters. 
No washing had been done for a long time, so to 
perform this necessary task she built a rousing fire 
which was soon communicated to the infiammable 
habitation, and all went to ashes, shanty, provi- 
sions, clothes and several good guns. As money 
was scarce and provisions hard to obtain, the loss 
was one deeply felt. The early settlers passed 
through many hardships which would eeem im- 
possible for us to endure. Many a time Mr. Dreyer 
has walked to Milwaukee, starting from home at 
sundown to save time, and reaching home again 
the next day by noon. Mrs. Dreyer and a com- 
panion, who is now Mrs. Elizabeth Helgerson, per- 
formed a similar feat; on foot they went to Mil- 




LEONARD COLEMAN. 




MERCKiNA COLKMAN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ItECORD. 



663 



waiikce in tlie afternoon to attend a ball, danced 
nearly all night, and walki'd home the next morn- 
ing. It is not strange that Mr. Dreyer should 
have clio.son a lady of sueh i)luck and eneig_v for 
a wife. 

Mrs. Dreyer, who in her maidenhood was Miss 
Elizabeth Deck, is a native of Walletheim, Hesse- 
Darmstadt, (iermany, burn on the "id of March, 
1825. Her i)arents, John and Anna Klizabetli 
(Decker) Deck, were natives of the same country. 
In her native land Mrs. Dreyer received a good 
education, and in the year 1849 accoinpanie<l her 
parents to the United States, and after spending 
a year in Erie, I'a., continiied the westward jour- 
ney to Waukesha County, locating in the town of 
Ottawa, where she lived at the time of her mar- 
riage to Mr. Dreyer, though the wedding ceremony 
was performed in Milwaukee, wliilher she went on 
a load of wheat. The first home of this newly 
married couple was the old-time log house, in 
which they spent many of the happiest years of 
their lives. Their family consisted of eleven chil- 
dren, six of whom died in childhood. The living 
are Caroline, who married Henry Ilalin, and lives 
in Kansas; Maggie, who makes lier home in New 
York City, is the widow of Henry C. Miller; Clara, 
wife of Philip Crub, lives at Medical Lake, Wash.; 
Harry, a traveling salesman of Waukesha, chose 
Minnie Burrows for a wife; and Frederick Bash- 
ford, who carries on the home farm, married Miss 
Mary J. Hunter. Mr. and Mrs. Dreyer also have 
twenty grandchildren and seven great-grandchil- 
dren. In the Fatherland the parents were identi- 
fied with the Lutheran Church, but since coining 
to this country have not been connected with any 
religious denomination. Politically Mr. Dreyer 
has always been a Republican, but has never taken 
an active part in public affairs; however, his son 
Frederick B., who is of the same political faith, has 
served as a member of the Town Board of Sn))er- 
visors. 

Mr. Dreyer has been a hard working man all his 
life, and now at the age of eighty-three he can 
scarcely be restraine<l from work. When he lirst 
began in this county he worked almost day and 
night; by moonlight he would sow and reap, be- 
ing ably assisted by his gooc| wjf?, Tons uiwu 
22 



tons of stone he has picked from his farm, and 
otherwise improved it, making it one of the best 
in the neighborhood. On the 8th of May, 1S!»3, 
Mr. and Mrs. Dreyer celebrated their golden wed- 
ding, which was attended by many relatives and 
friends who remembered them with some valu- 
able presents. 

■r KONARD COLEMAN, pro|)rietor of the 
I O Coleman House, a large and popular hotel 
at Waukesha, is a pioneer of Waukesha 
County of 1846. He was born in Ft. Ann, Wash- 
ington County. N. Y., January 2, 1824, and is a 
son of Brewster and Betsey (White) Coleman. 
His father's family was one of the first to settle at 
Ft. .\nn. OziasColeman, the paternal grandfather 
of our subject, was a resident there as early as 
1760, as is shown by an old .account book of his, 
now in the possession of Leonard Coleman, which 
bears the original entries of matters of account in 
that year. It is now one hundred and thirty-four 
years old. The mother of Mr. Coleman was from 
Orandville, an adjoining town to Ft. Ann. She 
lost her husband when their son Leonard was but 
seven years old. Mrs. Coleman subsequently re- 
moved to Waukesha County, Wis., where the re- 
mainder of her life was passed, her death having 
occurred in .lamiaiy. IH.'iT. Her family comprised 
four children, two sons and two daughters, all of 
whom are now deceased except Leonard. 

The subject of this record was reared on a farm 
in his native state and received a common school 
education. On the 1st of September, IHl.j, he set 
out for the west and landed at Milwaukee, in the 
territory of Wisconsin. From there he went to 
Waukesha County, where he ((urcha.sed a farm, 
located in the town of Summit, but did not occui)y 
it until June of the following year. Tn 1816 he 
built a house and made other improvements, pre- 
paring it for a home. This done Mr. Coleman re- 
turned to the east and was married at Ft. Ann, 
N. Y., on the 25tli of .lune, 184H, to Miss Mercena 
Barlow, a native of that place, and a daughter of 
Almon Barlow. Within a few days following 
their marriage Mr. aii<l Mrs. Coleman turned their 



PORTRAIT AND BIOCxRAPHICAL RECORD^ 



664 

^^^^ward their home in Wisconsin, which they 
reached on the 19th of July. They have one 
child hvins, a daughter, Lucy Amelia, now the 
wife of II. G. Morgan, of Waukesha. They lost 
three sons: Charles B., who died aged eleven years; 
Stanley, who lived only eighteen months, and A\ .11- 
ard H., who died at tlie age of live years. 

Mr Coleman continued on his farm in Summit 
until 1872, when he engaged in hotel-keeping in 
the town of Pensaukee, Oconto County. He kept 
the Gardner House at that place untilJune, 18/7, 
when a tornado struck the town, doing great dam- 
a<.e and wrecking the hotel. Mr. C;oleman sold 
there, and in the fall of that year removed to 
Waukesha, where he kept the American House, 
since burned. He conducted the Americau House 
some seven years, and at the end of tl.at time 
rented the Park Hotel, which he operated four 
seasons and then built the Coleman House in 
1888, which he opened November 1 of that year, 
and has continued to keep till the present. The 
Coleman House is centrally located and is sup- 
plied with all modern conveniences. It has a ca- 
pacity equal to the rooming of forty guests at a 
time, and a table capacity for about sixty-five. 

Mr. and Mrs. Coleman are active members of 
the Congregational Church. In politics he is a 
stanch Republican, but has never sought or desired 
public ollice. His official experience consists of 
one term as Assessor of the town of Summit. He 
has been a resident of Waukesha County for forty- 
eight vears, and is widely and favorably known 
among its old settlers and many newcomers. He 
is a genial, popular landlord, and has secured the 
patronage of a good share of the traveling public, 
as also of his fellow-citizens who have business at 
court or otherwise at the county seat. 



'^<£a^ 



HUMPHREY RANKIN has for more than 
half a century been numbered among the 
leading citizens of Waukesha County, and 
with pleasure we present to our readers this record 
of his life, knowing that it will prove of interest 
to his many friends. A native of JJoston, Mass., 
Ue was born June 28, 1840. His father, James 



Rankin, was born in Ireland in 1804, was reared 
in his native land and became a farmer. At the 
age of eighteen he sailed for America a penniless 
boy, hoping to earn a good living in the land of 
freedom. He married Mary Keyes, who was born on 
the Emerald Isle in 1811, and they became the par- 
ents of seven sons and three daughters, nine of 
whom arc yet living, namely: William, a farmer of 
White Water, Wis.; Jo, an agriculturist of Wash- 
ington; Margaret, wife of A. D. Calkins, a resident 
farmer of Saline County, Neb.; Humphrey, of this 
sketch; Mary Jane, wife of Henry W. Howard, who 
carried on agricultural pursuits near Waukesha; 
James, deceased; John, a resident of Waukesha; 
Stephenson, a resident of Lisbon Township; David 
a farmer, and Martha. In 1843, with his family, 
.lames Rankin started for tlie territory of Wiscon- 
sin, and in Waukesha County purchased a claim of 
eighty acres, upon which not a furrow had been 
turned or an improvement made, but with the aid 
of his sons he developed a fine farm, placing it 
under a high state of cultivation and making many 
improvements thereon. He was regarded as one 
of the progressive and public spirited citizens, and 
all who knew him held hiih in high regard. He 
votes with the Republican party. His death oc- 
curred in 1874, and his wife passed away in 1880. 
They were laid to rest in Cemetery 16, where a 
beautiful monument has been erected to their 

memory. 

Ihimphrev Rankin is a self-educated and self- 
made man. " He pursued a full course in the Spen- 
cerian Business College of Milwaukee, and became 
one of the successful teachers of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, following that profession for a period of four- 
teen years. He remained with his parents until 
after he had attained his majority, and at the age 
of twenty-three began life for himself. On aban- 
doning the teacher's profession he took up agri- 
cultural pursuits, and now owns forty acres of well 
improved land within two miles of Sussex. 

Mr. Rankin was married May 15, 1875, to Miss 
Charlotte Greeugo, a native of this county, and a 
dau<^hter graces this union, Mary Keyes. Mrs. 
Rankin was born March 23, 1849, and was edu- 
cated in the common schools. Her parents, Jesse 
and Mary Ann (Potter) Greengo, were natives of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



665 



England, and are represented elsewhere in this 
work. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin have resided at tiieir 
present home since 1S71, and are higlily respected 
people, who hold an enviable position in social cir- 
cles. Our snbject first voted for Abraham Lin- 
coln, and was a Republican in politics until a few 
yeai-s since, when he joined the Democracy. He 
has served as Township Treasurer, was Clerk of 
the Board of School Directors, and has frequentl}' 
been a delegate to county conventions. He is a 
man of firm convictioVis, fearless in expressing his 
convictions, and in no uncertain way he indicates 
on which side of llio cjnolion lie may be found. 



ISAAC DENTON, whose home is c)n section 10, 
in Summit Township, has the distinction of 
being both an old settler and a veteran soldier 
of the War of the Rebellion. His father, .Jonas 
M. Denton, emigrated to Wisconsin with his fam- 
ily in 1850. The3f passed the following winter at 
Elkliorn, Walworth County, and on the lOlh of 
the succeeding May settled on a farm in Concord 
Township, .leffeison County. The <iuarter-scction 
of land upon which they located was nearly all 
unimproved, only about thirty acres having been 
broken. Of this place the family made a home- 
stead. Near the close of his father's life Isaac 
bought the home, and the parents removed to the 
village of .leflfcrson, where the husband died on 
the 5th of March, 1882. The wife and mother, 
whose maiden name was Maria Enrniaii, now 
lives with a daughter in Pasadena, Cal. 

Jonas M. Deutun was born in Connecticut, .lan- 
uai'}- 16, 1804. His father was Jabez Denton and 
belonged to an old Connecticut family. When 
.Jonas M. was eleven years of .age his father emi- 
grated to Huron County, Ohio, where the grand- 
parents of our subject spent the remainder of their 
lives, and there his father grew to manhood and 
married. In 1850, as stated, the family-, which 
then consisted of the parents and three children, 
two sons and a daughter, emigrated to Wisconsin. 
The father, Jonas M. Denton, was a man of more 
than average uatura) ability. Having been brought 



up on the frontier of civilization he had extremely 
limited school advantages, !)ut by reading and ob- 
servation became well informed and w.is always 
an esteemed and respected citizen. The eldest of 
the family was the daughter, Louisa, who married 
William P. Forsyth, an early .settler of Jefferson 
County, his family having emigrated to Wiscon- 
sin from Lockport, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Eorsyth 
now reside at Pasadena, Cal. Isaac is the second 
of the family in order of birth. Willard, the 
youngest, lived for many years in .Jefferson Coun- 
ty, and was for some time a prominent business 
man of the village of Jefferson, but later removed 
to the town of Summit, Waukesha County. While 
on a visit to California in 1888, he was taken ill 
and died ver^- suddenly, his body being returned 
to his home for burial. Ilis family still reside in 
Summit Townsliip. 

Isaac Denton was born in the town of Berlin, 
Erie County, Ohio, December 15, 18.^3, and was 
about seventeen years of age when the family 
came to Wisconsin. He remained at the home- 
stead till the breaking out of the late war. On the 
13th of August, 1862, he enlisted in Conipan3- E, 
Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and served 
until the close of the war. With his regiment he 
went directly to Columbus, Ky.. where the holi- 
days were passed, going thence to the state of Ar- 
kansas, the command passing about two years 
there. Helena was hcad()uarters of the company 
for about a year. From there the regiment went 
to Little Rock, being among the first troops to en- 
ter that city, thence to Pine Bluff, which was the 
command's head<iuarters for .some twelvemonths. 
While there Company E was engaged on provost 
duty. From Pine Bluff they went to Mobile, Ala., 
and remained in that state till the fall of the Con- 
feder.icy, when the regiment was ordered to Texas, 
being mustered out at Brownsville, in that state, 
and discharged at Madison, Wis., August 23, 1865. 
Mr. Denton participated in some of the imi)ortant 
events of the war, among which was the battle of 
Helena, July 4, 18C3, and ail of the engagements 
attending the capture of Spanish Fort. He was a 
faithful soldier in the War for the Union, and was 
I not absent from his company a day during bis 
I whole service. He escaped the bullets of the 



666 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



enemy, but his health was considerably impaired 
by the hardships incident to a soldier's life. On 
his return from tlie army Mr. Denton look charj^e 
of the homestead farm in Jefferson County, which 
he finally purchased, and which he sold in the fall 
of 1876, at that time settling where he now lives. 

October 27, 1867, Mr. Denton was united in 
marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. Neff, daughter of 
Charles M. and Clarissa M. (Dexter) Neff, who was 
born March 23, 1817. They have four children, 
one son and three daughters: Charles N., Gertrude 
C, Louise and Ellen. 

Mr. Denton is one of the representative men of 
his town. In politics he is an ardent Republican, 
having cast his first Presidential vote for .John C. 
Fremont, who was the first candidate of that 
part}'. He is a member of Henry Bertram Post, 
G. A. R., of Oconomowoc. He owns an excellent 
farm, and with his family resides in a pleasant 
home. 



9*^F 



MICHAEL GLEASON, the oldest mason 
contractor of Waukesha, was born in 
County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1838. His 
parents, Edward F. and Ellen (R3'an) Gleason, 
were natives of the same county, the latter being 
a distant relative of Bishop Ryan, of St. Louis. 
Edward F. Gleason was a man in good circum- 
stances and left his family well provided for, 
though they were deprived of it by unfair means. 
He died when his son Michael was but six years 
of age, and two years later his wife followed him 
to the spirit land. Of their seven children, three 
sons and four daughters, all emigrated to the United 
States. Mary crossed the ocean in 1847 and 
settled at Troy, N. Y. The remaining children 
came in 1819. It will thus be seen that Michael 
Gleason was but eleven years old when he landed 
in the New World. For some five years he lived 
with his sister Maiy, and tlien, being sixteen years 
old, he apprenticed himself to a stone-cutter for 
five years. For the first two years' work he re- 
ceived only his board and clothes. Before com- 
pleting his trade his "boss" released him from their 
contract, and for a part of two years young Mich- 



ael attended an academy, thus fitting himself for the 
active business life which he has led. In the mean- 
time he returned to his old employer ind acted as 
his foreman for about a year. Before leaving 
Troy, N. V., lie was married, in 1857, to Miss Ann 
Tighc. The year following. Mr. Gleason came to 
Waukesha Count}', and was first emplo^'ed to cut 
stone for Mr.Jolinston,of Genesee. Having worked 
for wages four or five years, Mr. Gleason began 
contracting on his own account. From a small 
beginning he has extended his business until he is 
recognized as one of the leading contractors in 
this section, doing business in Wisconsin, Iowa 
and Illinois. Among the more important structures 
on which he has done the mason work may be men- 
tioned the new Catholic Church, the new court 
house and jail, Carroll College, the Opera House 
Block, Putney lllock, the Northwestern Passenger 
Depot, jEtna Block, and many others of more or 
less importance. He also superintended the con- 
struction of the first three buildings at the Indus- 
trial School, and built.most of the Fountain House; 
was partner in the contract for building the Fe- 
male Seminary at Fox Lake; superintended the 
building of a large school-house at Mason City, 
Iowa; erected the court house at Steven's Point, 
also the one at Bayfield, Wis., and was foreman on 
the first water works constructed in Milwaukee. 
Should all the work that Mr. Gleason has done in 
Waukesha be removed, the place would indeed 
present a desolate appearance. 

Is religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Gleason arc Cath- 
olics, and in politics he is a Republican. On all 
questions he is broad gauged and liberal minded, 
granting the right to others that he claims for 
himself, to think and act independently. For a 
number of terms he has served as a member of the 
Village Board, though he has always been averse 
to running for office. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gleason have one of the finest 
homes in Waukesha, located at No. 302 Main Street. 
Their family consists of five children. Edward F., 
who graduated from Carroll College, the State 
University at Madison, and also from the Law 
School at Washington, D. C, is a prominentyoung 
attorney of Ashland, Wis.; Mary J., a graduate 
of Carroll Cyllege, is the widow of Dr. J. M. Car- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



667 



berry, who was one of Ute brifjhl pbysicinns of 
Waukcslia; Kliza, who also graduated from Car- 
roll College, is at home; John .1., a graduate of 
Carroll College and of the Stale I'niversity, is an 
instructor in tlie Industrial School at Waukesha; 
Myra, like the rest of the children, is enjoying the 
best of educational privileges. Mr. (ileason pos- 
sesses one of the best private libraries in the vil- 
lage and is himself a great reader. 



HON. WILLIAM FLEMING, senior mem- 
ber of the law firm of Rogan & Fleming, 
of Oconomowoc, w.is born in the town of 
Emmet, Dodge Countj-, Wis., on the 6lh of Feb- 
ruary, 1851. John Fleming, his father, settled in 
that town in June, 18M. He was boi-n in Ireland, 
of Scotch ancestry', in 1808 and came to the 
United States in 1836. In 1842 he was married 
in Pennsylvania to Catlicrine Sweeney, wiio was 
also a native of Ireland. Two years after their 
marriage they emigrated to Wisconsin, where both 
passed away, the husl)and in 1885 and the wife Feb- 
ruary 5, 1893, being seventy -seven years old at 
the time of her death. They became the parents 
of six sons and three daughters, four sons and one 
daughter surviving at this writing. John is in 
Milwaukee; William is the next in order of birth; 
Michael is a farmer of Dodge County; Thomas J. 
is a dealer in real estate, at present tlie Private 
Secretary of J. H. Woodworth,of Milwaukee. The 
only daiighter now living is Mrs. Michael Casy, of 
Dodge County. The eldest of the family, James 
Fleming, was a soldier in tlic War of the Rebel- 
lion, being a member of the Sixty-fourth Regiment, 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He took part in many 
important events of the war, including Sherman's 
march to the sea. and was lionoral)ly discharged. 
His death occurred in Dodge County in 1871. 
Mary Ann, another of the daughters, died in 1872. 
'I'he other memlH-rs of the family that are deceased 
passed aw.-iy in early childhood. 

William Fleming was brought up on his father's 
farm and educated in Northwestern I'niversity 
at Watertown. For many years he was a succe^ful 



teacher in the public schools. In 1878 he was elected 
to represent his district in the Assembly branch of 
the Wisconsin Legislature, and re-elected in 1879. 
While residing in Dodge County he served as 
Assessor and was Chairman of his Town Board. 
He was elected County' Clerk in 1881, in which 
capacity lie served two years. In 1887 Mr. Flem- 
ing went to Aliiska as a Deputy Collector of cus- 
toms under A. K. Delany. He was stationed at 
Ft. Wrangel, having full charge of that port, 
Collector Delau}- being at Sitka, the capital. Mr. 
Fleming remained in Alaska during the latter 
))art of President Cleveland's first administra- 
tion. He had already pursued the study of law to 
some extent, and upon his return from Alaska en- 
tered the Law Department of the State University, 
from which he graduated in 1888, since which 
time he has been engaged in the active practice of 
his profession. 

Mr. Fleming was married on the 11th of Febru- 
ary, 1885, to Mary Rogan, a sister of his present 
law partner. To Mr. and Mrs. Fleming two chil- 
dren have been born, Adelaide Grace and Margaret 
Catherine Ann. 






HARRY W. GOODWIN, of Ilartland, is a 
lawyer by profession ; he also makes loans, 
deals in real estate and does a general 
insurance business. He was born in the village of 
Ilartland, Waukesha County, October 25, 1860. 
His father, Ira Goodwin, is a pioneer of the coun- 
ty, the year of his coming having been 1842. He 
is now a resident of Ilartland, in which village he 
has lived most of the time since becoming a citi- 
zen of this county. Tiie mother of Harry W. 
Goodwin bore the maiden name of PhreloTe 
Wright and was a native of Dutchess County, 
N. Y. The subject of this sketch is his father's 
only child, though the mother has other children 
by a former marriage. 

Mr. Goodwin received his literary education in 
the public schools and at Wisconsin .State Uni- 
versity. He was graduated from the Law Depart- 
ment of the latter in 1889. Previous to this he 



668 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



had studied law with Hon. Kdwin Iluilbut, of 
Oconornowoc, !in(J in the meantime did considera- 
ble newspaper work, in connection with Ins stud- 
ies, on the Free Press. 

Mr. Goodwin is a gentleman of good attain- 
ments and a highlj' esteemed citizen. He was the 
first President of the Oconomowoc Library Associ- 
ation and was instrumental, with others, in organ- 
izing the association and establishing the library-, 
being at the time a resident of that city. An 
ardent Prohibitionist, Mr. Goodwin is a leading 
member of the order of Good Temi)lar8. 

On the 15th of September, 1891, Mr. Goodwin 
was united in marriage with Miss Ida I'ellette, a 
native of Illinois and a daughter of John J. Pel- 
lette. Our subject is the proprietor and editor of 
the News and Dairyman, of Hartland, a clean paper 
devoted to the best interests of the community'. 



T7> DWARD FRANKLIN BROWN, who owns 
r^ C) and occupies the old homestead of his fa- 
ther in the town of Oconomowoc, is a son 
of Curtis B. Brown, who was born in the town of 
Hanover, Grafton County, N. H., March 25, 1806. 
When about twelve years of age he accompanied 
his parents, Edward B. and Lucy Brown, on their 
removal to Washington County, Vt., where they 
settled on a farm. He there grew to maturity' 
and was married in the town of Berlin, the same 
county, in 1828, to Miss Betsey M., daughter of 
David and Betsej' Johnson. Mrs. Brown was a 
native of the town where they were married, the 
date of her birth being September 15, 1808. In 
April, 1834, they emigrated to Kalamazoo, Mich., 
in which place they kept a tavern until the spring 
of 1837, when they removed to Wisconsin and in 
April settled in the town of Summit, being the 
second family to locate in that town. In the 
spring of 1841 thej' removed to Oconomowoc 
Township and located on section 26, but after a 
residence of one year upon this farm removed to 
another on sections 22 and 23, where he and his 
wife passed the remainder of their lives. 

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis B. Brown were the parents 



of eleven children, nine of vvhom grew to mature 
> ears, and of this number five sons and two daugh- 
ters now survive ( 18t>4),and are named as follows: 
Martha G. is the wife of Jacob Milhara, of the 
town of New Berlin, Waukesha County; Swain 
resides in Belvidere, Neb.; Nelson is a resident of 
California: Mary became the wife of John Rich- 
ardson, of Green Bay, Wis.; E. F. is the next in 
order of birth; Lyman is next; Clement resides in 
Medford County, Wis. The deceased were Gus- 
tavus, who died in 1878; Charles, who passed awa}^ 
in 1875, and two that died in infancy. 

Curtis B. Brown was a representative pioneer 
citizen, and as such was closelj' identilied with the 
early growth and historj' of Waukesha County. 
He was well educated, having enjoyed excellent 
opportunities in his youth, and being a great 
reader was well informed on the general issues of 
the day; as a business man he was very successful, 
all of his dealings being characterized by strict 
integrity; generous and warm hearted, he was al- 
ways ready to assist those in need of help. 

In his political views Mr. Brown was a Repub- 
lican and warmly advocated the principles of that 
party. By his fellow-townsmen he was elected to 
a number of local positions, among which were those 
of Assessor for several terms and Chairman of the 
Town Board two terms. His death occurred Jan- 
uary 24, 1890. Several years previous to that 
event IMr. Brown had suffered a stroke of paraly- 
sis and was thereafter an invalid until death. His 
faithful wife had preceded him to the spirit world, 
she having died on the 21st of Januar3', 1883. 
They were consistent members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and always took an active part 
in church work, giving liberally of their means to 
support the various benevolences of the church. 
They were most excellent and worth3' citizens. 

E. F.Brown, the gentleman whose name appears 
at the head of this biography, was born in the 
town of Summit, Waukesha Countj^, on the 9th 
of August. 1843, and has alw.a^'S lived at his fji- 
ther's homestead. His education was acquired in 
the schools of his native county. Like his worthy 
father before him, Mr. Brown has chosen the oc- 
cupation of an agriculturist. 

On the 15th of June, 1870, was celebrated the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



669 



marriage of Mr. Brown and Linda Looker, a na- 
tive of New York and a daughter of Caleb Looker. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brown li.ive two daughters, Viola 
and Edna. He is a Rcpubliciiu in liis politics and 
cast his first Presidential vote for "Honest Abe." 



PETER COYLE was born in Cranston, some 
four miles from Providence, R. I., May 
24, 18."53. His parents, Edward and Rose 
(Duffy) Coyle, were natives of County Monaghan, 
Ireland. Soon after marriage, about the year 1824, 
they emigrated to the United States and located 
in Boston, where their oldest child was born. 
Subsequently tiiey removed to Rhode Island, where 
the father was employed in the engraving depart- 
ment of a manufacturing establishment. Having 
decided to cist their lot with the early settlers of 
Wisconsin, they came by the Hudson River and 
Erie Canal to Huffalo, and thence by the Lakes to 
Milwaukee. Coming direct to Waukesha County, 
they located on a farm in Genesee Township, 
which had been bougiil by their son Patrick, who 
emigrated here in 1814. It was in 184G tiiat Mr. 
and Mrs. Coyle arrived at their new home. Later 
they removed to the town of Pewaukee, where 
Mr. Coyle died many 3'ears ago. His widow re- 
moved to Waukesha, where her last days were 
spent. Mr. Coyle w.as a member of the Catholic 
Church, and in political sentiment was a Demo- 
crat. In their family were seven children, of 
whom four are living: Peter, whose name heads 
this account, and three sisters. 

Peter Coyle is the fifth in order of birth in the 
above family. He w.is but thirteen years old 
when, with his parents, he arrived in Waukesha 
County. His educational iH'ivileges. therefore, 
from that lime on were such as the old time dis- 
trict school afforded. With the exception of one 
year spent in California, the year 1863, he has 
made this county his home since 1846. I'ntil 
after his father's death he remained on the old 
homestead, devoting himself to its care and culti- 
vation. 

On the l.'iili of December, 1873, Mr. Coyle 



wedded Miss Eleanor Carney, daughter of Bernard 
and Anna Carney, and a sister of Judge P. H. 
Carney. Mrs. Coj'le was born in Lincoln County, 
Me.. May 27, 1841, and when six years of age ac- 
companied her parents to this county. Having 
remained on the farm until 1874, Mr. Coyle came 
to Waukesha and opened up a restaurant, which 
he conducted for four years. During Cleveland's 
first administration he served as Assistant Post- 
master of Waukesha. Since that time he has en- 
tertained guests during the summer season. In 
1888 lie built a commodious residence at No. 22.'> 
East Park Avenue. His house is built in modern 
style, is homelike, and each summer is filled with 
southern guests. 

Mr. and Mrs. Coyle have three children: Marie, 
Edward and Mabel. All the family are members 
of the Catholic Church. In political principles 
our subject is a Democrat, and during the years 
1869 and 1870 he was honored with the office 
of Register of Deeds of Waukesha County. For 
nearly a half-century our subject and his esti- 
mable wife have been residents of the county and 
have witnessed it grow from a comparatively un- 
developed country into a rich farming section. 
The}' have seen Waukesha, transformed from a 
village containing some three stores to one of the 
most popular summer resorts in the state. 



I AMES 1 
Miiiera! 
_ a busin 



M. IvERR, Manager for the Hygeia 
ral Spring Company is well known as 
)usincss man of Waukesha. The famous 
spring which he represents w.is opened in 
1872, when the m.ason work was done and a 
small pavilion erected. It was further improved 
by Flannery it Carver. Subsequently M. P. Smith 
purchased the property, which was disposed of in 
1891 to the Hygeia Mineral Spring Company. 
The (jllicers of the company are: A. W. Herkey, of 
Chicago, President; L. S. Conklin, of New York, 
Vice-President; .1. E. McElroy, of Chicago, Secre- 
tary .'ind (Jeneral Manager. The capital stock of 
the concern is Ji'2,U0ti,0Ut). Soon after the present 
company became possessed of the springs they 



670 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RP]CORD. 



erected extensive bottling works, witii a daily ca- 
pacity of thirty thousand (luarts. In 1892 they 
erected the finest pavilion in the village, llygeia 
water has won an almost "orld-wide reputation; 
besides being sold throughout the United States, a 
market is found for it in Canada and other foreign 
countries. During the AVorld's Fair in Chicago it 
was a very popular drink, being found at various 
places in the different buildings. 

Mr. Kerr, the local manager for the company, was 
born near Ilnmilton, Canada, September 7, 1850, 
being a son of .John and Catherine (Keid) Kerr. 
The former was born at Paisley, Scotland, and with 
his father, Dr. David Kerr, went to Ireland, wiiere 
the latter was sent by tlie English Government. 
Dr. Kerr had visited that county before, and there 
married an Irish lady. .Joiin Kerr was chietly 
reared in Count}' Mayo. When a young man he 
was made Captain of the Coast Guards, which po- 
sition he lield for some time. In that county lie 
married Miss Held, who was a native of the same 
place, though her parents were of Scotch descent. 
In 1836 .Tohn Kerr and wife craigiated to Canada 
and settled on a farm near Hamilton. Thirty 
years later they removed to a farm in Huron 
Count}-, Mich., where he still lives at the advanced 
age of ninety years, beinga remarkablj' bright and 
intelligent old gentleman. His good wife was 
called to her linal rest in 1872, at the age of sixty- 
four. 

James M. Kerr is the ninth in order of birth in 
a family of ten children. Until sixteen years of 
age his time was divided between labor on the 
farm and attendance in the common schools. At 
that time he began clerking in a store, and for 
nine years was emplo^'ed eitlier in the store or in 
a lumber yard. His next venture was that of gov- 
ernment contracting as a member of the firm of 
11. S. Dale i^' Co. The first twent3'-two hundred 
and fifty feet of the harbor of refuge at Sand 
Beach, Mich., was constructed by this Hrm. They 
also built the headiiuarters for the War Depart- 
ment at Ft. Snelling, Minn., in 1880, 1881 and 
1882, making in all six j-ears that he followed gov- 
ernment contracting. The following three years he 
was employed in the United States Kngineer's of- 
fice at Chicago. In 1885 Mr. Kerr came to Wau- 



kesha as business manager for the Arcadian Spring 
Company, later becoming general manager. When 
the llygeia Mineral Spring Companj' was incor- 
porated lie was chosen President, but resigned a 
year later and has since been local manager. 

Mr. Kerr was married at Port Austin, Mich., 
November 23, 1876, to Miss Lavina Williams, a 
native of Sanilac County, Mich., and a daugiiter 
of Otis 15. Williams, a native of England and a 
well known hotel keei)er of that state. Mr. and 
Mrs. Kerr have four children: Dale, Hoy J., Arthur 
E. and Glenn. Mr. Kerr is a firm believer in 
the future growlli and prosperity of Waukesha 
and has accordingly invested in real estate. AVell 
posted in reference to the imijortanl (juestions of 
the day, and a man of more than ordinary ex- 
perience and ability, he is a citizen of wliich any 
community would have no reason to be ashamed. 



E^- 



M ORRIS ANDREW SCHMOYER is one of 
the prominent businessmen of Menomo- 
nee Falls, and it is not too much to say 
that he has done more than any other to build up the 
mercantile interests of that village. Mr. .Schmoyer 
is a native of Lehigh County, Pa., born March 23, 
1856. His parents, Samuel and Eliza (Yeager) 
Schmoyer, were born in the same state, as were 
also their ancestors for several generations back, 
though both families originally came from Hol- 
land. Samuel Schmoyer for many years owned 
and operated a flour rtiill. He was a quiet, unob- 
trusive man, who never sought distinction or 
l)ubiic preferment. He was a consistent member 
of the Lutheran Ciiiirch,as was also his wife. The 
lattcr's death occurred some twenty-live years ago, 
when her son, Morris A., was about thirteen years 
of age. Mr. Schmoyer passed his entire life in his 
native state, dying in 18114, at the age of seventy- 
three years. 

ISIorris A. is the fourth child in a family com- 
prising three sons and two daughters, and is the 
only one who has left his native state. Until eigh- 
teen years old his time was passed in iiis father's 
mill and in attendance at the district schools. In 
1874 he bade good-bye to home and friends and 




C. A. HAERTEL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



673 



started for Menomonee Falls, which has since been 
ills home. On arriving tliere lie secured employ- 
ment in the tloiir mill of J. B. Nehs, where he 
completed liis trade, remaining for seven years. 
At the expiration of tiiat i)criod lie purchased, 
with his carefull}' luisbanded earnings, a half-in- 
terest in the store of Peter Keeler, who iiad started 
in liusinessa sliort time before, but from lack of pat- 
ronage got in a condition where the casli from the 
sale of half the store would bo very acceptable. 
The entire stock was worth possibly !j!500. Tlie 
enterprise, push and ability of tlip young partner 
soon manifested tiiemselves,and a marked increase 
in patronage was tlie result. Tins co-partnership 
lasted some four or five years, when Mr. Schmoyer 
disposed of iiis interest, and in company with V. 
L. Nehs, bought tlie store of 1^. Debus. A year 
later Mr. Nehs sold to J. L. Sciilafer, and one j'ear 
afterwards it was sold to Ed Puehler. Snbse- 
([uently Mr. L. Debus purchased the interest of 
Mr. fSlepper, the firm assuming the style of M. A. 
Schmoyer A: Co. Tliis firm carries a large stock of 
general merchandise, and unquestionably does as 
extensive business as any mercantile establishment 
in the county, employing in all nine salesmen. 
The secret of their success lies in the fact that 
they keep a large assortment of goods and com- 
pete with the city prices. 

Mr. Schmoyer, to whose efforts the success of 
the enterprise is in no small degree due, is a gen- 
tleman of pleasing address and courteous man- 
ners. Polilically he is a Republican, and is a 
Strong advocate of temperance. Both he and his 
wife are active members of the church of the 
Evangelical Association. His marriage to Miss 
Louisa, daughter of Charles and Mary A. Nehs, 
w.as celelirated in Menomonee Falls November 8, 
1877. Mrs. Schmoyer is a native of that village, 
her birtii occurring .luly 1, lH;j7. ( )f this union 
were born five children, namely: llarvcy H.. April 
2o, 1871>; Ada, November 21,1880; Winnie, .laiiu- 
ary 2, 1883; Florence, April 13, 1887; and .Justin, 
.luly 27, ISfld. 

Mr. Schmoyer has never sought otiicial distinc- 
tion, preferring to devote his time and attention 
to his own interest-s. For six years he has served 
as District Clerk. From a business point of view 



his career has been one of marked success. Land- 
ing in Menomonee Falls with onl}' *3, he has, bj' 
industry and close application to business, worked 
his way up to a place among the leading business 
men of the county. Honesty, fair dealing and a 
conscientious regard for the rights of others, have 
ever characterized his dealings with his fellow- 
men. 



eONRAD A. HAEKTEL, Register of Deeds, 
of Waukesha County, and general dealer 
in hardware, established business in his 
present line in Waukesha in 187('>, and has carried 
it on continuously' ever since. His is tlie oldest 
house in that brancli of business in the city in 
years of uninterrupted business. Mr. Ilaertel was 
born in Nureniburg, Prussia, September 21, 1851, 
and is a son of John and Margaret (Andrea) Ilaer- 
tel. The parents were natives of the same part of 
Germany as their son. The father's birth occurred 
June 26, 1826, and his death July 23. 1868. The 
mother, who was born February 15, 1822, sur- 
vives her husband and is residing in Waukesha. 
The family emigrating from the Fatherland to 
America in 1856, came directly to Wisconsin and 
settled in Waukesha, where Mr. Ilaertel, Sr., was 
engaged in the hardware business until his death. 

Conrad A. was but five years of age when he 
came to Waukesha from the Old Country; his edu- 
cation was obtained in the public and parochial 
schools. In the latter he learned to read ainl« 
write the German language, which he had learned to 
talk at home. His knowledge of the German lan- 
guage, Mr. Ilaertel finds almost a daily necessity 
in both private and public business. 

On the 19th of September. 1878, in Waukesha. Mr. 
Ilaertel was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Craw- 
ley. Mrs. Il.aertel is a native of Wisconsin, born in 
Eagle Townsliip, Waukesha County. Her parents 
were .lolin and Ann Crawley, the former of whom 
has passed to the spirit world Four children, one 
son and three daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Ilaertel, Margaret Estelle. .lohn E., Jessie and 
Marie I... all natives of Waukesha. 

In pi)litics Mr. Ilaertel is a Republican, and by 
that parly has been chosen to several olllcial posi- 



674 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tions of honor and trust. He has been Village 
Trustee, Village Treasurer, Town Treasurer, and 
in the fall of 1892 was elected Register of Deeds 
for Waukesha County. The year 18!»2 was the 
year of the great Democratic tidal wave. Only 
two Republicans were elected to offices that year 
in Waulteslia County, Mr. Ilaertel and one other. 
He was one of the organizers of the Waukesha 
Building & Loan Association, of which he has been 
elected Treasurer eacli year since its organization. 
Sociall}' Mr. Ilaertel is a tiiirty-second degree 
mason, a member of tlie local bodies of that order 
at Waukesha, and is a charter member of Wauke- 
sha Coramandery; he was formerly a member of St. 
Bernard Coramandery of Chicago. He is a success- 
ful business man, an efficient and popular county 
official, and as a citizen has a wide circle of friends 
and awiuaintances. 



IN*— T ^ 



r AUREL ELMER YOUMANS, B. L., M. D., 

I C^ was born in the house where he now lives 
on the 26th of February, 1863, being a 
son of Dr. II. A. and Lucy S. (Andrews) You- 
mans. In the schools of his native village his 
primary education was received, and was supple- 
ment by a course at Wayland Academ3-, at Beaver 
Dam, preparatory to entering college. In 1883 
he became a student of Wisconsin State Univer- 
sity, at Madison, from which he was graduated 
four years later, receiving the degree of Baciielor 
of Letters. Having completed his literarj- educa- 
tion, he read medicine under the direction of his 
father, after which he took three courses of lec- 
tures at the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, 
graduating in tlie Class of 'HO. Tliereupon Dr. 
Youmans established himself in pr.actice at his old 
home, where he has i)ursued his profession success- 
fully ever since. 

At New Lisbon, .luneau County, Wis., on the 
11th of October, 1892, Dr. Youmans married Miss 
Miriam Lois Barlow, a native of Medina, N. Y., 
and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Evans) 
Barlow. In childhood Mr. Barlow lost his parents 
and was bound out to a farmer. At that time E. 



H. Ball, the well known merchant of Milwaukee, 
was doing business at Troy, Walworth County, 
and while on a trip to New York to buy goods 
he brought young Barlow, who was his cousin, to 
Wisconsin. After clerking for Mr. Ball for a num- 
ber of years, Mr. Barlow came to Mukwonago and 
engaged in merchandising, being here during the 
war. After that struggle had ended he returned 
to Medina, N. Y., and while there Mrs. Youmans 
was born. Mrs Barlow was born near Buflfalo, 
N. Y., and with her parents came to F^ast Troy, 
Wis., where her father owned and operated a 
mill. Having remained some time in the Empire 
State, Mr. and Mrs. Barlow returned to Wiscon- 
sin and located at New Lisbon, where he is still 
engaged in merchandising, but his wife is de- 
ceased. They had but three children: Harvey, 
who is engaged in the express business at New 
Lisbon; Lewis, who is engaged with the J. V. Far- 
well Co., of Chicago; and Mrs. Youmans. 

Dr. Youmans and his wife have a son, .John B. 
Mrs. Youmans is a member of the Congregational 
Church. Politically the Doctor is a Republican, 
and with that party has been identified since he 
cast his first vote for J.ames G. Blaine. In a pro- 
fessional way he is connected with the Wisconsin 
State Medical Society, American Medical Associa- 
tion, and the National Association of Railroad 
Surgeons, being local surgeon for the Wisconsin 
Central Railroad. By devoting his entire time 
and thought to his profession Dr. Youmans is fast 
gaining a reputation as a skillful physician. 



<y^4. ^.^■^.^..5.^..^^.^.^.^. jg^ »^.^.^.»»^Mi.»^.^.^. ^0 

MC KE>;ZIE BROS. This firm is composed 
of .lames A. and Frank A. McKenzie, 
popular young business men, who estab- 
lished themselves in mercantile pursuits on sec- 
tion 9, of Vernon Township, in 1885, their loca- 
tion being known as Vernon PostoHiee. They are 
engaged in general merchandising and carry such a 
stock of goods as their constantly growing trade 
demands. Industrious and energetic, thej' are 
classed among the progressive business men of 
their town. Their parents, of whom a more com- 
plete account is given on another page, Peter 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



675 



nnd ISIarv .Tano (Weir) McKcnzie, are numbered 
among the pioneer settlors of tliis county. The 
sons were reared on a farm and, after attending 
the district sciiools, pursued a course at Carroll 
College, being thus well tilted to engage in busi- 
ness life. 

.Tames A. McKenzie, the senior meml)er of the 
above lirm, was born on his father's old homestead 
in the town of Vernon, section 15, on the 27th of 
.January, 18()2. In politics he is a stanch sup- 
porter of the Republican part^'. He is now serv- 
ing in the capacity of Town Clerk, and is also As- 
sistant Postmaster. 

The junior member of the firm, Frank A. Mc- 
Kenzie, is also a native of Waukesha County, his 
birth occurring in the town of ^'crnon, .June 22, 
18(!l. A Republican in politics, he has been called 
upon to serve his town in various official positions; 
he was Town Clerk some three years. Chairman of 
the Town Hoard for a like period of time, and 
School Director for several years. On the 1st of 
July, 18',)(), he was appointed Postmaster at Xer- 
non by President IJenjamin Harrison, which posi- 
tion be continues to fill. 

These young men are esteemed for their sterling 
traits of character, and in all business relations so 
conduct themselves as to command the highest 
praise. They are members of and workers in the 
United Presbyterian Church. 



♦^^E 



mm:m\ 



\^ 



WILUAM KMSLIK. Since 1811 h.as this 
worthy old Scotchman been one of the 
honored citizens of Waukesha County. 
He had been a resident of Wisconsin seven years 
ere the state was admitted. Mr. Kmslie is a native 
of Aberdeen, Scotland, born August 17, 1816, be- 
ing the youngest in a family of thirteen children, 
eleven sons and two daughters, l)orn to Alexander 
and Belle (Cushoc) Emslie, and is the only sur- 
vivf)r. His father was reared as an agriculturist 
and received a limited education. He and his wife 
were of the Presbyterian faith, both dying in .Scot- 
land. Mr. Kmslie w.as reared to the av(M'atu)n of 
a farmer and received but a limited education. 



He was a young man of twenty 3'ears when he 
concluded to try his fortune in America, and by 
himself shipped in a sailing-vessel from the port of 
Aberdeen bound for New York. The voyage con- 
sumed seven weeks and three days, encountering 
terrible storms at sea and ofttimes the poor passen- 
gers thought they would never sight land again. 
To make the trip more disastrous the company was 
afflicted with small-pox. When he came to New 
York he was a poor boy and had but three or four 
sovereigns in his pocket. He was in a strange 
land and among strange people. He came direct 
to Rochester, where his brother Peter was located, 
having emigrated in 183!i. He spent live years in 
New York State as a laborer, so it is readily seen 
that Mr. Kmslie (commenced in this New Country 
with no capital but that Scotch determination to 
make his life a success. At the expiration of the 
live years he decided he would come to the far 
west, the territory of Wisconsin. The first wages 
that Mr. Emslie received was fl2 per month. The 
journey was made by the luie Canal and theto-eat 
Lakes, landing at Milwaukee when it w.as but a 
hamlet. His first purchase was one hundred and 
sixty acres of wild and iinimproxcd land in the 
town of Vernon, and his first home was a log cabin 
built out of logs, cut from the virgin forest and 
adorned with a shake roof. Remnant^s of the Win- 
neb.igos and Potlawatomics many times came 
to the door begging. The closest market was Mil- 
waukee. The first teams he used were oxen, and 
as Mr. Kmslie saj'S, they would start at nine o'clocif 
at night from their home, travel all night, and 
thus reach the village of Milwaukee at day-lireak 
in time for market. Alexander Mitchell, the great 
statesman, lived in a little shanty which was in- 
deed very inferior as a dwelling. .Milwaukee, the 
beautiful city of two hundred and fifty thousand 
inhabitants, was, as already stated, a hamlet, and 
where the great depot-; now stand of the great 
railroad systems centering there, were but tama- 
rack swamps. There was no bridge .icross the Mil- 
waukee River at that time, the passengere being 
ferried across on an old scow. 

While Mr. Emslie wasn citizen of Vernon Town- 
sliip, he wedded .Miss Agnes Hegg, a native of 
Ayrshire, .Scotland. Mrs. Emslie lias been dead 



676 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



for twenty-eight years. To this marriage have been 
born eight children, five sons and three daughters. 
Six are living, as follows: .lames is a resident of 
Wauki'sha, whi^re he is engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits and is married; Alexander is an agriculturist 
and resides in Delalield Township; William super- 
intends the Emslie homestead. He is a native of 
Waukesha County, born February 18, 1852. He 
was educated in the common schools only. He 
has been reared to the trade of carpenter and joiner 
and has spent six years in Waukesha as such, be- 
ing employed with Peter R. Klair. Mr. Emslie is 
a linished workman and is well known by many of 
the citizens whose sketches appear in this volume. 
He was married to Miss Emma Gaulhier, a native 
of Iloricon, Wis., born December 14, 1860, and of 
French extraction. They were married March 24, 
188,"), and three children have been born of this 
union: Myrtle, the eldest; Kva and (irace, the 
baby of the home. Mrs. Emslie's |)arents are both 
natives of America and are living in Dodge Coun- 
ty. She was educated in the common schools. 
Mr. Emslie is a true blue Republican and cast his 
first Presidential vote for General Grant, the sol- 
dier President. He and wife are adherents of the 
Presbyterian faith. He is a gentleman who is well 
known for his nitegrit}' and is a man of his word. 
The next in order of birth in the family of Will- 
iam lOmslie, Sr., is .lane, the wife of .Tohn I,. I\Ior- 
ris, a farmer of Delafiehi Township; .John is a 
farmer of this county; Peter is the youngest, and 
is a farmer of Dilatield. Mr. and Mrs. Emslie 
have given their children a good common school 
education. 

Mr. Knislie resided in \'ern<)n Townslii|) six 
years, then sold out and purchased his present es- 
tate of one hundred and lift}- acres, situated within 
two and a-half miles of the village of Waukesha. 
Their beautiful brick residencie, erected in 1886, is 
an ornament to the town of Pewaukee; it was built 
at a cost of I3,5(I0. It was in 1><.")6 when he came 
to Pewaukee Township, and has been one of the 
sterling old citizens ever since. 

Politically Mr. Emslie has cast his lot with both 
parties. The first vote that he cast was for Abra- 
ham Lincoln, afterward (ieneral (irant, but of more 
recent j-ears has espoused the principles of the 



Democracy. Officially he was a member of the 
Board of Supervisors for two terms. He has been 
identified with the public schools of his district for 
a number of years as Director and Clerk, and was 
a friend of the Bennett Law. As regards his re- 
ligious sentiments he, like the majority of his coun- 
trymen, adheres to the Presbyterian faith. We 
are glad to present this biography' to the readers of 
this volume who have known this sterling old 
Scotch famil}', who have been residents of the 
locality for over a half-century. 

r~y APT. FOSKETT MAYNARD PUTNEY, de- 

V^y ceased, was a pioneer of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, and a worthy representative of the best 
New England stock. His ancestors in America, on 
both sides, were lineal decendants of the first col- 
onists of JLassachusetts, as is shown in the records 
of town, church and family. The genealogy of 
the Putney family in the direct line of descent is 
as follows: John Putney, of Salem, Mass., the 
founder of the family in America, was married 
November 18, 1662, to .Judith, daughter of Henry 
Cooke, of the same place. Joseph, of Salem, third 
son of John, born August 25, 167.3, wedded Sarah 
Mclntyre, May 18, 1697. Elisha, also of Salem, 
the oldest son of Joseph, was born at Reading, 
Mass., November 21, 171.3, and married Margaret 
Harablin, June 2, 1737. Elisha, Jr., of Fenner, N. 
Y., the oldest son of the preceding, was born at 
Salem (or Reading), May 23, 1738, and removed 
to Charlton, Mass., in 1752, where he married Mar- 
tha Foskett, of that place, May 18, 1762. From 
Charlton they removed to Goshen, Mass., in 1767, 
thence to Fenner, N. Y., about the 3ear 18(10. 
Aaron, of Middlesex, N. Y., third son of Elisha, 
Jr., was born at (!oshen, Maj' 24, 1771, and there 
married May 27, 1795, Deborah, daughter of Jo- 
seph Maynard, of Framingliam, Mass. The lady 
was a native of tliat place, born December 19, 1777. 
About the year 1800 Aaron Putney and wife moved 
from (ioshen, Mass., to Fenner, N. Y., and some 
thirteen years later settled in Middlesex, where the 
latter died July 7, 1819, and the former September 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAi'lllCAL RKCOUD. 



677 



28, 1845. Capt. Foskett Maynard Putney, the 
second son of Aaron, was born in tliat |)arl »if tlie 
town of Smitlilield now known as P'enner, Madi- 
son County, N. Y., May 11, 1805. lie wa.s married 
in IJelvidere, 111., Novemlier ;!, 183i», to Miss Clar- 
issa Howell. Mrs. Putney was horn at Franklin, 
N. Y., April 5, 1814, and died in Waukesha, March 
12, 1855, leaving one child, Fr.-ink llowcil, now 
Postmaster of Waukeslia. She was a dauiiiiler of 
Simon Howell, of Southampton, L. I., who was <ie- 
cended in direct line from Kdward Howell, also of 
Southampton. The latter w.as made a freeman at 
Boston, March 14, 1639. 

When nine years of age Captain Putney re- 
moved with his parents to Middlesex, Ontario 
County, N. Y., where he made his home until 1834. 
That year he emigrated to White Pigeon, Mich., 
where he engaged in the mercantile and real-estate 
business. He also bore an honorable part in the 
Patriot War and the border contests, under a 
captain's commission conferred by his Excellency, 
Governor Mason, of that state. In May, 1830, 
Captain Putney came to the territory of Wiscon- 
sin, and in the course of his travels visited Prairie- , 
ville, now Waukesha, hut located in Milwaukee ; 
where he engaged in the shoe and leather business. ] 
He was also interested in the same line in Rock- 
ford, 111., I>nt made his home in Milwaukee. In 
the fall of 1«45 he retired from mercantile pursuits 
and removed to his farm, at Prospect Hill, New 
Berlin Township, Waukesha County, where he en- 
gaged in farming and hotel keeping. He was 
Postmaster at that place as earl}' as 1846. Having 
purch.ased property in Waukesha, he removed to 
that village in 1H5(), where he kept the Railroad 
Hotel, now known as the American. In the spring 
of 1852, having ))reviously sold his hotel property, 
lie bought a farm situated on section 31, town of 
Brookfield, where he resided for three years. At 
the expiration of that lime he accepted the man- 
agement of the Fxchange Hotel at Waukesha, 
which he conducted until the death of its proprie- 
tor, Peter X. Ciishmau, in 1863. The following 
year Mr. Putney purchased the hotel property, 
operated it until 1868, and then rented it. In 1870 
he ere(;ted the three-story stone structure on the 
west side of tiraiid Avenue, known as the Orient 



Block, where he opened the new Kxcliangc Hotel, 
which he kept at intervals until IHTit, when he 
leased it to William C. Ilolbrook and retired from 
active business. 

Mr. Putney coiilinui'd his residence at Wauke- 
sha until the time of his death, May 16, 1887. He 
was a man of positive characteristics, upright and 
honoial)le in all the relations of life, commanding 
universal respect whereyer known. Asa business 
man he was active and enterprising, and by judi- 
cious investment and good management accumu- 
lated valuable property-. In his political senti- 
ments Captain Putney was a Kepublican, but pre- 
ferred to devote his time and energies to the de- 
mands of his personal affairs rather than to the 
pursuits of olMcial honors and emoluments. To 
such men Waukesha is greatly indebted for its 
substantial growth and prosperity. 



Lot IS .1. FLOTOW is one of the leading 
^ contractors and builders of Ocouoinowoc, 
of which city he has been a resident since 
1883. He has erected many of the finest business 
houses and residences in Oconomowoc and vicinity. 
.\mong the many may be mentioned the beautiful 
Slimmer homes of Mrs. H. S. Peck, George Bullen, 
L. J. Petit, the sanitarium of Dr. Voje, and he h.as 
also done miicli building for Mr. .\rmour, of Chi- 
cago. Among the business houses that he ha 
erected may be mentioned those of Philip Walth»r, 
.1. McCabe, Messrs. Dibble X- Brown, who have the 
only stone front in the city, Simon Olson, and 
others. 

.Mr. Flotow is a native of the st)iitliern part of 
Oermaiiy, born in 1856. His father, also Louis 
Flotow, emigrated to the United States with his 
family in 1861. They located on a farm in the 
town of Waukesha, where the father died in 
March, 187(1. The mother still survives. Of their 
eight children, four are now living. Frederick, 
the only brother of our subject, resides near .\pple- 
ton. Wis. There are besides the brothers, two sis- 
ters, Kmma and Hannah. 

Mr. Flotow began learning the carpenter's trade 



678 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



al)<)iil the age of fifteen j'ears, luul has ever since 
been engaged along that line of work. lie em- 
ploys, on an average, about twenty-five men, and 
during the busj' season from forty to fifl}'. 

.Sociallj' Mv. Fhilow is a member of the Inde- 
pcndc-nl Order of Odd Fellows. Knights of Pyth- 
ias and Miennerchor. Politically he is a Demo- 
crat, having cast his first Presidential vote for 
Oeneral Hancock. For one term he has served 
his fellow-citizens as a member of the County 
Hoard of Supervisors. 



r^i6-^ie^- a e -a e - ^^ ^^^^t^^^ 



MRS. CAROLINE CHAPMAN, the sub- 
ject of this biographical sketch, is one 
of the early settlers of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, having resided here for over fifty years. She 
is a native of Elngland, born December 28, IS.SS, 
at Canterbury, near the great metropolis, London. 
She is one of seven children, three boys and four 
girls, born unto Solomon and Elizabeth (Wood) 
Horn. Six of this familj' survive. The parents 
were natives of the same locality as their daugh- 
ter, the father being a farmer. 

In 1838 they with seven children bade fare- 
well to their "Merrie England" and sailed from 
Liverpool to New York, and six weeks later drop- 
ped anchor in the harbor of the American port. 
They remained in the city of New York about six 
months, or until Mr. Horn had earned the means 
to bring thein on to Milwaukee. The tri|> was 
made by way of the Erie Canal and the lakes. 
Though but a child our subject can well remember 
the pt)or accommodations they had to put up with 
while on the canal boat. Among some food pre- 
pared were eggs boiled so hard that the.y were 
green in color. There were a few log houses in 
Milwaukee, but no liridges across the river, the 
means of conveyance being the old time ferry- 
boat, which was pulled across by hand. Mrs. Chap- 
man's youngest sister, Eliza, was born in Milwau- 
kee, she being the third white child born there. 
After a residence of a few years in that city Mr. 
Horn came to this county, where he first located 
as a renter on one hundred and sixty acres of wild 



land in the town of Pewaukee. The Indians often 
came to their cabin to beg for food, and Mrs. Chap- 
man remarked that ver3' many times they were 
frightened by them, especially when they had been 
indulging in "fire water." 

The lady whose name appears at the beginning 
of this article was a child of four years when she 
came with her parents to AViscousin. Siie enjoyed 
such educational privileges as the schools of that 
earl}' day afforded, and as she says walked three 
miles through the snow to obtain what she did 
receive. September 1, 1853, she was united in 
marriage with William Chapman, a native of Lin- 
colnshire, England. Mr. Chapman was born .lan- 
uary 1, 182.3, and died .lanuary 14, 1886. He was 
reared to the life of a farmer, and received his ed- 
ucation in the comiiion schools of England. In 
1852 he came to America, and when he reached 
Milwaukee had only *1 in his pocket, but with a 
determination U) succeed set to work to make his 
fortune. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman began their do- 
mestic life in true pioneer style. Soon after they 
were married they went to Michigan, where they 
located on eighty- acres of wild and unimproved 
land near the city of Detroit. The land was cov- 
ered with timber and brush, but in a log cabin 
erected they began the work of making a home. 
A year and a-half later Mr. Chapman disposed of 
his farm. Thereafter he was appointed Superin- 
tendent, and Mrs. Chapman Matron of the Count}- 
Poor Farm, which positions they filled for one 
year. At the expiration of that time they re- 
turned to this county and purchased one hundred 
and twentj' acres of partiallj' improved land in 
the town of Pewaukee upon which they erected a 
a log house with a brick chimney. Mr. Chapman 
afterward added forty acres to his farm, but later 
sold ten acres. 

Mr. and Mr. Chapman were blessed with nine 
children, named as follows: Jane, who became the 
wife of .lolin Williams, a farmer of Pewaukee 
Township, has one child; AVilliani, who is a farmer 
and dairyman of the same town, is married and 
has three children; (ieorge, who superintends the 
old homestead for his mother, is married and has 
three children; Susie, who is the wife of D. A. 
Adams, a prosperous farmer in the town of Wau- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



679 



kesha, has three children; Esther, who wedded 
Charles Ilenibd, an agriculturist of Aekley, Iowa, 
is the mother of one child; Charles, a successful 
farmer of Waukesha Township, is married and has 
two children. Nettie became the wife of A. C. 
Born, a prosperous farmer of the same town; Fi- 
delia, Iwtter known as "Dell," resides with her 
mother. Slie was educated in the Union school 
of the village of Waukesha, and has also taken 
musical instruction. Wesley, who completes the 
family, is at home. 

In his political atliliations Mr. Cliapman was a 
Republican, his views being sound and logical. 
His sons are faithfully following in their father's 
footsteps. He was actively identilied with the 
cause of education, and served in the capacity of 
a school oflicer for a number of years, being well 
known for his honor and integrity. lie and his 
wife were devout members of the Methodist Church 
of Waukesha. 

When the death of Mr. Clmpman was announced 
the public felt that one of the sterling citizens of 
Waukesha County had passed away. He wa-s a 
kind and indulgent father, a loving husband and 
a warm friend. Mrs. Chapman in her declining 
years is surrounded by her children and grand- 
children, and enjoys the esteem and good will of 
a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 



C^ 



L-T- 



'-P^l^' 



tg^ • ^; 



■ry 



JOHN Ml SHANE. Among the honored pio- 
neers of Waukesha County should be named 
the gentleman whose name appeai-s at the 
head of this biograph}', he having been a 
resident of the county for more than half a cen- 
tury. He is a sou of Michael and Rosa Ann (Mc- 
Aneray) McShane, and was born in the cit3' of 
New York on the 15th of Sei)teml>er, 1837, being 
the fourth in a family of four sons and two riaugh- 
tei-s. Besides Mr. McShane there are two brothers 
yet living, Thomas and .lames: the former is en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits in Waseca County. 
Minn., and the latter is a farmer of Colorado. 
The father of this family died two yeai-s after 



coming to this county, and the motlier passed 
away on the 16th of Kebruary, 1892, at an ad- 
vanced age. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery 
of .St. Martin's Church, of Franklin Township, 
Milwaukee County. 

Our subject wjis a child of live years when he 
came with iiis parents to Waukesha County, and 
was reared and educated in the town of Muskego. 
His lirst teacher was Ann Runnels, who w.is classed 
among the pioneer instructors. He has always 
resided on the old homestead, which was piirch.ised 
by his father in 1812. It, however, has under- 
gone many changes; from a dense wilderness in- 
hal)ited by the redmen, the wolf and the deer, it 
has been transformed into a beautiful farm; the 
old log house was replaced in 18(!0 b}' a substan- 
tial, modern dwelling, also good barns and other 
buildings have been erected. Mr. McShane has 
not only witnessed this develo|)meiit, but has 
taken an active part in bringing it about. His 
(ji-esent farm contains ninety-two acres, the origin- 
al purch.ase including a quarter-section. 

On the loth of February, 1861, occurred the 
marriage of Mr. McShane and Miss Catherine 
Hackett. Mrs. McShane was born in Milwaukee, 
on the 10th of April, 1840, and is a daughter of 
Patrick and Margaret (O'Farrel) Hackett, being 
the fifth in order of birth in a family of seven 
children, four sons and three daughters. Mr. and 
Mrs. McShane became the parents of nine children, 
born as follows: Mary E., February 2, 1862, is the 
wife of Dr. T. C. Malone, of .St. Martin's, Milwau- 
kee County; James, August l.j, 1863, a traveling 
salesman for a Milwaukee house, resides in Osli- 
kosh. Wis.; Margaret. February 2;'), 1866, a gradu- 
ate of the White Water Normal, is a teacher of 
Hale's Corners, having tjnight six terms; .lohn, 
Kebruary 8, 1868, died March 16, 18!)3, being at 
the time a student of the Chicago Veterinary Col- 
lege; Bernard, November 3, 1870, is a student in 
I the Chicago College of Physicians and .Surgeons, 
being a member of the Class of ''Jo; Katie, .March 1 8, 
1873, is (piite an accomplislied musician: Edward, 
.luly 28, 187.1, is at home: Nellie, September H, lt(7'.». 
resides with her parents; Rosa, September 13, 1882, 
is the youngest. The mother of this family passed 
out of iheir lives September 28, 18Ul,her demise 



680 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



being mourned by a large circle of friends and 
acquaintances. 

In politics our subject espouses the cause of the 
Domocralic party, though he has never sought 
oilicial preferment, devoting his time and atten- 
tion to his personal interests. However, he was 
chosen Town Treasurer by his fellow-citizens and 
served in that capacity one term. His first vote 
was cast for James Huchanan, the Presidential 
candidate. During his residence of fifty-two years 
in the town of Muskego, Mr. IMcSliaue has won an 
enviable reputation for honor and integrity. He, 
with his family, belongs to the Assumption Catholic 
Church of Franklin Township, Milwaukee County. 



4^ 



eB. 1{AN^'ISTER, M. D., is one of the old- 
est living practitioners of Waukesha Coun- 
ty. Pownal. Bennington County, Vt., gave 
him to the world April 6, 1817. His Great-grand- 
father ISannister came from England and settled at 
Brookficld, Mass., from which colon}' the family re- 
moved to Vermont. The grandfather of the gentle- 
man whose name appears at the beginning of this 
biography, Dr. Thomas P>annister, was born in 
Brookficld, and wlien a young man graduated from 
a medical college, thus preparing himself for the 
profession vviiicli lie made his life work. He chose 
for a wife a lady of (ierman extraction. Miss Lydia 
Downer, a native of Pownal, and the daughter of 
!i Baptist clergyman. Having located in Benning- 
ton County, Dr. Thomas Bannister there lived un- 
til his deatii, as did also his wife. Their family 
t)riginally consisted of three sons and three daugh- 
ters, of whom Dr. Bannister of this sketch and two 
sisters are all that remain. 

Dr. C. B. Bannister received his early scholastic 
training in the common and select schools, which 
was sui)i)lemented by a course at Union Academ\', 
Benniiiglon, Vt. By solicitation of his uncle, A. 
P. Downer, a wealthy gentleman of Chittenango, 
N. Y., he went there to engage in some kind of 
business. His reply to his uncle's query as to 
what business he wished to follow was that he had 
always desired to become a physician. However, 



for three years he was engaged in the |)roduce 
business, at Fayetteville, N. Y., .as a member of the 
firm of Downer, Harbottle <fe Co. At the expira- 
tion of that period he studied medicine at Chit- 
tenango, under Dr. Samuel Puller, who also 
conducted a drug store and postollice. Young 
Bannister soon found that he had to give more 
time to business than to stud}'. The first money 
he ever made in a professional way was earned b}' 
drawing a tooth for a boy in the absence of Dr. 
Fuller, for which he charged a shilling, and put 
the money into the Doctor's cash drawer. 

In Saratoga County, N. Y., Dr. Bannister wed- 
ded Miss Maria Lawrence, April 1;'), 184 I, and four 
years later, on account of failing health, decided to 
come to Wisconsin and locate on a farm of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres in Mukwonago Township, 
which he and Samuel Keys had bought. Together 
they improved it, and later made a division, each 
taking eighty acres. For three years after coming 
to this county Dr. Bannister taught school, a vo- 
cation he had followed to some extent in the east. 
While thus engaged he fortunately' made the 
acquaintance of Dr. S. Nash, vvho, seeing the 
successful practice of a homeopathist in Cali- 
fornia, had changed to that system. From him 
Dr. Bannister learned much; also secured books 
written by the best authority in that school of 
medicine. Having studied them diligently he be- 
gan practicing among his neighbors, and such was 
his success he was encouraged to devote himself 
entirely to the profession. In 186G Dr. Ban- 
nister removed to the village of Flagle, where he 
has been in the continuous practice of his chosen 
profession up to the present time. F'or the last 
few years he has been trying to retire from prac- 
tice, which he finds a diflicult task, as many of his 
old patrons still insist upon his services. 

On the 20th of July, 1878, Dr. Bannister w.is 
called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who had 
borne him three children: Verona, who died at the 
age of thirty -seven years; Emma, who jjassed away 
at the age of fifteen, and Charles, who is in the 
employ of the St. Paul Railway. In 187!l Dr. Ban- 
nister wedded Miss Mary Rowland, who died some 
six }'ears later. The lady who became Mrs. Ban- 
nister in 1886, and vvho still has the honor of bear- 




EZRA CHAPIN. 




MARY A. CHAPIN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



685 



ing that name, was Mrs. Mary J. Edwards. Politi- 
cally tlie subject of this article is a reliable Demo- 
crat, and l>y Iiis fi'llow-citizeiii- has been called u|x)n 
to till a number of ollicial positions. For five 
consecutive years, under tlie old system, he was 
Su|)erintendentof the schools of the town of Miik- 
wonago; he was the lirst Health Olliccr of Kagle, 
in which capacity he served for six years, and to 
which he was again called. Since ISTfi Dr. ISannistor 
has been a member of the IJomt'Opatliic Slate Med- 
ical Association. He is well known throughout 
the county a.s an old settler and as a physician of 
many years' experience. 

m^ .^^ .^ 



MRS. MARY ANN CHAPIN, one of the 
esteemed pioneer women of Waukesha 
County, residing on section 21. Brook- 
field Township, is a native of Mendon, Monroe 
County, N. Y., born July 1, 1817, her parents be- 
ing Lansing and Betsy (P^arl) Davis, also of the 
Empire .State. In her father's family there were 
but three children, she being the only daughter. 
Her younger brother died when two years of age, 
while the elder brother, Amos, who spent his en- 
tire life at Mendon, died at the age of seventy- 
nine years. 

Mrs. Chapin, who is the sole survivor of the 
above family-, was reared and educated in the 
village of her nativity. There on the 24111 of 
August, 1842, she became the wife of Ezra Chapin, 
a son of Wells and Hannah (Jones) Chapin. Mr. 
Chapin was born on the 7th of March, 1818, at 
Pialtsburg, Steuben County, N. Y., and was the 
eldest of a family comprising three sons and 
five daugiiters. The other members are named, 
in order of birth, as follows: Arvilla, who is de- 
ceased, married Ira Meisner, of Fond du Lac, Wis.; 
Lois Melissa died at the age of fifteen years; 
Harriet S., who died in 1886, became the wife of 
Nathan Sargent, of Sheboygan Falls, Wis.; Han- 
nah M. married William Sully, of the same place; 
Emerilla wedded Josiah Piatt, of Lincoln, Neb.; 
23 



Ely W., of Fond du Lac, Wis., is living, retired; 
and Ahira, who lived in Fond du Lac County, is 
also deceased. 

Ezra Chapin w.is reared on his father's farm 
and while still a young man worked away from 
home as a farm hand. In the fall of 1842, soon 
after their marriage, he and his wife emigrated to 
Wisconsin, ccmiing by way of the Erie Canal to 
Buffalo, thence on the lakes to Milwaukee. On 
the 3d of October, they arrived in the town of 
Brookfield, Waukesha County, where, on section 
21, Mr. Chapin purchased one hundred and sixty 
acres of Government land, of which one acre had 
been broken and had a growth of potatoes on it. 
Here they settled and at once began to improve 
the land, and in time made of it one of the best 
farms to be found in this part of the county. At 
this writing the homestead comprises one hundred 
and eleven acres of the original tract, well culti- 
vated, and adorned with substantial buildings. 

Mr. Chapin was notonlj' one of the industrious 
men of this section who developed a fine farm, but 
besides his personal interests, found much time to 
devote to the material, moral and spiritual up- 
building of his community. There are few men 
who did more toward securing a church at this 
place, or gave more liberally for its support after- 
ward. In all works of a Christian ciiaracter, Mr. 
Chapin occupied a foremost rank; his good work 
in this field was not confined to Waukesha Coun- 
ty, but extended over a large portion of Wiscon- 
sin. A stanch follower of and believer in th§ 
doctrines of the Congregational Church, he took 
great delight in its growth and prosi)erity. 

I'ntoMr. and Mrs. Chnpin four children, one 
son and three daughters, were born, as follows: The 
eldest, a daughter born January 2i», 1847, died in 
infancy; Helen E., born June .3, 1848, wedded 
Samuel Mai-shall Darling, their marriage being 
celebrated on the 7th of March. 18fi7. Mr. Darling 
is a stock liuycr and sliip|)er of Oakfield, Fond du 
Lac County. He and his wife have three children 
living, and have lost two. Their eldest, a son, died 
in infancy; the next, Edward W., is also deceased; 
Frances A. is a student in Lawrence University at 
Appleton, a member of the Class of '95; Gracie 
E. is a district school teacher of Dodge County; 



686 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and Eugene F., boin October 2, 1876, is at home. 
Alice D., the next in order of birtli in the Chapin 
famil}', born February 12, 1851, is at home. She 
is a brigiit and intelligent lady who has a large 
circle of friends. She was born in the log cabin 
erected by her honored father, and remains at 
home to care for and cheer her mother in her de- 
clining years. Ethan Davis Chapin, the yoi'iiRCSt 
of his father's family, was born March 27, 18.53, 
and died .July 1."), 188G. He was reared to farm 
life and educated in the common schools. His 
early death was lamented by a host of friends, and 
his manly, upright character has left its impress 
upon the community in which he lived. 

Ezra Chapin, pioneer, philanthropist and Chris- 
tian gentleman that he was, passed from the scenes 
of this life on the 3d of October, 1871, and was 
laid to rest in Brookfield cemetery on section 15, 
where a monument has been erected to his mem- 
ory. His death was a sad blow, not only to the 
family, but to the community with which he had 
been so closely identified for so manj' years. His 
whole career was characterized by thrift and in- 
dustry, and in him all causes that had for their 
object the betterment of mankind found a hearty 
supporter and a warm friend. 



(^ 



.^ 



(^ 



f:i^ 



-^^ 



m^ 



^ 



JH. WATjSII, a prominent pioneer settler of 
Waukesha Count)^ is numbered among the 
native sons of Menomonee Township. He 
has spent his entire life in this locality and 
has witnessed its wonderful transformation from 
an unliroken wilderness to one of the most beau- 
tiful sections of the state. He was born March 2, 
1846, and is a son of John and Mary (Flannery) 
Walsh. They had nine cliildren, of whom eight 
are yet living, namely: J. H., who is the eldest; 
Michael, a farmer of Kimball, Brule County, S. 
Dak. ; Margaret, wife of Philip McCarty, a farmer 
of Clay County, S. Dak. ; John, who for many 
years was engaged in merchandising in Reno, 
Minn.; William, a prominent business man of 
West Superior; Catherine, wife of William J. De- 



laney, deceased, who for nianj^ years was a jjopu- 
lar millwright of Torre Haute, Jnd.; Anna, wife 
of John Cawley, a farmer residing on section 24, 
Lisbon Township; Mar^', who resides with her 
mother on section 19, Menomonee Townshi]); and 
Thomas, a retired farmer of Waukesha. 

The father of this famil3' was born in County 
Limerick, Ireland, and in 1840 left the Emerald 
Isle to seek fame and fortune in the New World. 
After a voyage of forty-eight days lie landed in 
New York, went up the Hudson and across the 
Erie Canal to Buffalo. He spent the succeeding 
five years in agricultural pursuits in Canada, and 
in 1845 came to the territory' of Wisconsin, land- 
ing at the then small town of Milwaukee. Wau- 
kesha was then a small hamlet. He settled on sec- 
tion 18, Menomonee Township, where he spent his 
remaining years, passing away in June, 1890, at 
the age of eighty-four. All who knew him es- 
teemed him highly. His wife was born in County 
Tipperary, Ireland, and in 1843, in Canada, they 
were married. She was a faithful companion and 
helpmeet to him, and now in her seventy-eighth 
year she is living on the old homestead which was 
left to her by her honored husband. 

The subject of this sketch was born forty-eight 
years ago in the little log cabin which still stands 
on the old home farm. The structure, 18x24 feet 
in size, was covered with a roof of oak shakes and 
was heated b^' an immense (in^place. In the com- 
mon schools of the township Mr. Walsh acquired 
his education, and on the homestead farm was 
reared. He has practically made his way in life 
unaided since the age of sixteen. In 1863 he 
went to the forests of Michigan, where he eng.aged 
in cutting and sawing timber for five winters. He 
afterwards spent one winter in the timber belt at 
Kewaunee, Wis., but the summer months were 
j)assed at home, eng.aged in the cultivation of the 
farm. He now gives his entire time to its further 
improvement. 

On the 16th of November, 1882, Mr. Walsh 
was joined in wedlock with Mary Collins, who 
was born in New Berlin, May 8, 1856, and is a 
daughter of Richard and Margaret (Murphy) 
Collins. They now have four children: John 
born August 20, 1883; Richard, born May 28, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



687 



1885; Margaret, born January 1, IHiK); and James, 
born January 13, 1893. 

Mr. Walsh has nover sought ollice, preferring to 
give his time and attention to his business inter- 
ests, but votes with the Democratic party. Seven 
years ago he accidently found stone upon his 
farm, the following year opened a stone quarry 
and is now doing a large and prosperous business 
along that line, emplo^'ing many workmen. lie 
and his family are members of St. James' Catholic 
Church. A man of sterling worth, he well de- 
serves the high regard in which he is held. 



-]+*•}•+ ^ 
~.i..j..^.^i^^i 



•{••{••{••}••-- 



r-i"f-+'^ 



J011>«' C. SCIIl'ET, one of the prominent bus- 
iness men of Muskego Township, is a son of 
Christian and Mary (Zarmstorf) Schuet, and 
was born in Mecklenburg, (icrmanj', January 
5, 1840. In his father's family there were two 
sons and a daughter, John C. being the second 
born. The other son died in his native land, and 
the daughter, Sophia, wedded John S. Druse, a 
prominent business man of Milwaukee. Christian 
Schuet was bf>rn in the village of Docrgelin, Meck- 
lenburg, (ierniany, September 21, 1809, and died 
at his home in the town of Muskego on the lOtli 
of April, 1882. He attenrled the schools of his 
native village, and when a young man began an 
apprenticeship as a stonemason and plasterer, which 
trades he followed many years after coming to this 
country'. On attaining to manhood lie wedded 
Miss Mary Zarmstorf; she was a native of the same 
place as himself, born March l.'i, 181;), and died in 
this county on the 23d of October, 1888. On the 
15th of April, 1857, they with their two children 
took passage on the " Dr. Barth " at IIamburg,and 
sailed for New York, arriving after a voyage of 
five weeks. When in sight of land the ship eu- 
countered a .severe storm, and as all attempts to 
enter the port were futile, she turned her prow 
ocean ward and remained at sea another week. 
From New York to Albany the trip w.is made on 
a steamer, thence by railroad to Milwaukee, where 
they arrived on the 26th of May. The father 
walked to Tess Corners, where he met a friend, 



Jacob Tess. The following day ho removed his 
family to that locality. Having rented a log 
house on section 1, of the town of Muskego, he 
made that his home some four years, when he pur- 
chased five acres of unimproved land on section 9. 
Pending the erection of a hotel and store in the 
winter of 1861-62, the family lived in a pioneer 
cabin. On the first Tuesdaj' in April of the lat- 
ter year this house was opened for trade. Here 
Mr. Schuet lived for many years, and saw his son 
well established in business. Until about eight or 
nine years prior to his death he continued to pursue 
his trade. He was well known throughout the com- 
munity where he resided for his industry and hon- 
esty. He never cared forofiicial distinction, though 
he was a stanch advocate of Republican principles. 
In addition to his other business he carried on 
farming for a number of years. He, as well as his 
wife, was a consistent member of the Lutheran 
Church. In Muskego Centre he donated in 1880, 
an acre of land for a ceraeter3-, in which both he 
and his wife have found a last resting place. 

The subject of this biogra|)liy received his edu- 
cation in the schools of his native land, pursuing 
a course in English and French in the high school 
at Dargun. The day following the arrival of the 
family at .Milwaukee he engaged as clerk in the 
grocery store of C. L. Blank, where he continued 
until the fall of 18ri9, then joined his parents in 
the town of Muskego. Here f(jr three weeks he 
attended schofd, beginning in the first reader, and 
advancing so rapidly that at the end of that time 
he was using the fourth reader. Having clerked 
about a year in the first store built by Jacob Tess, 
he went to St. Louis in the spring of 1860, where 
he was engaged in a like capacity until the fall of 
18C1. Returning to this county- he engaged in 
merchandising as is given above. His lirst stock 
of goods was purchased in Milwaukee and freighted 
out by teams. The same year he was appointed 
Postmaster at Muskego, which position he has held 
continuously since, excepting one year when he 
was serving with the boys in blue. In September, 
1864, he enlisted in Company D, Sixth Wisconsin 
Infantry, and served until July, 186.'), when he 
was honorably discharged from Auger hospital, 
where he was confined about one month. He had 



688 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



also spent a month in the field hospital, and an 
equal length of time in the general hospital. With 
his company he participated in the engagement at 
Hatcher's Run and Gravel Run, as well as in numer- 
ous skirmishes. He was present at the surrender 
of the noted Rebel General, Robert E. Lee. After 
his discharge Mr. Schuet returned to his home and 
resumed business. 

On the nth of April, 1872, he was united m 
marriage with Miss Carrie, daughter of George 
and Salome (Beck) Hahn, both of whom are de- 
ceased. Mrs. Schuet is a native of Franklin, Mil- 
waukee County, born December 25, 1852, being 
the sixth in a family of seven children, the oldest 
of whom is Zena, the wife of E. Snap, a carpenter 
of Los Angeles County, Cal.; Salome married 
Jacob Ziess, and Lizzie, Fred Ziess, of Milwaukee; 
Barbara wedded William Degncr, a member of the 
firm of Helms A- Co., dealers in ice at Milwaukee; 
Jacob farms his father's old homestead in Milwau- 
kee County; Mrs. Schuet conies next; and Louise 
became the wife of John Schramm, a resident of 
the Cream City. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Schuet were born seven chil- 
dren, as follows: Otto, April 24, 1874; George. 
October 27, 1877; Frank, May 18, 1878; Louella, 
September 4, 1880; and Etna, December 9, 1886. The 
children named are all living; the oldest, who is a 
student at Milwaukee Commercial College, assists 
his father in the store; the rest of the children are 
receivin" good educational advantages in the 
schools of Milwaukee. The deceased children are, 
Ilattie, born April 12, 1873, died August 24, fol- 
lowing; and Albert, born September 8, 1875, died 
April 3, 1876. 

By his fellow-townsmen Mr. Schuet has been 
called to fill a number of positions trustand honor. 
In 1871 he was elected County Clerk l)y six hun- 
dred m.ajority over James Murray. Two years 
later he was made Register of Deeds, holding that 
office one term, and in 1887 was chosen Chairman 
of his town. As a public servant his course was 
marked by promptness and faithfulness to duty. 
Since he first supported the Republican party by 
castin"- his vote for Lincoln, he has been an un- 
faltering advocate of its principles. By his parly 
he was nominated for State Senator against Dr. 



Rice, of Merton Township, and after a hotly con- 
tested struggle was defeated by only thirty votes. 
Mr. Schuet has proved a valuable citizen, having 
given his support and encouragement to every- 
thing that tended to advance the educational and 
moral welfare of the people. He and all his fam- 
ily are members of the Reformed Church of Mil- 
waukee. In his business undertakings Mr. Schuet 
has been very successful; in addition to his store 
he is the owner of two hundred and fifteen acres 
of land in the town of Muskego. 









P*4-++? 



MI C II A E L R. WILKINSON, M. D., of 
Oconomowoc, though one of the younger 
members of the medical fraternity of 
Waukesha County, and notwithstanding the fact 
that his career as a physician as to length of time 
of practice is quite limited, has already acquired a 
reputation as a skillful and successful practitioner. 
He is a native of West Lubec, near Eastport, in 
the state of Maine, where his birth occurred on 
September 2it, 1864. In 187(5 his father, Daniel 
Wilkinson, removed with his family to Milwaukee, 
but now owns and occupies a farm in the town of 
Delafield, this county. 

Our subject belongs to a family of seven mem- 
bers, comprising three brothers and four sisters. 
Of the former, John A. is the present Principal of 
the Delafield School; Patrick J. graduated with 
first honors in the Chicago Veterinary College, re- 
ceiving a prize for the highest standing in a class 
of over seventy in theory and practice, and is prac- 
ticing in Oconomowoc. The eldest of the sisters, 
Mary, is the wife of Dr. John E. Conery, of Chil- 
ton, Wis.; the second, Anna B., became the wife of 
Edward Higgins, of Oconomowoc; the next, Jen- 
nie M., wedded Joseph Bennett, of Milwaukee, and 
the youngest. Catherine, is a teacher in the public 
schools of this county. 

Dr. M. R. Wilkinson received his primary educa 
tion in the public schools and graduated from the 
Wisconsin State Normal School at White Water 
in the Class of '90. He had had, previous to his 
graduation, two years' experience in teaching. In 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



689 



the autumn of 1890 he entered the Medical Depart- 
ment of the Northwestern University, from which 
institution he received the degree of M. D., after 
pursuinjif a tiiree years' course, and immediately 
thereafter located at Oconomowoc. 

On the 3d of July, 1894, Dr. Wilkinson wed- 
ded Miss Josephine Lingemann, a native of White 
Water, Wis., and a daughter of Henry and Mary 
(Kuhn) Lingemann. Mrs. AVilkinson graduated 
in the same class as did her husband, and for two 
3'ears was a teacher in the Milwaukee public schools. 

Dr. Wilkinson is a well educated gentleman; 
his medical course was a thorough and comprehen- 
sive one. He has already secured a liberal patron- 
age and has an increasing practice. He is a mem- 
ber of the faculty of the Oconomowoc Summer 
School, being the instructor in the science of phys- 
iology. 

• ^ P • 



ROHKHT W. LOWERRE. the genial propri. 
etor of the Lowerro House of Delalield, is 
the youngest of seven children, four sons 
and three daughters, whose parents were Robert S. 
and Mary (Hand) Lowerre. The father was a na- 
tive of Flushing, L. I., and the mother of Eliza- 
beth City, N. J. Robert W. Lowerre was born 
in the village of Delalield on the 12th of August, 
1850. He received a public school education, and 
at the age of sixteen years engaged .as a builder of 
telegraph lines with the Western Union Telegraph 
Companj'. At the age of twenty-two he was ap- 
pointed by the same company Superintendent of 
Construction and Repair. He continued in the 
employ of this company until 1882, and during 
that time constructed telegraph lines from Mil- 
waukee to the Missouri River for the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee it St. Paul liailroad, and for the Northern 
Pacific. He also worked from St. Paul to Diiluth, 
St. Paul to Hreckenridge, and from S.-juk Rapids 
to Brainard. working on llie old overland route. 
Besides he was engaged on numerous other lines, 
constructing in all about one thousand miles of 
line. 

May 9, 1876, occurred the marriage of Mr. 
Lowerre and Miss Mary Kunz, daughter of An- 



drew and Julia (Hohn) Kunz, natives of Germany. 
Mrs. Lowerre was born in the city of New York; 
when three years of age her parents came west and 
settled in the village of Delalield, where she was 
reared and educated. Of this union four children 
were born, two sons and two daughters, Robert, 
Marie, Amelia and Thomas. The year succeeding 
their marriage, 1877, Mr. and Mrs. Lowerre moved 
to Pewaukee, where they resided for six years. 

In 1882 Mr. Lowerre purchased the Nemahbin 
Hotel, which he operated for some six years, then 
sold it to Louis Kunz. About this time he was 
appointed steward of the St. John's Military Acad- 
emy, which [)osition he held for four years. Go- 
ing to the village of Waukesha Mr. Lowerre en- 
gaged in business, but after eighteen months dis- 
posed of his interests there and returned to Dela- 
lield, where he erected the Lowerre House, which 
he has since run. 

In politics Mr. Lowerre is a true blue Repub- 
lican, and takes a lively interest in the triumphs of 
that party. President V. S. Grant received his 
maiden vote. He has been elected by his fellow- 
townsmen to a number of official positions, among 
them serving as a member of the Milage Board 
for five years; President of the village of Pewau- 
kee one term; Supervisor one term and Director of 
the School Board two terms, which position he is 
now filling. A man of sterling qualities, energetic 
and pushing, Mr. Lowerre has had quite a success- 
ful career. Beginning when a lad of sixteen, he 
has through his own efforts made what he posses- 
ses, and as he rightly deserves, has the highest re- 
spect of all with whom he has relations, whether 
of a business or social nature. 



i>^^<-! 



/ gt^ - 



ii"^ LYMAN WILLIAMS, residing on sect 
I I 23, in the town of Genesee, is a v 



section 
well 
known young farmer of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, and a son of the pioneers, Thomas and Ann 
(Hughes) Williams, who were natives of Angle- 
seyshire, Wales. In 1855 they embarked at Liver- 
pool on board a sailing-vessel for New York, where 
they arrived after an ocean vo^'age of six weeka' 



690 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



duration. Coming direct to Genesee, tliis county, 
they stopped at his brothers', Tliomas and John 
Williams, for a few nioulhs until they could find 
a suitable place in which to make their liome. 
Later, the father rented a farm upon which they 
resided for four years, and at the end of that time 
boujjht eighty acres of land, which is now our 
subject's home, paying $1,600 for it. When tlic 
purchase was made only a few acres had been 
plowed. Mr. Williams erected a log cabin and 
moved iiis family in, and the old home is still stand- 
ing, now doing service as an ice house. There 
were then a few Indians to be seen I'oamiiig about, 
deer were scarce, though the surrounding country 
was woodland, very few acres having been cleared. 

Thomas Williams and wife were the parents of 
six children, comprising three sons and three 
daughters, namely: Thomas is deceased; Ann 
wedded Edward Griffith, of Minneapolis, Minn.; 
Mary is the wife of .John A. Roberts, a farmer of 
Genesee Township; .Tames and John are deceased, 
and our subject completes the family. The father, 
who can be truly classed among the old settlers, 
aided materially in the growth and development 
of the town of Genesee. He was a man who was 
in sympathy with all measures that promised to be 
of benefit to his town and county. In 1879 he 
was called from the scenes of this life. His widow, 
who a few years after his death became the wife of 
John J. Williams, who is also deceased, still sur- 
vives. 

D. Lyman Williams,' who is at this writing 
forty-one years of age, married Elizabeth Ed- 
munds, daughter of William and Jane (Jones) 
Edmunds, she being one of a family numbering 
two sons and four daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Ed- 
munds, who were natives of Angleseyshire, AVales, 
emigrated in the '.'iOs to America and settled in 
Minersville, where the husband worked at the 
trade of blacksmith. He continued there until 
186.5, when lie and his family came to Cambria, 
Wis., but a short time afterward removed to Wau- 
kesha. In the latter place Mr. Edmunds worked 
at his trade for lifteen years. In IStJS his family 
moved on a farm of forty acres, which they oper- 
ated wliile he continued his business in Waukesha 
until his health failed him, then went home and 



engaged in agricultural pursuits. Disposing of 
his first j)urchase for $2,000, he bought fifty-five 
acres for $3,500, which was willed to his wife. 

Mr. and Mrs. Williams have one child, Jennie 
Esther, a bright little girl, wlio is the pride of the 
lionie. Both husband and wife are members of 
the Welsh Methodist Church at Belhesda, the 
former being actively identified with the Sunday- 
school, and now acting as Clerk of the Church. 
In politics ]\Ir. Williams is a Republican, his first 
Presidential vote having been cast for Gen. U. S. 
(Ti-ant. ISIr. and Mrs. Williams are esteemed b}' 
all who know them, and held in high regard in 
the communit}' in which they dwell. 



G: 



1^' 



i^ 



^ 



/"^r p. SMITH, a successful farmer and es- 
V^/ teemed citizen of the town of Vernon, has 
been identified with the interests and 
business affairs of Waukesha County all iiis life. 
He was born in the log cabin erected by his father 
on section 33, Vernon Township, on the 16th of 
Jul3', 1839. His parents, Jesse and Silvia (Burton) 
Smith, were among the early pioneers of the county. 
The gentleman whose name appears at the head 
of this article w.as reared on his father's farm, and 
has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in his 
native town since attaining to manhood. On the 
17th of December, 1865, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Cornelia Hudson, daughter of John and 
Sophia ( Whitesides) Hudson, and a native of New 
York State, born September 17, 1840. When about 
three years of age she came with her parents to 
this country, which has been her home almost con- 
tinu()usl_v since. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the 
parents of two sons, Fred C. and Orley Eugene. 
Their eldest son, who was born on the 3d of De- 
cember, 1866, was educated in the common schools 
and at the White Water Normal School. For a 
wife he chose Miss Luella Andrews, of Mukwon- 
ago, by whom he lias two children, Silvia and Cecil 
A. He owns eighty acres of valuable land on sec- 
tion 32, of the town of Vernon, and is a prosper- 
ous young farmer. Their youngest son, who was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



691 



born November 13, 1876, is a student at Carroll 
College. 

In politics Mr. Smith is an unswerving Republi- 
can, ever giving liis sujiijort to tiie men and meas- 
ures of tliat part^', though he is a warm advocate 
of Prohibition. Hy his townsmen he has been 
chosen to fill a number of official positions, having 
served as Side Supervisor several terms. Chairman 
of the Town Board of Supervisors one term, and 
has been connected with the ollieial management 
of the schools of his township for many years. In 
the discharge of the duties devolving upon him 
Mr. Smith has ever been faithful and conscientious. 
He is widely known, and is respected for his true 
worth. 

' ^^ P • 



VAN II. BUGBKE, the oldest photographer, 
save one, in Waukesha County, was born 
.lune 14, 1840, in Cabot, Vt., being a son 
of Harris and Hannah (Sinclair) Bugbee. The 
founders of the Bugbee family in America came 
from England in 1776. just in time to hear the old 
libel ty bell proclaim to the world American inde- 
pendence. The Sinclair family was of Scotch ori- 
gin. Harris Bugbee and wife were both natives of 
the (Ti-een Mountain State, where they spent their 
entire lives, the husband being a niill-wright. 
Their family consisted of two children, the gentle- 
man whose name heads this biographj', and ]Mrs. 
Carrie Hall, of Millett, S. D. 

In the grammar school of Orange County, Vt., 
Van II. Bugbee received a good practical educa- 
tion. Just as he had reached his majority the 
Civil War broke out, and with the enthusiasm of 
early manhood he offered his services to assist in 
putting down the rebellion. In thespringof 1862, 
he enlisted in Company G, Tenth Vermont Infan- 
try', to serve three i'ears or during the war. Karly 
in 1868, he was transferred to the I'nited States 
Signal Corps, serving in that department until the 
close of the war. He was in all the engagements 
in which the Army of the Potomac participated 
after the battle of Gettysburg, including the fa- 
mous Battle of the Wilderness, Mine Run, Peters- 



burg and others. Mr. Bugbee bad the satisfac- 
tion of witnessing and taking part in the Grand 
Review at Washington, in which two hundred and 
fifty thousand battle-scarred veterans with victor- 
ious banners flying, inarched through the streets 
of the Capitol city, which they had so nobly de- 
feuded. 

In 1866, our subject came to Waukesha and 
turned his attention to photography. He was un- 
acquainted with the art, but having a natural tal- 
ent in that direction soon became one of the lead- 
ing photographers in the county. With the excep- 
tion of six years he has since been engaged in that 
line of business. For man}' years O. E. Tyler was 
in partnershii) with hiin, and together they erected 
the Tyler & Bugbee Block at No. 507 Main Street. 

In Waukesha was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
Bugbee and Miss Jennie, daughter of Thomas 
Spence. Of this union were born three children, 
Leslie, Benjamin and Lottie. In politics our sub- 
ject isan uncompromising Republican. He belongs 
to William B. Cushing Post No. 19, G. A. R.; to 
Waukesha Lodge No. 37, A. F. & A. M.; Waukesha 
Chapter No. 37, R. A. M., and to Waukesha Com- 
mandeiy No. 23, K. T. Mr. Bugbee began here 
empty-handed, and by his own efforts has accumu- 
lated a competence. 



[(S). ^^^.. _JSJ 

•fi ifa iff ^ •«••{• •!••{*•}• •!•*{• ({till if) l|<l|* 



JOHN K. MEIDENBAUER, one of the oldest 
living settlers of the town of New Berlin, re- 
siding on section 19, is a native of Pruehau- 
sen, Landgericht Sulzb.ich, Oberpfalz, Bava- 
ria, Germany, born March 31, 1818, and is a son of 
John M. and Barbara (Gahn) Meidenbauer, the 
former being a native of the same place as the son, 
while the latter was born in Kleinalbershof, Bava- 
ria. Mr. Meidenbauer is the onl^' member of his 
fatiier's family that came to America, the parents 
and their other child, a son, dying in the Father- 
land. He received a common school educatit)n in 
the schools of his native village, after which he 



692 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



continued on the estate of his father until liis em- 
igration to the United States. In 1848 lie sailed 
from Bremen to New York, where he arrived forty- 
two days later, having crossed the ocean in the 
"Belinda," a yessel of American build. Landing on 
IVIanhaltan Island, he at once secured passage on a 
steamer going ui) the Hudson River to Albany; 
there he boarded a canal bout for Buffalo, thence 
went on the old steamer "Wisconsin" to Milwau- 
kee, where he arrived in .July of thai year. The 
next day he resumed his journey, coming to New 
Berlin Township, wliicli has since been his home. 
fSoon after his arrival in this county, Mr. Mciden- 
bauer purchased eighty acres of timber land on 
section I'J, which was improved; up to a few years 
ago it was farmed by him, but was then sold to his 
nephew, .1. M. Meidenbauer. His present home, 
comprising ten acres, was purchased about a quar- 
ter of a century ago. 

Mr. Meidenbauer wedded Catherine Sclinier, a 
a daughter of John Schmer, and a native of Hig- 
lashof, Bavaria, Germany, born in 1810. Of this 
union one child was born which died in infancy. 
Mrs. Meidenbauer passed away on tlie loth of 
March, 1885, and was laid to rest in the village 
cemetery at New Berlin. She was a good Ciiristian 
woman, whose loss was felt in the community where 
she had resided for so many years. Mr. Meiden- 
bauer is now seventy-six years of age and is un- 
usually well preserved, both physically and men- 
tally. He is a man who commands tiie esteem and 
regard of all who know him. In politics he is a 
Democrat, though he lakes no active i)art in polit- 
ical affairs. His nephew, J. M. Meidenbauer, who 
came to this country about eighteen years ago, 
owns and resides on the farm first purchased after 
his arrival in 1848. 

J. M. Meidenbauer married Miss Anna Caroline 
Schonwelder, a daughter of William and Louise 
(Kinne) Schonwelder. Mrs. Meidenbauer in one 
of a family of ten children, her birth occurring 
October 2.'i, 18Go, at Woeste Gocrsdorf Kreis, Wal- 
denburg, (iermany. Mr. and Mrs. Meidenbauer's 
children are named as follows: John C, born Jan- 
uary 13, 1885; Eliza F., born November G. 188(5; 
William G., born March 16, 1888; Adam L., born 
August 19, 1889; Sewald A., born September 26, 



1890; Anna B., born December 7, 1891, and Emma 
S., born July .31, 1893. The father of this family 
was born in Bayern, Bavaria, Germany, on the 11th 
of May, 1854. 



-^^+^ 



[3_ 



JOHN S. ROC 
what is now th 
The first .actus 



(=~ 



ROCKWELL (deceased) came to 
the city of Oconomowocin 1837. 
lal claim to any part of the site 
of that city was made in April of that year 
by H. W. Blanchard, who almost immediately 
thereafter sold to Pliilo Brewer, who in September 
following erected the first house built in Oconomo- 
woc. It was constructed of logs, and stood on the 
lot near the present residence of the widow of J. 
S. Rockwell. The latter came in the autumn of 
the same year, and bought of Mr. Brewer a third 
interest in the land, thus becoming one of the very 
first residents. In fact Philo Brewer, A. W. Hatch, 
and he, were the first actual settlers on the site 
of the city of Oconomowoc. These gentleman at 
once built a dam across the Oconomowoc River 
and erected a saw and grist mill. Mr. Roekweil 
was largely interested in the first business enter- 
prises of the place. In 1842 with E. P. Cotton, he 
erected a grist mill on the bank of La Belle Lake, 
nearly opposite Draper Hall, which was longknown 
as the "old red mill." In 1843 he built a hotel 
which was burned many years later. The first per- 
manent plat of Oconomowoc was laid out by Mr. 
Rockwell, his brother, L. R. Rockwell, and D. M. 
Hard, in 1848. He was a most |)ublic-spirited cit- 
izen, and was chiefly instrumental in having the 
railroad built west of Brookfield to Oconomowoc. 
A company was formed for that purpose called the 
Milwaukee & Watertown Railroad Comjjany with 
Mr. Rockwell, President. The first train reached 
Oconomowoc over this road in December, 1854. 
In 1859 the first banking institution was organized 
and was called Summit Bank, Mr. Rockwell being 
one of the chief promoters and stockholders. 

Mr. Rockwell, whose death occurred on the 3d 
of February', 1863, was a man of great energy and 
public spirit. He was born in the state of New 
York, March 25, 1810, and was but fifty-three 3ears 
of age at the time of his death. His father was 




FRANCIS WALTERLIN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD. 



695 



Ard Rookwell and belonured to an early Jlassachu- 
setts family. ,Iolin S. Rockwell was one of a fam- 
ily of eight children, four sons and four daughters. 
The brothers all came to Milwaukee at a very early 
day, and eventually settled in different parts of 
the state. Three of them <ame to C)conomowoc, 
namely: .lohii S.. Lester R. and David Ilonry. The 
last nu'iilioned, who resides in Nodaway County, 
Mo., is the only survivor of the lirothers. The 
other brother, l>e Grand, settled in Walworth 
Count}-, where he lived until death. The paients 
also came to Wisconsin sometime after their son's 
coming, and settled at Elkhorn, where the father 
died. Later the mother passed away at the home 
of a daughter in C(jluml)iis, Wis. Two of the sis- 
ters, the eldest and the youngest, are residents of 
that city. 

In October, 1839, J. S. Rockwell returned to the 
state of New York, and on the 2Sth of that month 
was married to Miss Lavinia Hard, who died ALi^' 
26, 1852. (Jn September 25, 185 I, he married Miss 
Anna l^radlev, who was horn in Connecticut. Y\y 
his liist marriage Mr. Rockwell had two sons, Al- 
bert J., of San Francisco, Cal., and Frank IL, of 
Warren, Ra. Of the sec()nd union there are two 
daughters, Adelia and Cora. The latter is the wife 
of W. (;. I'lank, of Chicago. Mrs. Rockwell, with 
her daughter Adelia, resides in Oconomowoc. Iler 
beautiful home overlooking two lakes, stands on 
the site selected by her husband lifty-seven years 
ago. 

■ ^ ^ (^ ' 



FrRANClS WALTERLIN, one of Menomo- 
' nee's early settlers and prominent business 
men, is a native of Milwaukee, Wis., born 
October 4, 1844, and is a son of Francis and Eliza- 
beth (Hecherer) Walterlin. He is the fifth in 
their family of eleven children, seven sons and 
four daughters, of whom six are yet living, narael}': 
Kli/.abclh, widow of Henry Hoos, who was a cabi- 
net-maker of Milwaukee; ( ieorgiana, wife of Henry 
Leininger. a carpenter and builder of .South Ivau- 
kana, Wis.; Francis, of this sketch; Joseph, a 
painter, and Superintendent of the painting de- 
partment of the l.,ake .Shore >k Western Railroad at 



South Kaukana; .John, twin brother of .Joseph, a 
butcher doing business in (Jermaiilown, Wis.; 
Peter, a butcher of Menomonee Falls. The father 
of this family was born in Alsace-Lorraine, on the 
15th of October, 180.!. and died September 24, 
1888. His remains being interred in the church 
yard of the German Emanuel Church of Menomo- 
nee. His wife was a native of Haden, Cierinany, 
and at her death, .luly I, IMUfi, her remains were 
interred in the .same cenietery where her husband 
lies. They were married in Erie, I'a. In his na- 
i five land the father learne<l the butcher's trade 
and then emigrated to America, .sailing from 
Havre, France, on the 15th of April, 1851. After 
a voyage of one hundred and twenty days the 
vessel dropped anchor in the harbor of Baltimore, 
having encountered severe storms during the trip, 
and on one occasion the rigging was carried awaj'. 
The passengers often tlif)Ught that they would 
never see land. Arriving in lialtimore, Mr. Wal- 
terline went south and worked on a plantation. 
By waj- of the Mississippi he afterward went to 
Cairo, III., and thence to Milwaukee, Wis., reach- 
ing the Cream City in 1834. It was then a mere 
hamlet and this section of the state was an unde- 
veloped wilderness. Mr. Walterlin was a com- 
panion of the .luneaus, and few men were bet- 
ter known in Milwaukee than this sturdy pio- 
neer, whose friends were legion. He w.as also 
prominent in the history of Waukesha County, 
whither he came in the early '5()s, and here he en- 
gaged in the hotel business, his house being a fa-' 
vorite resort with travelers. He also carried on a 
meat market in connection with the hotel business. 
We now take up the personal history of Francis 
Walterlin, who was reared in Milwaukee and ac- 
quired his education in the public schools, fnder 
his father he served an apprenticeship to the 
butcher's trade, which he followed until the call 
for arms arose from an alllicted nation. On the 
30th of M.ay, 18G4, he enlisted as a member of 
Company I, Thirty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry, for 
one hundred days, and at the expiration of that 
time was honorably discharged, on the 22d of Se[)- 
teinber. His company was commanded by Captain 
Chamberlain. On the 27th of February, 1865, 
Mr. Walterlin became .Sergeant of Company A, 



696 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Fifty-first Wisconsin Regiment, under Captain 
Edwards, and thus served until August 22, when, 
the war having ended, he was again iionorabl^' dis- 
charged in Madison. He lias in his possession a 
certificate of tiianks from Edward Stanton, Secre- 
tary of War, and Abraham I^incoln, President of 
the United States. 

On the 26th of January, 1866, Mr. Walterlin 
wedded Miss Catherine, daughter of George and 
Christina (Zibold) Volland. She was born in 
Germantown, Washington County', AVis., May 13, 
1846, and is tlie elder of two cliildreu, having a 
brother George. Her parents came to America in 
1842. To Mr. and Mrs. Walterline were born 
seven sons and five daughters, of whom seven are 
yet living. John Edward, born December 29, 1867, 
is a butcher by trade and resides in Menomonee 
Township; Charles Henry, born May 31, 1869, is 
at home; George W., born November 7. 1872, 
was graduated from Williams Business College of 
Milwaukee in the Class of "94 and is now assisting 
his father in the store; Albert B. was born April 9, 
1877; Anna A., l)orn May 24, 1878, is a talented 
young lady well educated in music; Lottie M., 
born September 21, 1880. is now studying music; 
Olga L., born October 8. 1883, is at home. Those 
deceased are William II., Lillian Elizabeth, Frank, 
Francis andMeta M. The first four were buried in 
St. Anthony's Cemetery at Fussville, and the lat- 
ter was laid to rest in the burying ground of 
Emanuel Cliurch. 

Mr. Walterlin has served as School Treasurer 
for twelve years, and as Village Treasurer two 
terms. He never sought office, but discharged his 
public duties with promptness and fidelity. He 
is a member of Odd Fellows' Lodge No. 227, of 
Menomonee, and of the Sons of Herman, a German 
organization. In politics he is independent, sup- 
porting the man he thinks best qualified for office. 



(TT-r UGUST J. MINDEMANN, one of the rep- 

/ — \ resentative (Tcrman farmers and worthy 

citizens of Lisbon Township, Waukesha 

County, residing on section 23, is a native of 

Mecklenburg, Schwerin, Germany. He was born 



December 24, 1841, and is the sixth in a family 
of nine children. The father, Carl Mindemann, 
was also born in Mecklenburg, and there spent his 
entire life. He wedded Mary Appel, and thej- be- 
came the parents of four sons and five daughters, 
of whom four are yet living, namely-: Mary, wife 
of Josepli Clossen, a farmer of Oconomowoc, Wis.; 
Christina, wife of John Ohmcke, an agriculturist 
of Pewaukee Township; and Charles, who with his 
family resides in Lisbon Township, where he car- 
ries on farming. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mindemann 
were members of the Lutheran Church. 

August J. Mindemann acquired his education 
and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in 
his native land, but at the age of twenty-four 
bade adieu to early home and friends, preparatory 
to his emigration to America. The last view of 
the Fatherland which he caught was at Hamburg, 
where he boarded the sailing-vessel " Deutsch- 
land," which after a voyage of seven weeks and 
three days dropped anchor in the harbor of New 
York. Some severe storms were encountered while 
en route. Our subject landed at Castle Garden, 
and at once made his way to Wisconsin, arriving 
in Waukesha on the 20ih of January, 1866. He 
found himself a stranger in a strange land. He 
could not speak a word of English and had no 
capital on which to live. He began chopping cord 
wood, and in this way made a start in life. The 
first land he purchased was a tract of eighty acres, 
which became his property in 1868. Two years 
later he sold the little farm and rented seventy- 
three acres of Hon. Richard Weaver. This he 
rented for five years, after which he purchased it. 
He made a iiayment thereon of $2,100, and as the 
result of his industry, economy and perseverance 
in course of time the indebtedness of *3,400 was 
paid off. In 1887 he erected his beautiful country 
residence, pleasantly located a half mile from Sus- 
sex. 

On the 22d of July, 186(5, Mr. Mindemann wed- 
ded ]\Iiss Wilhelmina Hermann, who has been to 
him a faithful companion and helpmeet. She was 
born in Mecklenbiu'g, (iermany, August 31, 1846, 
and is a daughter of John and Marie (Knagen- 
dorf) Hermann. Her father was a German farmer, 
and in 1866 crossed the briny deep, taking up his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



697 



residence in Waukesha County, where his death 
occurred at tiie age of eigiity years. His wife 
passed away in 1882, at the age of seventy-one. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Mindcmann have l)oen born 
twelve ciiildren, four sons and eigiil daughters, of 
whom eight are yet living, namely: Libbie, wife 
of Louis Scliroeder. a tanner b^- trade, of Milwau- 
kee, by wliom she lias one daugliter, Kleanor; Miu- 
nie, Freda, Paulina, Mary, F'ritz, Ella and Carl, all 
at home. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mindemann began their domestic 
life in Duplainville, and their outfit was of the 
simplest character. Their furniture was of a very 
primitive character, and limited in (luanlity, but 
they managed to gel along, and as the result of 
their united efforts they are now numbered among 
the substantial citizens of the community. They 
have one of the beautiful homes of Lisbon Town- 
ship, and their residence and its tasty surround- 
ings indicate that it is the property of a thrifty 
owner. 

Mr. Mindemann votes the Democratic ticket, and 
by his first ballot supported Horace (Ireeley. He 
has served as Township Supervisor, but has never 
sought political preferment. His life has been 
well and worthily- spent, his career has been an 
honorable and upright one, and his word is as 
good as his bond. He and his wife are both mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. 

PETKH M. SWARTZ. The history and en- 
terprise of a county is best related in the 
life record of its citizens. Amonj; the 
leading and honored pioneers of the town of New | 
Berlin, Waukesha County, is the gentleman wh<)>e : 
name appears at the beginning of this article. Mr. ! 
Swartz IS a native of the Empire Sbite, which has 
furnished many illustrious men in the formation 
of our Covernineiil and the execution of our laws. 
He was born February 12, 1842, in Columbia Coun- 
ty, and is the only child born uiilo William and 
Anna C. (IMiillips) Swartz. IJotli parents were 
natives of Havaria, (iermany. The father was 
born December ^>, 1808, and died on the 2'.lth of 
March, 1871, while the mother's birth occurred 



September 15, 1814, and her death on the IStli of 
April, 1893. They are ihleried in the (ierman 
Reformed Cemetery of New Berlin Township, 
whore a family monument will mark their last 
resting place. 

Mr. Swartz, Sr., was reared in his native land, 
wherp he received an education in the Cernian 
language. When he reached the re<|uired age, he 
entered the German army, in which he served six 
years. In 1837 he took passage on a sailing-vessel 
at Havre, bound for New York. On reaching the 
llnited States Mr. Swartz engaged in agricultural 
pursuits in tlio stale of New York, where he re- 
mained for a period of seven years. Duiing his 
residence there he married Miss Anna C. Phillips, 
who had also come over the sea to find a home in 
the New World. The young couple decided to 
try to better their fortune in the west, and in 
1844 came to Wisconsin. The trip was made by 
way of the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes to 
Milwaukee in the spring of that year. From that 
city they came direct to Waiikcsha County, where 
they joined .lacob Korn, who had [jrecodcd llieni 
and located in the town of New Berlin. 

Soon after his airival in the county Mr. Swartz 
purchased eighty ncn's of heavily limbered land 
on which he erected their first home. It was a log 
cabin of the usual dimensions, and for a chimney 
a stove pipe was tlinisl through the roof. Indians 
were numerous, and our subject, then a small 
child, remembers seeing as many as seven deer in 
a drove within a few rods of his primitive home. 
There were no schoolhouses or churches in the 
township in that time and their roads were but 
little better than Indian trail.s. The ])rosperous 
village of Waukesha was then known .as Prairie- 
ville, and contained but few inhabitants. 

In his fX)lilical sentiments Mr. Swarlz was an 
old time Whig, but after the organization of the 
Republican party he espoused the principles wliieh 
it advoeated. In religious faith he was a niemlier 
of the Lutheran Reformed Church, his life being 
in harmony with the profession he made. He was 
a man of strong convictions and of irreproachable 
character, one whom the entire community re- 
spected and esteemed. 

Mr. Swartz of this sketch was but a child of two 



698 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



years when he came to Wisconsin with his parents, 
and tlius far his life has been passed in Waukesha 
County. His education lias been acquired by ob- 
servation, reading and study, rather than from 
instruction in tlie schoolroom. He was reared to 
farm life, which occupation, in connection with 
stock-raising, he still follows. A number of years 
ago Mr. Swarlz made a specially of fine wool sheep, 
but lias discontinued lliat line. Being the only 
child he inherited his father's estate. His farm 
now consists of four hundred and thirty acres of 
fertile land furnished with a good residence, fine 
barns and all the modern improvements. 

Mr. Swartz was married to Miss Catherine M. 
I'iiillips, November 22, 1 866. The lady is a native 
of this county, burn .Inly 18, 1849, being the 
second in a family of llirce children, whose par- 
ents were Matthias and Margaret (Ostrander) 
Phillips, .lolui 11., the eldest of this family, is a 
farmer of New Berlin Township. Margaret M., 
the youngest, is the wife of .lacob Phillips, a resi- 
dent of the same town. Mrs. .Swartz was edu- 
cated in the common schools and at Carroll Col- 
lege. Her father was born in (iermany. May 
16, 1812, and died .lannary 19, 1883. Having 
lived in his native land until 1811 he came to 
America, and after spending five years in New 
York came to Wisconsin, where he spent the re- 
mainder of his life devoting his energies to agri- 
culture. His wife was born in New York, Sep- 
tember 14, 1823, and died in this county, Julj- 27, 
1889. Both Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were consistent 
members of the Presbyterian Church, and by good 
works made their inlluence felt throughout the 
commnnit}' wherein they resided. 

Mr. and Mrs. Swarlz have five sons and two 
daughters, and the family circle remains unbroken.^ 
William H., wiio was born October 17, 1867, at- 
tended Carroll College, and is now a student in 
the Agricultural Department of the State Uni- 
versity of Madison. David I.esler, born .Tune 15, 
1870, graduated from Carroll College and is a suc- 
cessful teacher of this county, holding a first grade 
certificate. Lydia M., born January 14, 1872, was 
educated in Carroll College, receiving instruction 
in both vocal and instrumental music. Katie M., 
born September 6, 1874, is also being educated in 



Carroll College, belonging to the Class of '95. Peter 
C. was born August 24, 1882; Lewis M., March 2, 
1884, and Jason S., .September 22, 1889. Mr. and 
Mrs. Swartz have taken especial ])ains to give their 
tvliildren good educational advantages, thus pre- 
paring them to become intelligent and valuable 
members of society. 

Mr. Swartz is worthy, in the highest degree, of 
the reputation he has gained of being one of the 
leading and most prosperous farmers of New Ber- 
lin Township. His fields are well tilled, and all 
the surroundings bespeak the thrift and enterprise 
of the owner. Politically he has been a life-long 
Republican, having cast his first Presidential vote 
for Abraham Lincoln. Though he has never been 
an otlice-seeker in any sense, still he has been 
called upon to fill the position of Clerk of the 
School Board of his town. In procuring compe- 
tent teachers and in other ways advancing the pub- 
lic schools, he takes a deep interest. Mr. and Mrs. 
Swartz and their family are members of the Pres- 
byterian Church of Waukesha. Our subject and 
wife have spent almost their entire life in this 
county, and in the community where they have so 
long resided are highly appreciated for their many 
excellencies of character. 



eOL. HERBERT M. ENOS. For nearly a 
quarter of a century, or since 1870, Colonel 
Enos has called Waukesha his home, and 
while not actively engaged in business, has ever 
taken a deep interest in promoting its moral and 
material growth. He is of New England ancestry, 
his parents having been natives of Connecticut. 
His father, Elihu P^nos, was born in 1783, aii<l 
when about one year old was taken by his |):iienls 
to Johnstown, N. Y. There he grew to manhood 
and married Dotha Johnson, who had also removed 
with her parents to the slate of New York when a 
child. Elihu Enos remained at the old homestead 
of his father, Obijah Enos, all his life, and died 
there in 1859. His wife preceded him to the 
spirit land nine 3'ears. They became the parents 
of a large family, six of whom, four sons and 



PORTRAIT A^D lilOGliAl'IIICAJ^ RECORD. 



699 



two daughters, are still livin<;. The eldest of 
the siirviviiifj members of the family is Ksther, 
who is the widow of .loiin Hudson, and resides at 
the home of Colonel Knos; 'I'niman, the next in 
order of birth, is a resident of Aiipieton, Wis.; Ku- 
geue W. resides in Oregon; .lohn S. is in San Fran- 
cisco, C'al.; Colonel Enos is the nest in order of 
birth: the second sister, Hannah, is the wife of 
William (J. \Vhorton, of I.os Angeles, Cal. 

The first member of the family who came west 
was the second brotlier, .lacob .1. Knos. In 1^13 
he settled in W^alertown, Wis., where he passed 
the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 
1873. He left a wife and three children, two sons 
and a daughter. The first mentioned resides at 
the home of her brother-in-law. our subject, .lacob 
J. Enos was a lawyer by profession, and was well 
known throughout the state as a successful advo- 
cate of marked ability, ('apt. Eliliu Enos. aiK>tlier 
brother, settled in Waukesha in IISIT. He was a 
graduate of the State Normal School in Albany-, 
N. Y.. and for a time engaged in teaching, then 
w.-is Postmaster, in fact lilled various ollicial posi- 
tions. He entered the service of the United States 
on the breaking out of the Rebellion and served as 
Captain. He died at his home in Waukesha No- 
vember 13, 1893. Two of the Enos brothers, 
Truman and Eugene, came to Wisconsin about 
18G1, and settled at Appleton. They were en- 
gaged in the tanning business there for many 
years. Later Eugene removed to Oregon, where, 
as alread}' stated, he now lives. Three of the 
brothers died in their native state, namely: Henry 
O., Talmadge and Earl. 

Colonel Enos was born in .lohnslown, N. V., 
March 10. 1833. He received an academic educa- 
tion, and at the age of nineteen received an ap- 
pointment as a cadet to the I'nited Staled Mili- 
tary Academy at West Point, from which he 
graduated in thi^ Class of 'o(i. ,\fter his gradua- 
tion he was stationed at Carl isle ISarracks for about 
a year and was then tranferred to New Mexico, 
where he was engaged on staff duty till the break- 
ing out of the Civil War, when he was assigned to 
the Quartermaster's Department with the rank of 
Captain, where he served until 1HG7. Later he 
served on staff duty at various points. However, 



his health became seriously imjiaired as a result of 
his arm}' service, and linally in 1H76 he was placed 
upon the retired li.st with the rank of Major. 

Colonel Enos is a gentleman of culture; his mil- 
itary education having been supplemented by ex- 
tensive and varied readings during his many years 
of retired life. He is an enterprising and popular 
citizen. In 1878 he erected a beautiful home on 
the fine elevation known as Oak Hill, im Harstow 
Street, in the village of Waukesha. Here he re- 
sides, surrounded by the comforts of life, esteemed 
and respected by all who have the pleasure of his 
acquaintance. 



--^^>-^-<i 



a^ . 



iSv— » 



JOHN M< A'ICAK' has lieen an honored citizen 
of Waukesha County for over fifty years. 
He is a native of the province of New 
ISrunswick, his birth having occurred on the 
2.'>th of December, 1831. His parents were Oeorge 
and Christiana (JlcX'icar) Mc\'icar, unto whom 
were born six children, three sons and three daugh- 
ters, named in order of their birth, .as follows: 
Angus resides near London, Dane County, Wis., 
where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. 
Catharine is the wife of Andrew Sutherland, a 
farmer of Eau Claire, Wis. .Jane, dece:ised, was 
the wife of Tht.raas Mctiill, of Lisbon, this state. 
Peter, Ijetter knf)wn .^s Hev. Peter McVicai, is 
President of Washburn College in Topeka, Ka«. 
He is a graduate of Beloit College, a prominent 
educator, and a writer of merit. .lohn, the subject 
of this article, is next. Margaret, the youngest, 
became the wife of Rev. Dr. Watson, now of Cairo, 
Egypt, where he is engaged in missionary work. 
He is a graduate of Carroll College. 

Father and Mother McVicar were natives of Ar- 
gyleshire, Scotland; the former was born in 1793, 
and died on the 21tli of April. IH»:}, while the 
latter's birth occurred in 1794, and her death April 
21, 1883, just two years previous tf) her husband 
He was a man well educated, especially in mnthe. 
matics, for which study he had a great liking. He 
was brought up on a farm, and followed that oc- 
cupation throughout life. In 1821, he and his 



700 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL, RECORD. 



young wife concluded to try their fortune in 
America, and accordingly took [nissage on a sail- 
ing-vessel at Greenock, and six weeks later landed 
at .St. Andrew, New Urunswick. The voyage was 
a very rough one, higii winds and heavy seas pre- 
vailing most of the lime. Upon his arrival in 
America Mr. McVicar engaged in farming and 
lumbering. In 1S13, after a residence of twenty- 
two years in New Brunswick, they decided to go 
to Canada, hut hearing a glowing account of the 
possibilities to be realized in the territory of Wis- 
consin, tbey changed their plans, and came to this 
county, then a part of Milwaukee County, where 
they purchase<l a claim of one hundred and fortv- 
eighl .acres, p.'iying 11.2.5 per acre. This land 
forms a part of the present homestead of their son 
John, in the town of Waukesha, then known as 
Prairieville Township. Their first home was of 
the most primitive kind; two trees which grew 
close together were utilized for jambs, being plast- 
ered over with mud to keep the fire from burning 
them; the chimney was one of the old Dutch style 
so familiar to the pioneers, while the roof was 
what was called a shake roof. Our subject says 
that the heat and warmth of the lire did not affect 
the trees, which kept growing in the house, the 
foliage being very beautiful and picturesque to 
behold; the primitive grandeur of the Wiscon- 
sin forest home was far more striking and ro- 
mantic than the present with its surroundings of 
cultivated farms. There were several Indian 
lodges near the home of the McVicars, the inhabit- 
ants often coming to beg for food: in the fall they 
would ask for pumpkins and turnips, or anything 
else, always being very friendly. There were as 
yet no railroads in Wisconsin, the ox-team and 
wagon being their only means of transportation. 
Their grain was hauled to Milwaukee, where many 
of the necessary supplies were purchased. Their 
direct communication was with Mukwonago, then 
a village of some importance. The only church 
that had been organized in this section was the 
First Congregational at Genesee, four and a-half 
miles distant, to which the family would often 
walk. The forest abounded in game, deer being 
very plentiful. An incident worth}' of mention 
transpired one day when John McVicar was work- 



ing in the timber; he was startled by the breaking 
of the underbrush, and on looking about saw six 
stags pass near him, and a moment later as 
many Indian warriors following in hot pursuit. 
So vivid was the impression made by this event 
that he will never forget it. Father McVicar in 
political matters was an Independent, though he 
advocated the measures of the Abolitionists dur- 
ing their existence. He and his estimable wife 
were formerly Presbyterians, but in later life were 
members of the Congregational Church. 

.lohn McVicar was a lad of twelve 3'ears when he 
became a resident of Wisconsin, and he has there- 
fore witnessed the transformation that has taken 
place; he is not only a witness, but a partaker in 
the development. Knter[iriscs in various lines have 
been begun, while others have been perfected since 
that time. His education was obtained in the 
common schools and Carroll College. He had the 
pleasure of being a pupil of the eminent educator. 
Prof. James MacAlister, of Glasgow University, 
who taught the district school near Mr. McVicar's 
home when he first came to this part of the coun- 
try from his native land. He also took special in- 
struction in elocution under Prof. MacAlister, who 
is widely known as an educator throughout the 
east. Mr. ISIcVicar has followed the occupation of 
a farmer and stock-raiser very successfully. I lis 
farm of two hundred and forty-three acres is well 
located, while the Fox River passing through it, 
makes of it one of the most valuable stock farms 
in Waukesha County. 

On the 1st of October, 1868, Mr. McVicar was 
married to Miss Mary J. Home, a daughter of 
William and Mary (Johnston) Home, and a native 
of Milwaukee. Mrs. McVicar received her priinar}' 
education in the common schools, which was sup- 
plemented by a short course in the high school 
at Madison. She taught successfully for seven 
terms in the schools of this county. Her parents 
were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to Amer- 
ica in 1842, settling first in Milwaukee, but in 
1851, came to this county and located in Genesee. 
They are now li-ving in the village of Waukesha. 

To Mr. and Mrs. McVicar were born eight 
sons and six daughters, of whom the following 
survive: Mary C, Katharine E., Agnes E., and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RPXORD. 



701 



Margaret A. The three eldest daiightcrs are at 
present students in the Slate University at Madi- 
son, while Miss Margaret, the youngest, is pursuing 
her studies in the iiigh school of that city. The 
former are taking tlie modern classical course in the 
univei-sity, all liaving graduated from Carroll Col- 
lege. The parents should be commended for tlie 
care they have taken to give their children excel- 
lent educational advantages, thus titling them to 
fill useful positions in life. 

In politic;? Mr. Mc\'icar is a Kopulilican, lliough 
not radical in his views. lie takes a lively in- 
terest in the cause of education, and in his district 
has been a school othcer for fifteen years. Mr. 
and Mrs. McVicar and their family are members 
of the Congregational Church. Throughout the 
community where the}' liave lived so long, they 
enjoj' the high regard and esteem of all wlio know 
them. 



i^ 



=1^ 



(TT^ DAM (tRASER. one of the representative 
r — \ and worthy citizens of the town of New 
Berlin, Waukesha County, is a native of 
the Empire Slate, born in Sullivan County, N. Y., 
January 22, 1852. Mr. Graser is the second in a 
family of five, comprising three sons and two 
daughters, born to Frederick and Catherina (.Schnei- 
der) Graser. Of these children but three survive: 
John F., a farmer of New Berlin Township; Adam, 
of this sketch; and Catherina, wife of Simon Kern, 
a farmer of the town of Pewaukee. The parents 
were natives o( Rhenish Prussia, (lermany, where 
the father was born October 14, 1H23, and the 
mother November 25, 1825. Their marriage oc- 
curred after their emigration to tlie I'liited Stales. 
Mr. (iraser, Sr., was reared to agricultural pur- 
suits, which occupation he followetl throughout 
life. He was educated in the German tongue. 
While yet a youth he bade farewell to his friends, 
home and country, and turned his face toward the 
west, where a broad field for development awaited 
the energetic and progressive. He took passage 
on a sailing-vessel from Bremen for New York, 
where he arrived after a voyage of thirty-five 
days' duration. About all the cApital the young 



man possessed was his health, backed by a will and 
determination to succeed. lie soon found em- 
ployment as a laborer, and by industry and fiii- 
gality became a well-to-do man. 

Ill I8G!(, accompanied by Ins wife and tlieir 
three children, Mr. Graser emigrated to Wisconsin, 
landing in Milwaukee. His first purchase was 
sixty acres of partially in)proved land, situated in 
the town of New Berlin, where he laid the foun- 
dation for their future home. By additional pur- 
chase his landed possessions were increased to two 
hundred and ten acres, all of which lay in the 
same township, that of New Berlin. Mr. (Jraser 
was a m.an of firm convictions and noted as a man 
of his word. In his political sentiments he was a 
Democrat, taking a lively interest in the principles 
of the parly which he supported. In religious be- 
lief he held membership in the German Reformed 
Church. His death occurred May 20, 1892, his 
remains being interred in the (ierman Reformed 
Church Cemetery, where a beautiful stone marks 
his last resting-i)lace. His good wife survives and 
now makes her home with their son, John F. 

Adam Graser was reared and educated in the 
slate of New York, and at the age of eighteen 
years accompanied his parents to Wisconsin. Like 
his father, he has devoted his life to farming and 
stock-raising. At the age of twenty-four he wed- 
ded Miss Catherine Kern, a representative of one 
of the pioneer families of the town of New Berlin. 
Their marriage was celelirated on the 2Ist of Sep- 
tember, If* 7 (>. Mi-s. (iraser isa nativeof that town, • 
where she was born February 20, 1855, and is a 
daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Damm) Kern. 
In her father's family were six sons and two 
daughters, six of whoin are living at the present 
time. Jacob Kern was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, 
Germany, August 2M, 1H21. and died in Wauke- 
sha County, July 28, 1892. He was reared as a 
farmer and received his education in the German 
language. He came to America in 184.'?, crossing 
the ocean in a sailing-vessel, and proceeded at 
once to the territory of Wisconsin. At that time 
Indians were far more (ilenliful than white neigh- 
bore, but our sturdy pioneers were not to lie dis- 
couraged, and to-day we witness the rcfiilt of their 
perseverance. Mr. Kern bought one hundred and 



702 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



fifty-six acres of land in New Berlin Township, of 
which he made, by toil and industry, a valuable 
farm. In early days lie would burn wood and sell 
the ashes in Waukesha, then known as Prairieville. 

Mr. Kern was honored by all who knew him as a 
man of intcgrit}' and uprightness in all his deal- 
ings. He was a Democrat in politics and served 
his town as Treasurer. He was in favor of good 
schools and supported whatever had for its object 
the general elevation of mankind. He belonged 
to the (iernian Kefonned C'luuch, in which he was 
an oflicer, his membership being with the congre- 
gation thai has recently erected the new church 
edifice. 

Mr. and Mrs. Graser's family consists of one son 
and two daughters: Katie, born December 21, 
1K77, po.ssesses special musical talent; Addie H., 
burn August 14, 1883, is a bright boy; Louisa L., 
born April 17, 1888, completes the family. All 
the children are lovers of school, and their par- 
ents will give them every opportunity by which 
they may acquire good practical educations. 

Mr. and Mrs. (!rascr came to their present home 
on the 9th of October, 1876, beginning in a shell 
of a house; no barn or outbuildings existed, and 
they were in debt besides. At the present time, 
instead of the torn (h>wn jjroperty, a beautiful 
and comfortable resi(len('e, neatly and tastefully 
furnished with the modern improvements of a 
home, two large barns and other needful build- 
ings, occupy the old site. Mr. (iraser prides him- 
self on the neatness and convenient arrangement 
of bis buildings. In all lines pertaining to his 
work the same care ami tlujught are shown, and es- 
peciall3' is this true in the care of all machinery 
and tools. Instead of being left where last used, 
as in many instances, they are put in a storeroom 
to be ready when required for another season. 
His farm presents a model appearance; is watered 
by fine wells, and in everything bespeaks the care 
and thrift of the owner. The present homestead 
comprises ninety-one acres, within fourteen miles 
of the city of Milwaukee, and about four miles 
from the village of Waukesha. 

Mr. Graser w.as one of the successful exhibitors 
at the Worlds Fair in Chicago in 180.3, receiving 
the diploma and medal for the best grade of barley 



exhibited by the grower, an honor of which he 
may well be proud, and that will be passed down 
to his children. In politics Mr. Graser is a Demo- 
crat, and cast his first Presidential ballot for Hon. 
S. J. Tilden. However, he is in no sense a poli- 
tician, never permitting |)olitical affairs to inter- 
fere with his business interests. He is at present 
Treasurer of his school district, in which position 
he has served seven years, which shows that the 
people have the utmost confidence in him. He is 
in favor of good schools and does not stand on 
the dollar when it comes to emploj'ing teachers of 
talent, considering it cheaper to pay more for the 
best. 

Mr. and Mrs. Graser are members of the Ger- 
man Reformed C'hurch of New Berlin, of which 
Rev. Richard Ilanisch is pastor. They take a lively 
interest in the church and Sabbath-school work. 
Their daughter, Miss Katie, is organist for both 
church and Sabbath-school. Mr. Graser was C'hurch 
Treasurer for two y<?ars, and is now serving as 
Elder. He and his wife are esteemed for their 
Christian worth by all who know them, and are 
in every sense representative citizens. 



Ip;()N H.ABBOTT, paint contractor of Wau- 
Cy kesha, was born at Monmouth, 111., April 
5, 1852. His parents, Seth and Almira 
M. (Palmer) Abbott, were natives respectively of 
New York State and of Woodstock, \'t. Their 
marriage was celebrated in Wolcott, \'t. About 
1820 they emigrated to Chicago, III., and in about 
eight years removed to Dixon, thence to Mon- 
mouth, and in 18.53 to Peoria. In 1867 they lo- 
cated at Oak Creek, ten miles south of Milwaukee, 
where llicy lived for a number of years, but now 
make their home in Chicago. Both are i)ossessed 
of superior musical talent, being good singers. 
For a number of years Mr. Abbott was engaged in 
teaching that fine art. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Abbott nuinlieied 
five children. George IL, who was born near Dixon, 
111., and was a painter by trade, died in Waukesha 
in 1888, leaving two children; Emma Abbott, the 




HON. IRA BLOOD. 



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ESTHER P. BLOOD. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



707 



noted actress, married Eugene Weallierall, of New 
York City, and died .laniiary S, 18!)1, in Salt Lake 
City. She is one of tiie few great artists who have 
retained their family name tiiroughout her profes- 
sional career. By her splendid ahilities she not 
only charmed the most cultured people of all civil- 
ized nations, hut accumulated an estiite valued at 
some $3,(100,000, most of which was left to charita- 
ble institutions. Leon IL is the next younger 
member of the Abbott family; Fred M. is an ac- 
complished musician, being a member of Valisa's 
string band of Chicago; Lizzie, the wife of ILarry 
Clark, is also a good singer, though not a public 
performer. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was but thirteen j'cars of age when he began to 
earn liis own livelihood. For about four years he 
was an assistant in the Peoria House at Peoria, III., 
beginning as bell boy and rising step by step until 
he became head waiter, which position he held 
during the last two years. We next find him apply- 
ing himself to the painter's trade. In the fall of 
1874, he came to Waukesha, where he h.as pursued 
that calling ever since. Mis marriage to Miss Jo- 
sephine Kales, daughter of Samuel and Eliza J. 
(Mcgaw) Bales, was celebrated October 5, 1880. 
Mrs. Abbott is a native of Waukesha. 

Samuel Eales was born in Hugbrooke, North- 
amptonshire, England, February 4, lM2f5. In earl^' 
life his father wished to teach him the trade which 
he had followed, that of a tailor, but the son not 
liking that business turned his attention to the 
trade of a mason, at which he worked some two 
j'ears. In 1842 he came to the linited States, and 
after spending a year in Rochester, N. Y., came to 
Waukesha, which has been his home from that time 
to the present. For a year or two he worked at 
whatever he could find to do, as on his arrival his 
worlilly possessions consisted of *2..")0 and his fa- 
ther's violin. The latter w.as sold when his funds 
had been exhausted. After coming here. Mr. Eales 
pursued his trade for a time, working on the Opera 
House, the Reform School Building and all the I 
stone churches in the village. For the last nine- I 
teen years he has been conducting a greenhouse. 
In 1856 he was married to Miss Megaw, who died 
two years later, leaving one child,. loseiihine. On | 
24 



the 28tli of January, 1859, Mr. Eales was again 
married to Miss Elizabeth Bird, a native of Bishop 
Castle, England. By this marriage he has nine 
children, Irving .1., Ann E. (deceased), William J., 
Mary J., Samuel IL (deceased), John B., Kate E., 
Flora B. and Rhoda L. 

Mr. Kales is well known as a teacher, having fol- 
lowed that calling some twenty-five years during 
the winter season. Politically he is a "straight- 
line" Democrat. F'or one term he served as Treas- 
urer of the town of Pewaukee, and two terms as 
Justice of the Peace. Both he and his wife are 
members of the Kpi.scopal Church, in which he has 
been vestryman for many years. 

Mr. Abbott is a skilled workman, being thor- 
oughly conversant with the different branches of 
his business, carriage, house and sign painting. In 
graining he has no superior in this part of the 
state. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. and 
Mrs. Abbott became the parents of four children, 
Emma A., Samuel I., Canada J. and Willie .S. 
The last-named died March 1!), 1894, at the age of 
seven years. Mrs. Abbott, like her father, is an 
active worker in the Episcopal Church. 



H 



ON. IRA BLOOD, deceased. Few men 
were more ])rominently identified with 
the early history of this county than tiie 
gentleman whose name is given above. A pio- 
neer, a man of sterling worth, and a loyal citizen, 
he was esteemed and honored in a marked degree. 
Mr. Blood was born in Ilollis, N. II., December 30, 
1811. being one of a family of children whose par- 
ents were Isaac and Elizabeth Blood. When fif- 
teen years of age he went to sea with an uncle, but 
as the result of an accidental fall, he was so badly 
injured that he abandoned a seafaring life, and 
going to Weston, Vt., was employed as a clerk in 
a store, which business he followed at various 
places in New England. At Chester Academy he 
spent several terms, thus supplementing his early 
education with a more thorough course of train- 
ing. The subject to which he gave most attention 
was civil engineering, a calling for which he had 
especial afititude. In the early part of 183C, in 



708 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



company with Judge Martin Field, he started for 
the west, where tlicre was great demand for their 
services as survej'ors. On arriving at Chicago, 
whicli had been laid out three years before, they 
spent the summer surveying, and in the following 
October came on to Mukwonago, which they were 
soon after employed to survey and plat by the 
proprietors of the village. On section 31. of the 
town of Vernon, Mr. Blood made a claim on which 
he built a temporary log house, to hold it until he 
could make more substantial improvements. This 
done, he and Mr. Field walked to Chicago, thence 
to Hennepin, 111., where Mr. Blood taught a. term 
of school in order to get means to improve his 
claim. Returning to it in the spring, he made 
preparations to bring a helpmate to his cabin home. 
Going to the Green Mountain Slate in 183',». he 
was married on the 5th of Septcmbei-, in Chester, 
to Miss Esther P. Jordan. 

Mrs. Blood was born July 26, 1814, in Chester, 
Windsor County, Vt., being one of eleven children 
whose parents were Josiah and Esther (Caryl) Jor- 
dan. Mr. Jordan was a hero of the Revolutionary 
War, serving seven years as a cannoneer. He was 
well acquainted with Gen. George Washington, 
who on one occasion came to him, took him by 
the shoulder and shook him, saying he wished he 
had a thousand more such boys as he. Mrs. Jordan 
died in 1816, at the age of thirty-two years. Mrs. 
Blood received a good academic education, and 
for several years prior to her coming west, taught 
school in her native state. Soon after her marriage 
to Mr. Blood they came to their Wisconsin home. 
By the united efforts of husband and wife, their 
landed possessions were increased until tliej- had 
over a thousand acres, most of which was pur- 
chased from the Government at $1.25 per acre. 
In their first log house man}' happy da3^s were 
spent, but in course of time it gave way to a bet- 
ter home, while many other improvements were 
made. 

Mr. Blood devoted considerable time to survey- 
ing, and often for weeks he would be gone from 
home in pursuit of his calling, while his good wife 
looked after the affairs of the home. He surveyed 
Kneeland's addition to Milwaukee, and much of 
the western part of Itacine County. For two terms 



he .served as County Surveyor of Waukesha Coun- 
ty. In an early day he taught school in the old- 
time log house, and for two terms was Town Su- 
perintendent of schools. In the winter of 18.39-40, 
Mrs. Blood conducted a school in her own home; 
thus they were among the [jioneer teachers of this 
county. From 1852 to 1854, Mr. Blood carried on 
merchandising and the lumber business, and also 
taught school in the village of Mukwonago. In 
1859 he was |)ul forth as the nominee of the Re- 
f)ublican parly as a candidate for the Assembly 
against Leonard Martin, the Democratic nominee. 
Mr. Blood was triumphantly elected and proved a 
capable legislator. At the time of his death he 
was serving his second tei'm as County Surveyor. 
In every positit)n in life to which he was called he 
discharged his duties cHieiently, promptly and 
conscientiously. On the 22d of ^"ebruary, 1868, 
this sterling pioneer passed away, leaving a family 
and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Blood were born the follow- 
ing children: Isaac, married Clara Stevens of Og- 
densbiirg, N. Y., April 22, 1841, and resides on the 
old homestead in the town of Vernon; Josiah, born 
June 20, 1842, died on the 3d of July following; 
Edwin James, who was born November 30, 1843, 
at the age of twenty years entered the United 
States Navy, and served faithfully until honora- 
bly discharged in September, 1865, at Brooklyn, 
N. Y. During the most of his service his vessel 
was cruising for blockade runners and acting as 
dispatch boat for Admiral Dalgreen of the South 
Atlantic Squadron. After the war was ended he 
returned home and remained on the farm for a 
time, then went to Chicago, where he has since 
been engaged in business. He has been twice mar- 
ried; and his first wife, Lydia Nye, who died in 1888, 
left no issue. In 1891, he married Miss Martha 
L}-on, by whom he has one child, Ira. Charles 
Caryl, the next, child in Mr. Blood's family, was 
born April 2, 1846, and died on the 7th of May of 
the same year; Elizabeth Clara, who was born Feb- 
ruary 11, 1848, became the wife of William A. 
(iault, a music dealer of Waukesha; Rosanna Field, 
born June 6, 1851, is the widow of Albert D. 
Ilager, a noted naturalist who served as State 
Geologist of Vermont and Missouri, and acted *8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



709 



Secretary and Treasurer of the Historical Society 
of Chicago; Abigail Emmie, l)oni Deccmlier 2, 
1852. died December 24, 1864, and Nellie K., born 
February 19. IH.'.'J, died March 8, 1860. 

Mrs. IJIood still makes her home in Mukwonago, 
and is one of the few remaining mementos of pio- 
neer days. In or near that village she has made 
her home for fifty-five years, and in all the sur- 
rounding country there is scarcely a man, woman 
or child that is not familiar with the name and 
face of ''Grandmother Hlood." 



<C+++++++**+++33g*****+++**.{"{.X> 



JOHN HLOOR, who carries on general farm- 
ing and stock-raising on section 32, Lisbon 
Township, is a native of Cheshire, England, 
his birth having occurred near Newcastle, 
May 26, 1826. His parents, Thomas and Sarah 
(Beech) liloor, had a family of five sons and one 
daughter, and he was the third in order of birth. 
The children still living are, William, a farmer of 
Dodge Count}', Wis., who is married and has six 
children; .lames, who is married and lives on a 
farm in Summit Township, and George, an agri- 
culturist and physician of Pewaukee Township. 
In politics they are all Republicans. The father of 
this family was born in .Staffordshire, England, in 
1791, and died in 1886. In the spring of 1842, 
with the familj', he emigrated to America from 
Liverpool, landing in New York after a voyage of 
six weeks and three days. His destination was the 
Badger State, and thither he came by waj' of the 
Hudson Uiver, the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes, 
reaching Milwaukee in .luly, 1842. There he w.is 
taken sick and confined to his home for two weeks. 
His wife and daughter, Sarah, died during that 
time. Mr. Bloor then came to Lisbon Township, 
and secured a claim of one hundred and sixty 
acres on section 32, and also located one hundred 
and sixty acres on section 6. Pewaukee I'ownship. 
Here he carried on farming until his death. He 
took n<j active part in politics, but voted with the 
Kepublican party. He and his wife were members 
of the Episcopal Church. IIis death occurred in 
1886, at a very advanced age, and Mrs. Bloor, who 



was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1801, died 
in 1842. 

John Bloor spent the first sixteen years of his 
life in England, and there obtained his education. 
He has alwa^'s been a farmer and stock-raiser, and 
now owns one of the fine farms of Lisbon and Pe- 
waukee Townships. In IHHt) he erected a beauti- 
ful country residence which stands in the midst of 
well tilleil fields and good improvements. 

In 1816 Mr. Bloor returned to his native land, 
and in February, 1847, married Miss Mary Barker, 
a native of Staffordshire. By their union were 
born four daughters .ind one son, three yet living. 
Ellen E., the eldest, is the wife of Charles Veitch, 
a farmer and stock dealer of Galesville, Wis. They 
have three children. Pearl Imogene, .John P. and 
Leslie. The mother possesses considerable musical 
ability. In politics Mr. Veitch is a Democrat. 
Emma L., the second child, was educated in the 
common schools and in Pewaukee, and for some 
years successfullj' engaged in teaching. She is now 
the wife of Albert H. Chaiinell. an agriculturist of 
.Summit Township, and a Republican in his politi- 
cal views. Eliza M., the youngest, who was edu- 
cated in Pewaukee, and has also received instruc- 
tion in music, was married Januar}' 3, 1894, to 
Charles Bartleit, and they reside on the old home- 
stead. Mr. Bartlett votes the Republican ticket. 

For forty-three years Mr. and Mrs. Bloor trav- 
eled life's journey together, sharing with each 
other its joys and sorrows, adversity and prosper- 
ity, but death separated them November 18, 1890' 
when Mrs. Bloor was called to the home beyond. 
Her loss w.is widely and deeply mourned. Mr. 
Bloor cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Win- 
field Scott, and is now a stanch Re|)ublican. The 
cause of temperance finds in him a warm friend, 
and he is a stalwart advocate of educational inter- 
ests. He and his family hold membership with the 
Episcopal Church. 

The Bloor estate comprises two hundred and 
seven, acres of fine land, on which he erected a 
beautiful country home in 1889. The farm with 
all of its surroundings indicates the thrift, enter- 
prise and good taste of its owner. By those who 
have had business dealings with him, Mr. Bloor is 
known to be a man of strict integrity and honor. 



710 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



For over a lialf-century be has been a resident of 
Waukesha County, which at the tinieof his arrival 
formed a part of Milwauiiee County. Of all the 
progress which has been made liere during that 
time Mr. Rloor has been an eye-witness. Since he 
came to the county every mile of railroad has been 
built, every foot of telegraph wire has been hung, 
and every large city within the state has made its 
growth. 



:0#G 



DANIEL R. STORM. Since 1854 has this 
worthy gentleman been a citizen of Wau- 
kesha County. He is so well known that 
he needs no especial introduction to the people of 
tlie county. lie was born in Milwaukee County, 
October 22, 1852, and is the only child of Isaac 
and Amanda (Lang worthy) Storm. Isaac Storm 
was a native of Dutchess Count}-, N. Y., born in 
1823, and died on the 17th of November, 1886. 
He was reared to agricultural pursuits and received 
a good education, supplementing his primary in- 
struction by an academic course. In 1842 he came 
to Wisconsin, making the trip by way of the Erie 
Canal and the Great Lakes. He at once took up a 
claim of one hundred and seventy-five acres of 
wild land upon which he erected a log cabin. The 
land not being in the market he returned to the 
Empire State some five years later to wait until he 
could purchase his claim. His second journey 
westward was made across the country by stage, 
passing through Canada, Michigan, around by 
Chicago, which was then an insignificant village, 
and down to Milwaukee. For his prospective 
farm, which lay in the town of Wauwatosa, six 
miles from Milwaukee, he paid $1.25 per acre. 
Being a very enterprising and active man, Mr. 
Storm often went to southern Illinois and In- 
diana to buy horses and brought them to Wiscon- 
sin, where be sold them to settlers. 

In his father's family there were five brothers 
and four sisters, all of whom lived to maturity; 
however, only two are now living. Three of the 
sons came to Wisconsin to locate, two of them 
engaging in mercantile life in the city of Mil- 
waukee. One of these, Charles, was a wholesale 



dry goods merchant and afterwards went to Chi- 
cago, where he formed a partnersiiip with a Mr, 
Hill, the firm of Storm A- Hill being well known 
to the public. All of the brothers were very suc- 
cessful business men. 

On the 30th of April, 1848, Isaac Storm wedded 
Miss Amanda Langworthy, a native of Rochester, 
Monroe County, N. Y. The name Langworthy 
came from England; Mrs. Storm's uncle, Lyman 
B. Langworthj', had the coat of arms used by 
the family across the sea. She was educated in the 
city schools of Rochester and in 1842 came to Mil- 
waukee to reside with her relatives. Mr. and Mrs. 
Storm resided in Menomonee Township for tliirt}'- 
one years, where the}' owned one hundred and 
sixty acres of fine land. Disposing of this prop- 
erty they removed to Milwaukee, where the_v lived 
only one year when Father Storm died. His good 
.wife, who survives him, makes her home with her 
son. 

In his political sentiments Is.aac Storm first sup- 
ported the principles of the Republican party, but 
during the late years of his life was a Democrat. 
He was a man of liberal mind and heart who did 
much in a financial way toward the erection of 
several large churches in Milwaukee and Wauwa- 
tosa. In an official capacity he served his town 
and count}' as Chairman of the Board, discharging 
the duties devolving upon him in a most satis- 
factory manner. 

D. H. Storm was educated in the Milwaukee 
High School, after which he took a course in the 
Spencerian Business College of that city, thus fit- 
ting himself to engage in any business life. From 
1881 to 1886 he was engaged in the insurance and 
real estate business in Milwaukee, and in the latter 
year came to the town of Pewaukee, where he pur- 
chased one hundred and ten acres of fine farming 
land two miles distant from the village of Wau- 
kesha, whicli has since been his home. Besides his 
farming interests Mr. Storm is also interested in 
Milwaukee and Waukesha real estate, and by his 
close attention to all details of his business has ac- 
cumulated good property. 

On the 3d of June, 1885, Mr. Storm wedded 
Miss Lois L. McGee, by whom he has three Sf)ns, 
Frank B., Charles E. and John J. Mrs. Storm is a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 



711 



native of New York. Slie was educated in the 
common scliools and was for a number of terms a 
successful teacher in the schools of Washington 
County, Wis. 

Mr. Storm is a Democrat, tiis first Presidential 
vote having been cast for Hon. Horatio Seymour. 
He takes an active part in political affairs, and by 
his party has been selected to represent his town 
in various county conventions; he was elected 
Chairman of the Town Board in Mcnomonee, and 
has held the same position in the town of I'ewaukec. 
He is a lirm friend of the public schools and most 
heartily believes that the test of competency in 
teachers should be raised to the highest grade. 

Socially Mr. Storm is a member of Bismark 
Lodge No. iy:3, I. O. O. F., of Waukesha; of the 
P. C. No. 10, of Waukesha, and of Court No. I'ifi 
I. (). V. Genial and social, he is a popular man in 
his community. He and his wife are in sympathy 
with the Baptist Cliurcli at Waukesha. They are 
worthy young people and enjoy the friendship and 
esteem of an extended circle of acquaintances. 



NIELS RASMUS, proprietor of a general 
store at Nashotali. is one of five children, 
three sons and two daughters, born unto 
Rasmus and Maria (ILanson) Jensen, who were na- 
tives of the parish Gerpen, Norway. The other 
members of this family were: Ingeborg, deceased; 
Hans, a farmer of Ashippun, Dodge Count}', Wis.; 
Margarette, wife of Peter Peterson, a farmer of 
the same place, and Jens, also a farmer of Dodge 
County. Mr. Jensen was reared to farm life in his 
native land, where his marriage to Maria Hanson 
occurred. In the year 1841 himself and family 
emigrated to America, embarking aboard the sail- 
ing-vessel "Salvator," at the port of Porsgrund. 
and six weeks later landed in New York. Thence 
bj' way of the Hudson River, Erie Canal and the 
Great Lakes, they proceeded to Wisconsin, land- 
ing in Milwaukee, which at that time was a small 
village. By wagon they continued their journej- 
to Pine Lake, where they remained some six weeks, 
ur until Mr. Jensen had time to look about for a 



suitable location. He bought eight}' acres of land 
in the town of Ashippun, Dodge County, Wis., 
paying for the same $100, the patent for which 
was signed by James K. Polk. Mr. Jensen imme- 
diately began improving the farm, upon which he 
erected a substantial house and good outbuildings. 
Later he purchased another eighty acre tract, 
which he afterward gave to his sons. At the time 
that the family made their settlement in this state, 
Indians were numerous, deer abounded and wolves 
were seen in -great numbers. Mr. Jensen and wife 
have both passed away; the former in 1883, and 
the latter in 1850. 

Niels Rasmus was born in parish (Jerpen, Nor- 
way, July 30, 1837, and at the age of seven years 
came to Wisconsin with his parents. He grew to 
manhood on his father's farm, and enjo^'ed such 
educational advantages as the district schools af- 
forded. His primary education was supplemented 
by attendance at St. John's Academy, where he 
was a student for about six months. In 1861 he 
hired out as a farm hand to Hishop Kemper, with 
whom he remained three and .a-half 3-ears. Going 
at the end of that time to Doylestown, Columbia 
County, Wis., he engaged as clerk for J. G. Can- 
field, remaining in his emplo}" for a year and 
a-half. He next clerked for O. Anderson, in Col- 
umbus, Wis., but after a service of two yeai-s, en- 
gaged in the insurance business for a short time. 
Abandoning that he again clerked, being employed 
by Dariah it Casgrovc, merchants in Rio, Columbia 
County, Wis., also for a short time, then by Dodgtf 
Bros., of Sparta, Wis., where he remained some 
four years. Returning to Doylestown, Mr. Ras- 
mus went into partnership with C. A. Do3'le in the 
grocery business. Disposing of his interest to his 
partner, Mr. Rasmus went to Nashotah, where he 
bought the stock of A. L. Kelley, and continued to 
conduct the business at the old stand for one year. 
At the expiration of that time he bought out Sey- 
mour Bros. About this time he was appointed 
Postmaster of the village of Nashotah, which posi- 
tion he held for eleven years, then resigned and 
w.ns succeeded b}' his clerk, Henry Brinker. July 
12, 1885, Mr. Rasmus purchased the Kelley prop- 
erty in which his present store is situated. 

On the 23d of .lune, 1892, occurred the mar- 



712 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



riage of Mr. Rasmus and Caroline Johnson, who 
was born in tiie town of Delalield, Waukesha 
County. Her parents, Niels and Anna (Erickson) 
Johnson, were natives of Gerpen Parisli, Norway, 
and in early life emigrated to the I'niteil States. 
The former died in 1893. 

Our suliject carries a full line of goods, and aims 
to supply the demands of his customers in both 
quality and price. By fair treatment he has built 
up a large patronage, the volume of business trans- 
acted during a year amounting to some ^7.000. 
In politics Mr. Rasmus is a stanch Republican, 
having cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln. 
During his residence in Doylestown he served on 
the School Board for two and a-half years, and has 
been a member of the School Board in Delafield 
Townshii) for three years. He and his wife are ac- 
tive niembers of the Episcopal Church of Nasho- 
tah, he being the acting Senior Warden. They 
also take a prominent part in the work of the Sun- 
day-school. 

■ ' ^ P ' 



HENKY STACEY, deceased, one of the hon- 
ored pioneers of Wisconsin, was born in 
Launceston, Cornwall, P^ngland, on the 
IStli of July, 1820. He grew to inaniiood in his na- 
tive country, and was reared to farm labor. Hav- 
ing decided to come to the United States, he sailed 
from his native land in 1842, coming direct to the 
town of Palmyra, Jefferson County, Wis. The 
first real estate he ever owned consisted of seven- 
ty-five acres of partially improved land in that 
town, which he bought soon aflei' his arrival, and 
on which he kept "bach" until better arrange- 
ments were made. On the 24tli of ISLiy, 1848, he 
wedded in tiie town of Summit, Waukesha Coun- 
ty, Miss Rebecca M. E. Lean, a native of Bodmin, 
Cornwall, England, born May 10, 1824. Her par- 
ents, Chrislo|>lu-r and Mary (Lang) Lean, were na- 
tives of the same place. 

In 1846 Mr. Lean with his wife and eight chil- 
dren set sail from Paxton, England, for Quebec, 
reaching the latter place after a voyage of only 
thirty-nine days. Coming on to this county, Mr. 
Lean purchased tlie farm now owned by his grand- 



son, John H. Stacey. From a financial standpoint 
he was in good circumstances in the Old Country, 
but being anxious to provide better homes for his 
children, he .severed tlie ties binding him to native 
land. As he brought some * 1,000 with him to this 
country, he was considered a moneyed man in those 
days. Mr. and Mrs. Lean were consistent mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the ad- 
vancement of which they ever took an active part. 
The latter died on the old homestead September 
12, 1865, while the fc>rmer passed aw.iy at the 
home of his daughter, Mrs. Stacey, in Palmyra 
Township. Of their family Mrs. Stacey is the 
fourth in order of birth. When a girl she had the 
satisfaction of seeing the first steamship plow its 
way down the British Channel. 

Mr. and ISIrs. Stacey began their domestic life in 
the cabin home prepared by the husband, and there 
were S])ent the happiest days of tlieir lives. By 
their united industry, their landed possessions 
were increased until they owned five hundred and 
twenty-seven acres, one hundred and sixty of 
which were in Missouri, and the remainder in Jef- 
ferson and Waukesha Counties. Though reared 
in the faith of the Episcopal Church, they never 
became connected with any religious body. Mr. 
Stacey held to the principles of the Democratic 
part3', but was not a strict partisan. The death of 
this pioneer was mourned January 6, 1887. In 
his business dealings he was always just and hon- 
orable, his word being as readily taken as his bond. 

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Stacey, 
with the assistance of her sons, carried on the 
farms until 1893, when they were turned over to 
the boys, though she still makes her home on the 
farm that was the first home of her parents in this 
county. Her children nuinliered eight, of whom 
four survive, and her grandchildren are four in 
number. Of the former. Henry C. is a farmer of 
Jefferson County, Wis.; Hlanche (L married George 
Dancy, a baggageniaster on the St. Paul Railroad; 
Rebecca Leonora wedded Arthur Thome, who is 
Principal of the schools at Rome, Wis.; and John 
IL, the j'oungest, and only one now identified 
with the interests of Waukesha County, is recog- 
nized as one of the [jrominent young farmers of 
Eagle Township. His birth occurred in Jefferson 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



713 



Count}', Wis., October 29, 1866. In the district 
schools and in the village school of Palmyra he 
received a practical education. Since (piitling the 
school room he has devoted himself exclusively to 
fanning. He was married October 19, 1893, to 
Miss Mary K.. dauirliter of David .1. and Ann 
(Parry) Williams, both of whom are natives of 
Wales. In earl}' life they emigrated to this coun- 
try and located in .Icfferson County, this stale, 
where they still reside, he being a substantial 
farmer. Mrs. Stacey is a native of that count}-, 
and is the second in order of birth in a family of 
six children. 

In iiolitics John II. Stacey is a Republican. His 
fust vote for President was cast for Benjamin Har- 
rison. He has been nominated several limes by 
his part}' for official positions, but as his town is 
strongly Democratic, his eleclif>n was impossible. 
Mr. Stiicey is a 3'oung man of superior intelligence 
thrift and enterprise. 



i>^^-<-; 



'(Sa^ 



HENRY TEUTKBERG, one of the esteemed 
and prosperous farmers of Merlon Town- 
ship, is a native of Hanover, German}-. 
He was born on the 16th of October, 1845, and 
was the third in a family of six children, whose 
parents were Frederick and Johanna (Opermann) 
Teuteberg. Both father and mother were natives 
of Hanover; the former was born in 1802, and the 
latter about 1817. They there grew to manhood 
and womanhood, receiving good educalions in 
their native language, were married, and there their 
children were born. In 18.'i3, with their children, 
they bade adieu to iiome and friends and sailed 
for America. They were six wecKS in crossing the 
Atlantic, and on arriving in New York came di- 
rect to Waukesha County. Here they remained 
about a year, then went to Milwaukee County, 
where they purchased ten acres of land. 'I'hey 
had no money with which to purchase a home, 
but all worked at whatever they could find to do, 
and by saving their earnings they were enabled to 
buy a little home. After a lime they removed to 
Washington County and bought eighty acres of 



land, upon which the parents spent their last days, 
the mother passing away in 1874, and the father 
in 1886. They were devout members of the (Ger- 
man Lutheran Church, and lived in harmony with 
their profession. The members of their family 
live as follows: Ernst, w-lio was engaged in the 
lumlier business, is a resident of Santa Cruz, Cal.; 
Frederick is a farmer of Washington County; Hen- 
ry is the next; Laura is the wife of Otto John- 
son, a mechanic of Milwaukee; Herman is also 
a farmer of Washington County; and Alvina is 
the wife of .lohn Dorn, a business man of Mil- 
waukee. 

Henry Teuteberg became a resident of Wiscon- 
sin when a child of seven years, and therefore ac- 
quired his education in the .schools of this stale, 
receiving instruction in both the German and Eng- 
lish langu.agc. When a youth of eighteen he be- 
came imbued with a desire to see something of the 
world, and at the same time make it profitable 
from a monetary standpoint. Deciding to visit 
the gold fields of California, in company with 
Julius Basse, of Lisbon Township, he went to New 
York, thence down the coast and through the gulf, 
across the Isthmus and up the Pacific to San Fran- 
cisco, where he arrived in the spring of 1865. 
Going at once to Sacramento, Cal., thence • later 
to Washoe, Nov., he secured employment in the 
silver quartz mills at that place, receiving for 
his services ij^lOO per month. At the end of three 
years he returned to Washington County and 
purchased eighty acres of land on which stood an 
old log cabin, while the land was covered with logs 
and stumps. However, he rented his farm and 
went to Minnesota, where he worked by the month 
for some two years. 

February 16, 1873, Mr. Teuteberg wedded Miss 
Louisa Welhausen, and of this union eight chil- 
dren have been born, all of whom are yet under 
the parental roof: Sophie, Ernst, Ella, Henry, 
Oscar, Elsie, Freddie and Irwin. Mrs. Teuteberg 
was born in Milwaukee County on the 25th of 
November, 1853, and is a daughter of August 
and Sophia (Oraes) Welhausen. Her parents are 
yet living, the father being seventy-one, and a 
shoemaker by trade; the mother is seventy-five 
years old. Both are members of the German Lu- 



714 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



theran Chincb. Mrs. Teuteberg is also one of a 
family niinil)eriiig six children, four sons and two 
daugliters, of whom two of her brothers are de- 
ceased, she being tiie second now living. Her 
eldest brother, William, is a farmer of Minnesota; 
Augusta, her only sister, and the third in order of 
birth of the surviving, is the widow of Samuel 
Schwowaller, who was connected with the Wiscon- 
sin Central Railroad at the time of his death, Au- 
gust 18, 1894; and August is a resident of Wash- 
ington County. 

Mr. and Mrs. Teuteberg commenced their mar- 
ried life in Richlicld Township, of Washington 
County, where they resided until 1883, when they 
purchased their beautiful farm of one hundred 
and twenty .acres on section M, in the town of 
Merton, situated one mile and a-half from the 
village of Merton. In 1891 they erected their 
residence, which is surrounded with very m.iny of 
the conveniences to be found upon a well con- 
ducted farm. In politics Mr. Teuteberg is a Repub- 
lican, his lirst vote being cast for (lencral Grant, 
though he is not strictly partisan in local affairs, 
preferring to exercise his own judgment as to 
whom he will support, whether Republican or 
Democrat. He and his wife, as well ,is their fam- 
ilj', are members of the German Lutheran Church 
of Merton Township, he being an ollicer of the 
Board of Stewards. Genial and social, they de- 
light to entertain their many friends, Mrs. Teute- 
berg presiding over the home with pleasing grace. 



HON. JOHN STEPHENS. The true his- 
tory of a countiy is told in the individ- 
ual lives of its citizens. The life of the 
gentleman whose name heads this article has been 
an important factor in the upbuilding of Wauke- 
sha County. He is a native of 'I'rier, a province 
of Prussia, Germany, where his birth occurred on 
the 25tli of February, 1827, being the eldest in a 
family of four children born to Matthias and Eve 
(Scliuh) .Stephens. Two of this family are living, 
John and his brother Henry, a resident of La 
Porte, Iowa. The father wiis born and educated 



in Germany, where he was reared to the life of a 
farmer. He, with his second wife and six chil- 
dren, emigrated to America in 184.3, crossing the 
Atlantic to New York City in a sailing-vessel, 
where thej- arrived after a voj'age of sixty-three 
days. After landing in this country they came 
direct to Milwaukee, by way of the Hudson River, 
Erie Canal and the Great Lakes. Milwaukee was 
a small village. Chestnut Street bridge being the 
only one in the place. Where the most marked 
improvements now stand was then a swamp. The 
first purchase the father made was of forty acres 
of timbered land in the town of New Berlin. 
There was not a sign of a habitation nor any im- 
provement of any kind upon this land. Their first 
home was a log cabin, the floor of which was 
mother earth; snow would sift through the shake 
roof until it would be an inch or two deep on the 
beds in the morning, while the chimnej^ was a 
stove pipe thrust through the roof. Indians were 
almost as numerous as the white inhabitants. Mr. 
Stephens has seen as many as twenty-five or thirty 
deer in one drove upon their premises. Their 
method of hunting deer, as given by Mr. Ste- 
phens, is substantially as follows: One of the hun- 
ters would take an old-fashioned cow-bell and 
station himself in their "runway," and at the 
approach of the deer he would ring the bell, thus 
attracting their attention, while his comrade would 
slip uji and shoot them from the opposite direc- 
tion. Mr. Stephens and his comrade have killed 
as many as three in one afternoon. Waukesha 
was then known as Prairieville, this being in 1843, 
five years before the state was admitted. The 
laud purch.ascd by the father was a claim for which 
he paid *fi2.50. In his politics he was a Democrat. 
Both parents were Catholics. 

Mr. Stephens was a youth of sixteen when he 
came with liis parents to the United States. He 
received his education in the district schools, but 
by reading and observation keeps well informed 
on the current events of the day. He began life 
in tlie winter of 1843 as a farm hand, receiving for 
his services twelve shillings per month. Thus it 
may be seen that he began at the foot of the lad- 
der. His marriage with IMiss Mary Mann occurred 
December 31, 1847, and to them were born ten 




RICHARD CRAVEN, Jr. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



717 



children, five sons and five daugliters, of whom 
eight are living: Henry is a farmer of Abilene, 
Kan.; C'elestia, the widow of Adam Korii, resides 
in the same place; Albert is a commercial traveler 
of Cliicago; Libbie is tlie wife of A. B. McCumber, 
llarslml of Waukeslia; Clara is a saleslady in the 
store of .1. H. (Iroat. Siie was educated in the 
Union School of Waukesha and was one of Wau- 
kesha C'oiiiily's successful teachers. .lohn, who 
married Miss Maggie Schafer, is manager of a 
creamery in the town of Waukesha. Nettie re- 
ceived her education in the schools of Waukesha, 
and also had musical instruction. Matthias is the 
youngest in the home. Mrs. Stephens was born 
August 22. IH.'U, at Iiingen on liie Hliiiio; she was 
adaiightcr of Michael and Henrietta (Kiick) Mann 
and was ten years of age when she accompanied 
them to America. They located first in Pennsyl- 
vania and afterward in Wisconsin. 

Mr. Stephens cast his first vote for Gen.Zachary 
Taylor and at the organization of the Re|)ubliean 
parly espoused its cause. He well remembers the 
"wild cat" currency, which brought such great 
financial distress into the commercial world, him- 
self not escaping its ravages. His ideas on the 
Gnancial policy that should be pursued by this 
(lovernmenl are sound and logical. As an ollicial 
lie has served his township faithfully in various 
positions. In New Berlin Township he has served 
as Treasurer for live years, namely, 1867, '68, '73, 
'74 and '7o, and as Assessor in 1876. In 1867 he 
was elected Registrar of Deeds, serving until 1881, 
in which year he was elected Sheriff. In 1884 he 
was selected to represent Waukesha County in the 
Assembly, receiving thirty-two hundred and sev- 
enty-two votes, while his opponent, W. K. llen- 
nessy(I>enu»crat) received thirty-two hundred and 
three. The county toeing Democratic, the record 
of Mr. Stephens shows his |K>pularity as a citizen. 
He is a firm friend and supporter of all measures 
calculated to advance the standing of his county 
an<l community. 

Mr. and Mi>. Stephens and family aie members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Waukesha 
and tonliibiile liberally to the support of all 
church Itcnevolences. The .'Stephens estate of one 
hundred and twenty acres lies within three and 



a- ha If miles of Waukesha, on section 20. This farm 
was purchased in 1882. His beautiful country res- 
idence is the abode of hospil;ility, and his family 
is well and favorably known throughout the 
county. 



♦1^ 







RICHARD CRAVEN, .Ik., who is both wide- 
ly and favorably known in Lisbon Town- 
ship, follows farming and stock-raising on 
secticm 27. He is a native of Waukesha County, 
and a representative of one of the |)rominenl Eng- 
lish families which was here established at an early 
day. He was born Eebriiary .'J. 1845, and is the 
eldest in a family of two sons and live daughters, 
whose parents were Richard and Margaret (Rodg- 
ers) Craven. Three of the children are still liv- 
ing, namely: Richard, and Loui.saand Adeline, both 
of Waukesha. The father was born in Yorkshire, 
England, .lune 17, IHI2, and died April ii, 1881. 
He received a common school education and fol- 
lowed farming throughout his life. In 18,30 he 
emigrated with his parents to America, crossing 
the Atlantic in a sailiiig-ves.'-el from Liverpool to 
New York, which after a voyage of nine weeks 
reached its destination. Mr. Craven resided in 
Westmoreland, Oneida County, N. Y'., until lH.'i7, 
when he started for the territoiy of Wisconsin, 
and 111 Lisbon Township, Waukesha Countv, his 
remaining days were passed with the exception of 
the (irst two years, which were spent at Waukesha. 
At that time T. S. Redford, Mr. Ralph, Mr. Bon ham, 
Edward Smith and .lohn Weaver, with their re- 
s[)ective families, were the only residents of the 
township, which was then in its primitive condi- 
tion, just being opened up to civilization. The 
father began w(jrk here as a common laborer. 
Having saved his entire wages for one year. ILOO, 
he loaned this to a supposed friend, who never re- 
paid him. He also ha<l to overcome the dilliculties 
of pioneer life, but his earnest labors at length 
brought hi HI prosperity. His widow is still living 
on the old homestead. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 



718 



PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



was early inured to liard labor, becoraina; familiar 
witli the arduous task of developing a farm. His 
education was acquired in the common schools 
prior to the age of twelve years, from wliicli time 
he had to give his entire service to the labor of 
the farm. Me continued to work with liis father 
until tiic latter's death. Wiien he attained his 
majority be had not ^\0 whicli he could call his 
own, and no settlement was made upon him unlil 
he reached the age of thirty-(ive, but he now owns 
one hundred acres of fine land on sections 26, 27 
and 34, Lisbon Township. The place is supplied 
with never-failing water, which makes it valuable 
as a stock farm, and the fields are highly culti- 
vated. For a fpiarter of a century the owner has 
also been extensively engaged in threshing. 

Mr. Craven was married Fcliruary 13, 1866, to 
Miss Elizabeth Ottawa, a native of Kent County, 
England, and to them have been born eleven chil- 
dren, live sons and six daughters, nine yet living. 
William R., the eldest, acquired a good English 
education, and in politics is a Republican, his first 
vote having been cast for Benjamin Harrison, and 
in religious belief he is a Methodist. George E., 
a farmer of Lisbon Townshii), wedded Harriet 
Butler, and they have a little daughter. Myrtle J. 
Everett A., who pursued a course of study in the 
Milwaukee Business College, and learned teleg- 
raphy in Templeton, Wis., is now an ojierator on 
the Wisconsin Central Railroad at Neenah, Wis. 
M.iggie became the wife of (ieorge H. Weaver of 
Lisbon Township, December 27. 1893. .She re- 
ceived a good literary education and a special 
training in instrumental music. Ida E., at home, 
was a student in Carroll College for two terms. 
Myron J., Homer W. and E. Belle are all attend- 
ing school at Sussex, and Amy ,]. completes the 
family. Mrs. (Graven was born November 3, 1845, 
and when a child of two years was brought bj' her 
parents, Edward and Elizabeth (I)ungey) Ottawa, 
to Wisconsin. They sailed from Liverpool and 
for a number of years resided in Oneida County, 
N. Y., but in 18.')7 came to the Badger State. The 
father made farming his life work. In the family 
were six daughters and a son, and four are yet 
living: Mrs. Craven; Hannah, wife of Thomas 
Beach Audley, a prosperous farmer of Delafield 



Township; John, who isliving near Oconomowoc, 
and Hattie, wife of William Peeper, who carries on 
a summer resort for a gentleman of Milwaukee, at. 
Wauwatoosa, Wis. 

I n politics Mr. Craven is a stanch Republican and 
has supported that party since casting his first vote 
for General Grant. He was elected Side Super- 
visor in 1880 and 1881. and in 1883 was elected 
Chairman of the Board. He is one of the School 
Directors of Su.ssex and a friend to education, and 
has given his children good advantages along that 
line. He and his wife are prominent members and 
active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church 
of Lisbon, in which he is serving as Trustee. The 
home of this worthy couple is the abode of hospi- 
tality and they have many friends throughout the 
com m unity. 



HENKY BITRNKLL. Few financiers .are bet- 
ter known throughout Waukesha County 
than the gentleman whose name heads 
this article. He was born in Yorkshire, England, 
in 1832. His parents, John and Ann (Walgate) 
Burnell, were natives of the same shire, the former 
born May 7, 1801. Their marriage was celebrated 
in 1828. In his native land John Burnell was en- 
gaged in agriculture and at one time managed a 
large estate containing seven hundred acres. In 
1834 with his family he emigrated to America, 
locating at White Pigeon, Mich. Two years later 
he came on a prospecting tour to what is now 
Waukesha Count}' and made a claim in the town of 
Mukwonago, to which he brought his family June 
11, 1837. On that pl.ace he erected the largest log 
house in the vicinity. It was difficult to find set- 
tlers enough within reach to raise it. The year 
1837 was a hard one for the early settlers, as 
many of them had exhausted their provisions and 
found it very ditficult to get more. Mr. Burnell 
had sent in from Michigan twenty-one barrels of 
flour, which were eagerly taken by the settlers. 
Later he brought six barrels more, also brought 
the first herd of cattle and the first drove of hogs 
into the town of Mukwonago. He also brought 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



719 



the first winter wheat into the town, and from the 
first sowing reaped two liiindred liii.shols. This 
was quite valuable, as flour then sold for the enor- 
mous price of ^13 per b.nrrel. wiiile jiork was worth 
^3G per barrel. Mr. Hurnell wa.sone of Uie progress- 
ive men of his township. When lie came to this 
county he brought four horses, which were a rare 
luxury in that day. He opened the first road 
past Spring Lake to Waukesha, and in every wa3' 
helped to develop and improve the country. 
His farm became one of the best improved in 
that section, the old log house giving way to a 
fine brick residence and the stable being replaced 
by a large barn and other outbuildings. Soon 
after locating in this county he was called upon 
to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in 1840, 
leaving four children, of whom two survive. 
Henry Burnell, and Elizabeth, wife of Charles Bar- 
ker, of Dane County. After the death of his first 
wife Mr. Hurnell wedded Miss .lane Cobb, a native 
of Yorksiiire, England, who died in September, 
1879. Of this union were born six children; viz.: 
Mary J. is the wife of .Tames C. West, of lienesee; 
Ann wedded Thomas E. Jones, a prominent fanner 
of Ottawa Township; Hannah is the wife of David 
H. Wilson, of the same town; Emma married Or- 
lando Stubbs, of the town of Mukwanago; John 
T. owns his father's old homestead, and Kate J. 
became the wife of Edward Harrison, of the town 
of Mukwonago. The death of Mr. Burnell oc- 
curred October 14, 1890, at his old home. He was 
a man of thrift and enterprise, and for his sterling 
qualities of honesty and integrity was esteemed 
throughout the community. 

Henrv Burnell was but five years of age when 
he became a resident of Waukesha Count)-. As 
schools were rare in that early d.ay and as his ser- 
vices were greatly in demand in the work of im- 
proving a farm, his opportunities for education 
were of the most meagre sort. When only ten 
years of age he would follow the plow all day and 
was but a lad when be learned to swing the ax. 
I'ntil twenty years of age he gave his services to 
his fatlifr, then for two years farmed on the lat- 
ter's place. In 1854 his father gave him seventy- 
five acres of land in the town of Mukwonago, 
which two years later he traded for seventy acres 



in the town of Eagle, that being a part of his pres- 
ent farm. From time to time Mr. liurnell h.is in- 
creased his acreage until he now ownsabouta half- 
section, on which he has erected a good house and 
one of the best barns in Eagle Towiisliip. 

On the 5th of September, 1885, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Burnell and Mrs. Mary A. 
Downing, daughter of .lolin and Mary A. (Mat- 
ters) Burden. Mrs. Burnell was born in Cornwall, 
England, in 1846, and when eleven years of age 
came willi her parents to the United States. In 
this count)^ she wedded Walter S. Downing, by 
whom she had two children: Celia O., wife of 
Uobert Johns, of Chicago; and Mrs. Klizahctli .\nii 
Mortimer, who lives in the same city. Mr. aii<l 
Mrs. Burnell have two children. Loiiella Walgate 
and Ileiirv, ,Ir. He and his wife belong to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. In his political 
views Mr. Burnell has been a lifelong Democrat. 
In his business methods he is quite conservative, 
never having made a dollar by speculation, but by 
honest toil and close attention to his personal 
affairs li.as achieved a success of which he m.ay be 
justly pit)ud. Exfepting the seventy-five acres 
given him by his father he h.is made all he pos- 
sesses, and that is not a little, as he is the highest 
tax payer in his town. 




^m 



r 



rS. REDI'^ORD is the oldest living settler of 
Lisbon Township. He came herein April, 
1830, and was the third to make a claim 
in the township which is j^et his home. He w.as 
born in Gene.see Countv, N. Y., July II, 1818, 
and is the second in a family of five sons and two 
daughters born to A. A. and Mary (Scott) Red- 
ford. His (irandfiither Redford w.as a native of 
England and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. 
His father w.as born in Livingston County, N. V., 
and served his country in the War of 1812. In 
the fall of 1836, by way of the water route, became 
to Wisconsin, landing in Milwaukee when it was 
a mere hamlet. In the spring of 1837 he removed 



720 



PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



to ^[cnoITlonee and made a claim of one hundred 
and sixty aiu-es entirely destitute of improvement. 
There was not a settlement between his home and 
Milwaukee. His last days were spent in Monroe, 
Wis. In ills early life, Mr. Kedford was a Jack- 
son Democrat but afterwards became an .\boli- 
tionist, and on tlie or<?aiiizalion of the Republi- 
can party joined its ranks, lie and his wife were 
members of the Methodist Church and were high- 
ly respected citizens. Their children are Krnest, 
a farmer of Menomonee Township; T. S., of this 
sketch; Krwin, a miller of Winchester, Tenn.; 
Morris W., a fanner of South Dakota; Ira S., an 
agriculturist of Menomonee Falls; .lane, wife of 
Henry Weaver, of Monroe, Wis., who is engaged 
in drilling hydraulic wells; and Kinily, wife of 
Joseph Cook, of Empire Prairie, Mo. 

T. S. Redford was reared in tlie usual manner of 
farmer lads but at the age of eighteen learned the 
carpenter's trade, lie had attended the common 
schools of New York, l)ut after coming west felt 
the need of a better education and entered the 
College of Milwaukee, lie emigrated westward 
February 28, 1836. He left (Jenesee County, N. 
Y., and on foot traveled across the country to 
Milwaukee, where he arrived on the 15th of April. 
Wisconsin was then but sparsely settled and this 
locality was then an unbroken wilderness. Mil- 
waukee contained few inhabitants and what is now 
the business center of the city was then an uncul- 
tivated swamp. Tlie most far-sighted could not 
have dreamed of the rapid development which 
would transform this section into one of the most 
populous and richest sections of the state, for at 
that time the Indians were more numerous than the 
white settlers. Mr. Redford took part in one of 
their councils of war and knew man}' of the red- 
men. This council arose on account of the In- 
dians being cheated by white traders, who got them 
drunk and then bought their ponies for a (lint of 
"lire water." Solomon -luneau, the famous In- 
dian trader, declared that if the Indians were not 
fairly compensated there would be an uprising 
and the people would be nuassacrcd. 

May 15, 1836, Mr. Redford made the lirst 
claim in Lisbon Townsliip and it is still his home. 
He built a cabin of basswood logs and did his 



cooking over a fire built outside of the bouse. 
During the summer he worked at the carpenter's 
trade in Milwaukee, and did not locate permanent- 
ly on his claim until the following year. He lived 
alone until Christmas Day of 1818, when he mar- 
ried Caroline Van Vlack, a native of Dutchess 
Count}', N. Y. They had two sons; Adelbert, 
who is married and has four children, is a success- 
ful farmer of Cambridge, Neb. Sylvester T. is 
married and has four children and follows farm- 
ing in Pewaukee Township. Both are Rei)ubli- 
cans. ISIr. Redford married his wife in New York, 
and while there built a saw and grist mill in Cat- 
taraugus County. 

Mr. Redford then returned with his bride to 
Wisconsin, but in 18.")3 was called upon to mourn 
her loss. He afterwards married .lane Realy,a na- 
tive of England, who died February 14, 1864. 
They had two daughters. Emily A. is the wife of 
William Hodsen, who is living retired in Califor- 
nia. They have three children. Martha J. is the 
wife of William II. Edwards, formerly a success- 
ful teacher and now a prosperous farmer of Lis- 
bon Township; they have two daughters. On the 
nth of July, 1864, Mr. Redford married Abigail 
Newell, who was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., 
A\n-\\ 3, 1835. They have one daughter, Mapleb B., 
who was educated in Carroll College and received 
instruction in music. When a child of four years, 
Mrs. Redford came with her parents, Whipple and 
Matled (Newman) Newell, to Wisconsin. She is 
a lady of pleasant manner and genial disposition 
and her years rest lightly upon her. 

All his life Mr. Redford h.as engaged in hunting 
and in the early days has killed as many as five 
deers in an afternoon. He used ox teams for farm- 
ing and for hauling his grain to Milwaukee. In 
1840 he hauled eleven hundred bushels of wheat to 
that market and sold it for fifty cents per bushel. 
He cut his grain with a cradle and threshed it with 
a Hail. He went through all the experiences of 
pioneer life and aided in the organization of the 
first school district in the township. He well remem- 
bered the Tippecanoe campaign and at the last elec- 
tion he voted for the grandson of the Tippecanoe 
hero. He took an important part in the Lincoln 
campaign, and during the parades would engage in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



721 



splitliiiio; rails on wagons in tlie procession. Tie 
and his wife arc incinluMs of the IMelliodisl ("liurch 
and have done thi'ir pait in proniolini; the hesl 
interests of llie coniniunity. Nnnihered among 
the most lionored pioneers of Waukcslia County, 
they well deserve representation in its liistory. 



cl 



OlIN .SELL, of Oeonomowoe, was one of the 
early settlers of the town of Concord, .Jef- 
ferson County, Wis., the year of his arrival 
being 1853. Mr. Sell is a native of llosse- 
Cassel, Germany, where his birtii occurred l'"ehru- 
ary 3, 1828. His father was ,Iohn Sell, and his 
mother's maiden name was Katherine Roth. In 
1830 the family, consisting of parents and six 
children, emigrated to America; going at once to 
the state of Ohio, they settled in Medina Comity. 
There the father purchased five hundred acres of 
land, located in the town of Livorpofil, immedi- 
ately entering upon the improvement of the same. 
Two years later he sold out and removed to Cuy- 
ahoga County, where he bought and iin|iroved a 
farm, and there he and his wife lived till death. 

Our subject's father, .Tohn Sell, was born in 
ITS.'), and died in 1880, and conseciuently attained 
to the advanced age of ninety-five years. He wavS 
in many respects a remarkable man. At an early 
age he entered the army and served under Napo- 
leon Bonaparte in some of his most remarkable 
campaigns. He participated in the campaigns in 
Austria in 1805 and 1807. and in IHO'J served 
under Napoleon in Prussia. He also accompanied 
Bonaparte in his famous Iml unfortunate expedi- 
tion into Russia in 1812, being in the conmiand 
of Marshal Ney, the bravest of the brave. At 
the battle of Leipsic, where Napoleon also sus- 
tained serious defeat, .Mr. Sell wa-s wounded in the 
side by a lance in the hands of a Cossack .soldier 
and taken prisoner, and consequently was not 
present at the battle of WaterUx), which resulted 
in the entire overthrow of tlie great leader and 
geuei-al. lie was married in 1818, and, as stated, 
came to America in 18.'i(). He was a man of won- 
derful constitution, and notwithsUinding his long 



and severe military service, always enjoyed i)er- 
fcct health, and at the time of his death, at 
the age of ninety-five years, had not a gray hair, 
nor ha<l he lost a tooth. He was tlu- father of six 
children, two sons and four daughters. The eld- 
est two sisters are deceased. The living are, Susie, 
widow of Conrad Messersmitli. who lives in Ot- 
tawa County, Ohio, and Margaret. The latter is 
the widow of Henry Messersmitli, a brother of the 
above, and resides in the same pl.ace as her sister. 
Jacob Sell, the only brother of the subject of this 
record, lives in Cleveland, Ohio. The names of 
the deceased sisters were Katherine, who married 
Sylvester Sclimel, who Is also deceased; and Mary, 
who became the wife of Jacob Lcbuld,died in Sen- 
eca County, Ohio, many years ago. 

The immediate family of our subject were not 
the first of the Sell family to come to this country 
from the Fatherland. Three brothers of liis grand- 
father came to America as Hessian soldiers during 
the Revolution, compelled to do so by their ruler, 
who entered into a compact with fJeorge III. to 
furnish soldiers to fight against the American Col- 
onies. The names of the brothers were George, 
C'oiuad and Henry Sell. They were taken pris- 
oners at the battle of Trenton by the Colonial 
troops under Washington. After the war was 
over they settled at Harrislmrg, I'a., becoming 
loyal American citizens, and their descendants are 
now numerous throughout the various states of 
the Union. 

John Sell, the subject of this record, grew to- 
manhood in the state of Ohio, and was married 
October o, 1852, to Miss Katherine I'singer, who 
was born in the same town as her husband, Au- 
gust 26, 1831. In 1853, as stated, they came to 
Wisconsin, and settled on a farm of one hundred 
and twenty acres in the town of Concord, Jeffer- 
son County, but later removed to another con- 
taining a rpiarter-section of land. In 18!I3 Mr. 
Sell retired from farming and moved to the city 
of Oconomowoc. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sell have had twelve children, 
eleven of whom arc living. The family wasecpially 
divided, comprising six sons and six daught«i-s, 
and the circle remained unbroken till the fall of 
18'J3, when the death of Herman occurred under 



722 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



very sad conditions. He was the eighth cliild in 
order of birth, and the fourth of the brotlicrs. For 
some time he liad been living in Minnesota, but 
in October, 18il3, came home to visit his friends 
and attend tlie great Chicago Exposition. He iiad 
visited the Fair with his father, and together 
they iiad returned as far as Milwaukee, where he 
remained to visit a sister, while his father went on 
home. He was last seen alive on the evening of 
his arrival. On the following morning he was 
found dead in his bed, having been suffocated by 
escaping gas from a coal stove. The children in 
tlie order of their birth are as follows: Mary, 
Katherine, Susan, Margaret, Jacob, John, George, 
Herman, Vina, Kacliel, Edda and Frederick. 

Mr. Sell was for many years one of the repre- 
sentative men of the town of Concord. He in- 
herited a strong constitution from his parents, 
and both he and his wife are still in the enjoy- 
ment of an excellent degree of health. They have 
long been consistent members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and possess the respect and es- 
teem of their fellow-citizens. 



-=1^+^-^ 



""SI 



P^'RED W. CHAMBERS, the leading black- 
' smith and also dealer in wagons, buggies 
and farm implements, of Waukesha, is a 
native of Old P^ngland, born in Ayton, Yorkshire, 
October 17, 1858, to the union of William and 
Catharine (Warkup) Chambers. William Cham- 
bers was a native of Yorkshire, and by occupation 
was a laborer, as was also his father, who worked 
for one man tifty-four years, quitting only a 
month before his death. Living two miles dis- 
tant from his employer, he would go to work in 
the morning and return at night; in that way he 
traveled a total of sixty-seven thousand miles. 
Catharine AVarkup, the mother of our subject, was 
born aboard the vessel that bore Emperor Na- 
poleon to exile on St. Helena, and her father did 
guard duty at the inland to prevent the van- 
quished conqueror's escape. 

Having lived in their native land until 1882, 
William and Catharine Chambers came to the 



United States, but two years later returned to 
their home in England, where their deaths oc- 
curred aliiiut four months apart, in 1889. Their 
family consisted of three sons, as follf)ws: Robert, 
who was a member of the First King's Dragoon 
Guards, was killed while trying to rescue the 
Prince Imperial in the Zulu War in 187!); John, 
who was also in the English army, but was dis- 
charged on account of disability, came to the 
I'nited States in 1881, and is now a resident of 
Waukesha. Fred W. is the 3-oungest. 

When nine 3'ears of age the gentleman whose 
name heads this article went to work for a farmer 
for wages, receiving his board and £1 for the first 
year's work £2 for the second and £3 for the 
third. The succeeding two years he labon^d for 
another farmer, getting respectively, £7 and £10 
for each year's services. At the expiration of that 
period he a|)prenticed himself to learn the black- 
smith's trade, and after working thereat for five 
and a-half years, decided to emigrate to this coun- 
try. His time expired October 17, 1871), and on 
the otii of December following he took shipping 
aboard the "City of Berlin" at Liverpool, landing at 
New York. Coming direct to Waukesha County, 
he was employed on a farm for a year, and then 
began to work at his trade in the shop of Iladfield 
& Co. In 1887 he determined to start in business 
for himself. Going to Milwaukee, hj purchased 
$60 worth of stock, and upon his return had only 
twenty-five cents left. With a full stock of energy 
and industry he pushed his business, making it a 
success. About 1886 he bought a lot and erected 
a good two-storj- shop at No. 333 South Street, 
where he enjoys a liberal patronage, employing 
some five men. 

Mr. Chambers was married in Waukesha, Nov- 
ember 17, 1883, to Miss Tillie E. Marferding, a 
native of New Berlin Township, this county, 
though her parents came from Germany. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Chambers were born four sons: Arthur 
R., Harry W., Stanley N. and Walter E. Both 
husband and wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. In his political faith Mr. Cham- 
bers is a Republican. He is a warm friend to the 
temperance cause and carries out his principles in 
that line by refusing to employ men who indulge 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



723 



to excess in stron<T drink. Socially he is a member 
of llie rati'iarelial Circle of lln' Kiiiijlitsof I.'yt.liia,s, 
and of the CJood Templars. 

Mr. Cliamhers is an oncrt;elic business man, and 
by liis own industry has accuniulalcd good prop- 
erty. 



RODERICK AIN'SWOHTII. llie ellioient 
Chairman of tlie Uoard of Supervisors oi 
Lisbon To\vnshi|), and a representative 
farmer i>f this section of the county, is a native 
of On Page County, III., born Septenibei' 22. 1812. 
His parents, Silas and Koxanna (Kobe) Ains- 
worlh, were pioneer settlers of Waukesha County, 
having become residents here when this son was a 
child of two years. His boyhood and youth were 
passed on his father's farm, where he learned les- 
sons of thrift and economy that have been of un- 
told value to him in his successful career as an 
agriculturist and stock-raiser. His primary edu- 
cation was obtained in the public schools of Wau- 
kesha County, after which he was a student in 
Normal University, at Normal. III., when I)i-. 
Richard Edwards was President of the school, 
but he left that institution one year before grad- 
uatini;. On leaving the university, Mr. Ains- 
worth engaged in the profession ot teaching, and 
for fifteen years was one of Waukesha County's 
successful teachers. Among the positions held 
during that time was the principalship of the 
schools at Merton and . 'It Ibirthiud. Many of the 
sulistantial citizens of llie count}' were numbered 
among his pupils. 

November 24, 1868, is the date that the gentle- 
man whose name heads this account was married 
to Mi.-is Iluldah Phillips, a native of the town (jf 
Lisbon, and a daughter of Henry and .Sarah (Mil- 
ler) Phillips. One child was born of this mar- 
riage. May C, who received both a literary and a 
musical education, having been a student at Car- 
roll College. 

Mr. Ainswortli has often been selected as a dele- 
gate to the county conventions of the Republican 
party, with which he has been identified since he 
supported "Honest Abe" for the presuleiicy in 



1864. He has been a valued citizen, not only by 
his political party, but by the entire community 
as well. For a number of terms he was Township 
Clerk, and for five or six terms has been chosen 
Chairman of the Town Hoard, being the [tresent 
incumbent. Having been an educator for so many 
years it is needless to say that he takes great in- 
terest in having good schools and competent 
teachers. He strongly advocates employing com- 
petent instructors, even if they are somewhat 
more expensive. For a number of years he has 
been otlicially connected with school work. 

Of the Lisbon Mutual Fire Insurance Company 
Mr. Ainswortli is the eflicient .Secretary. The 
company has a good record, as is shown by the 
statement of January 1. 1894. It was organized 
in Jlay, 1874, and on the lOth of .lune of the 
same j-ear began business, which has rapidly in- 
creased, .IS m.iy be seen from the following state- 
ment: 

Amount insured since organization ..* 1,494,050.00 
" in force January 1, 1894 . . . 408,969.00 

Losses paid since organization 9,872.25 

RKCEllTS OK 1893. 

Cash on hand January 1st i!525..32 

Interest received 21.50 

Received from premiums and fees 203.31 



Total receipts *750.13 

KXI-KNIIITIKKS OK 1893. 

Losses by lightning * 13.00 

.Services of Directors 1 5.59 

Salary of President 5.00 

Fees of Secretary 65.00 

Miscellaneous 2.OO 



Total expenditure? ^100.50 

Balance in treasury 1^649.63 

The otiicers of the company are: William Wea- 
ver 2d, President; R. Ainswortli. Secretary; and 
Richard Craven. Treasurer. The Hoard of Di- 
rectors consists of William Weaver 2d, William 
Small, Richard Craven, T. M. Champenv, II. T. 
Jeffrey, W. W. Hrown and R. Ainswortli. 

.Socially our subject is a member of the Masonic 

fraternity, belonging to Hark Hiver Lodge No. 

i 169, of Ilartland. For years Mr. Ainsworth has 



724 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



made a spi'cialty of raising fine sheep; the Meri- 
noes claimed lii.s atlention at lir.st. hut now lie is 
engaged in raising tiie Oxford Downs and Slirop- 
sliires. Besides condiifling the lionie farm he has 
forty acres of land in the town of Mertf)n. He is 
numbered among the intelligent and progressive 
agriculturists of the county. 



•^E 



^mr 



NL. SNYDKR, of Waukesha, is a promi- 
nent and well known ex-county official 
of Waukesha County. He was formerly 
a resident of the town of Eagle, but is now en- 
gaged in a law, real estate and insurance business 
in Waukesha. He was born near the city of 
Treves, Prussia, on the 15th of September, 1842, 
and is a son of Adam and Anna (Klein) Snyder. 
His parents were natives of the same section of 
Germany as their son. The father was a farmer 
and Tax Collector in the Old Country. In 
1844 he emigrated with his family to the United 
States, and for ten years made his home in the 
city of New York. In 18,54 he removed with his 
family to Waukesha County, Wis., settling in the 
town of Eagle, where he engaged in farming. He 
and his wife were reared in the Catholic faith, as 
were their children. Mr. Snyder was an industri- 
ous and upright man; one who was universally 
respected. His death occurred on tlie I4tli of Feb- 
ruary, 1876. His wife survives him and »till re- 
sides on the old homestead in Eagle Township. 
Their family consisted of two sons, the subject 
of this sketch, and Henry, who died in New York 
at the age of three j'ears. 

Our subject attended school in the city of New 
York, both public and private, and completed his 
studies in the high school at Eagle, Wis. His 
youth was spent ui)oii his father's farm, where he 
remained until his twentieth year. On the 5th of 
August, 1862, he enlisted in tlie service of the 
United States, becoming a member of Company 
A, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry-. He par- 
ticipated in twenty of the principal battles of the 
war, including those of Perryville, Stone River, 
Bridgeport, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Mission- 



ary Ridge, Knoxville and the battles of the At- 
lanta Campaign, namely: Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, 
Dalton, Peach Tree Creek, Kenesaw Mountain and 
Atlanta. He returned with Gen. George H.Thom- 
as, and fought the Rebel General Ihjod in Ten- 
nessee, taking part in the battles of Pulaski, 
Franklin and Nashville. At the battle of Kene- 
saw Mountain Mr. Snyder received a gunshot 
wound in the left shoulder. He was iiromoted to 
a non-commissioned office an(1 received an hon- 
orable discharge al)out the last of .Tune, 1865. 

On his return from the army Mr. Snyder en- 
gaged in farming and clerking. His marriage oc- 
curred in the town of Eagle, February 12, 1872, 
the lady of his choice being Miss Amelia, daugh- 
ter of Frederick and Elizabeth Gosa. Mrs. Snyder 
was born in the towu of Eagle, where her [jarents 
(now deceased) were among the early settlers. 
Nine children were born to Mr. Snyder and his 
wife, of whom six are living. Named in the order 
of birth the}- are as follows: Frank, who died at 
the age of nine years; Matthias .]., Harry; Amelia, 
who died aged nine years; Louisa, Cecelia, Clara; 
Louis, who died at the age of one year, and Estella. 

In their religious belief Mr. Snyder, his wife 
and family, are Catholics. I'oliticallj' he is a Re- 
publican, and has been honored by election to vari- 
ous oflicial positions. He served in minor otliees 
in the town of Eagle, and in 1877 removed to 
Waukesha, where he accepted the position of 
Deputy Register of Deeds. The following 3'ear 
he was elected Clerk of the Court, and re-elected 
in 1880, serving four years in that capacity. From 
1882 to 1886 he was again Deputy Register of 
Deeds, and in 1886 was elected Sheriff. Subse- 
quently he was Justice of the Peace, a Member of 
the Village Board of Waukesha, Su|)ervisor from 
the village to the County Board of Supervisors, 
and in 1893 was Chairman of that body. He was 
the efficient Chairman of the Building Comniit- 
tee in charge of the erection of the new court 
house. In connection with the building of the 
new court house, which is a beautiful and substan- 
tial structure, costing with its furniture upwards 
of $68,000, it is only fair to say that Mr. Snyder 
has been active and inlliiential in the councils of 
the County Board, and in the Building Commit- 




HON. EPHRAIM BEAUMONT. 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGKAl'lIlCU. RECORD. 



727 



tee, in secnrinjj the necessarv appnipiintioiis, in 
peifei'ting llie plans and in liie final ft(r(>m[)li.sli- 
nient, in so satisfactory a manner, of a work llial 
is a credit to the county of AVaiikesha and an or- 
nament to the lieautiful connty seal. 

Socially Mr. Snyder is a meniher of the William 
B. Cushing I'ost No. 19, (!. A. U.. and is serving 
his second term as \'ice-l'resident of the Catholic 
Knights of Wisconsin. A resident of Waukesha 
County for ft)rly years, he has hecn, as his record 
shows, i>rominently identilicd with its military and 
civic history. His course, in whatever position 
he has been called to Mil, has been that of au up- 
right, capable man, faithful in the discharge of 
duty and alwa3's reliable. His acknowledged abil- 
ity and iin<inestioned integrity have won for him 
the conhdence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, 
regardless of political affiliations. 



l@_. 



••IP 



...^ 



++++.5.^..:..:..r..r.^..^++++ 



(^ 



!§' 



HON. KPHRAIM BKAUMONT. To give 
a correct account of the events connected 
with the history of Waukesha County 
from an early day down to the present time a rec- 
ord of the above named gentleman, who has been 
intimately and i)rominent!y identilied with the 
affairs of Merlon Township, must be given. The 
name Beaumont is familiar not only in Waukesha 
County, but throughout many portions of the state. 
Mr. Ueaumont is a native of Vorkshire, Kngland, 
liorn on the 19th of February, 1834, on land that 
was in the grant made to the Beaumont family by 
William the Concjueror in the year 1100. The 
house in which his birth occurred was within three 
miles of Hiiddersfield.and was one of the oldest in 
that shire, having l>een erected as a house of re- 
fuge and protection from the lawless invaders in 
the old Feudal days. The original house stood 
until al)out IStV.i, at which time it was torn down 
and rebuilt, llie progenitors of the family in 
Kngland came over from Normandy, France, in 
an early day and established themselves on the 
25 



territory given them by the Conqueror; they were 
among the nobles in his following, and aided in 
the conquest of England. 

The father of our subject, Matthew Beaumont, 
was born in the same house as his son, the date 
of that event being February 24, lUKi. lie en- 
joyed only ordinary educational advantages, but 
being possessed of much natural ability, he be- 
came one of the most successful financiers and 
business men of his time. During fiis residence in 
his native country he followed the occupation of 
a mechanical engineer; he was an expert in his 
calling, which he carried on in Lord's Mill, and 
in the woolen mills of Beaumont A- .Stock, near 
Honly, Yorkshire. In 1833 he wedded Miss Frances 
Raflcliffe, a lady of liberal education and splendid 
atlaininenls, also an accomplished musician and 
vocalist. Mrs. Beaumont was a sister of Sir David 
H.'idcliffe, who was twice elected Mayor of the cit^- 
of Liverpool, and was the only man who was ever 
unanimously elected to serve a second term since 
the time that King John granted the charter to 
that city. 

To Matthew and Frances (Radcliffe) Beaumont 
were born three sons and three daughtei-s, of whom 
five are living, in 18111; Kphraiin, who is the sub- 
ject of this record, is the eldest; Esau, who served 
in the late war, is a resident of Lisbon Township; 
Zilplia, who is the widow of Heniy .Swallow, lives 
in the town of Merlon; Elizabeth Ann, who wed- 
ded George W. Kollock, is a resident of .Merrill, 
Wis.; and Fiances Mary, who was educated in* 
Oberlin College, has been Fii-st Assistiint in the 
high school of Cleveland, Ohio, for twenty-six 
years, and is known in that city as I'rof. Frances 
Mary Beaumont. In IS.'iO Mr. Beaumont emi- 
grated to this country, sailing from Liverpool to 
Boston, and fri>m there came direct to Racine 
County, Wis. Not being satisfied with the out- 
look in that county, he came to Waukesha County, 
anil soon thereafter sent for his family, which con- 
sisted of a wife and five children. Thej- too sailed 
from Liverpool for Boston, making the passage 
on board the good ship '•Bell Rock of lk)ston." 
Twenty-six days after leaving their native coun- 
try, they landed in the American port, and soon 
after joined the husband and father in this coun- 



728 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ty. Mr. Beaumont rentecl a farm of Jospph Fuller 
in the southern part of the town of l\'«:uikce in 
1852, and there resided until 1855, at wliicli time 
he purchased six hundred and fort}' acres of land 
in Portage County, tiiis state, and there lived un- 
til 1886. In politics he was a stanch believer in 
the principles of the Republican party, and as an 
official served his town as Chairman of the Board 
of Supervisors for several j'ears. He was reared 
under the auspices of the Episcopal Church, and 
in Kngland became a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd P'ellows, whicii was the only social 
organization to which he belonged. When he 
came to this country he was a poor man, but b^' 
untiring and well directed efforts became quite 
wealthy before his death, which occurred on the 
3()th of March, 1893. 

Mr. Beaumont of this article was a youth of 
seventeen when he came to Wisconsin. He re- 
ceived a liberal education in the parish and pri- 
vate schools and the Moscow Academy, and after 
coming to AVaukesha County, was a pupil in the 
schools of the village of Waukesha. At the age 
of twenty he conceived a great desire to visit the 
Pacific Slope, and in compan}' with Randall and 
Joseph Fuller, Joel Bidwell, Thomas Ilext, John 
Porter, Henry Swallow and others went thither, 
leaving Waukesha on the 14th of March, 1854, 
and arrived in Sacramento, Cal., on the 14th of 
September following. Mr. Beaumont remained in 
that state until the 6th of April, 1862, when he 
sailed from vSan Francisco, making the return trip 
by way of the Isthmus and New York. During 
the seven years that he was there he was engaged 
in gardening and mining, and on the whole the 
venture proved successful. On his return to Wis- 
consin he bought one hundred and sixty .acres of 
land on section 26 in the town of Merton, which 
forms a part of his present estate, and began farm- 
ing. 

On New Year's Day, 1863, was celebrated the 
union of Mr. Beaumont and Miss Deborah Ann, 
daughter of Wright and Harriet (Branch) Wood, 
the ceremony being performed in the log cabin 
erected by the bride's father, in the town of Pe- 
waukee, where her birtii had occurred Januaiy 
27, 1848. Mrs. Beaumont enjoyed such education 



as the earl}- schools afforded, and it is worthy of 
mention that the same old schoolhouse in which 
she attended in the town of I'ewaiikee is to-day 
doing service as a carpenter shop. Father Wood 
was born m the town of Bury, Lancastershire, 
England, in 1816, and died in this count}' in Oc- 
tober, 1890. He was reared to the life of a me- 
chanic, and became a skilled workman. In 1842 he 
came to the territory of Wisconsin, and in what is 
now the town of I'ewaukee purciiased canal land. 
Indians were still quite numerous in this section 
of the present state, and the beautiful bod}' of 
water now known as Pewaukee Lake was then 
called Snail Lake. The land was covered with 
timber and brush, but he went to work to develop 
a farm, and in time cleared all of it, doing the 
work unaided. At the time of his marriage he 
had cleared forty acres. His wife w.as born in 
Brighton, England, the great summer resort, in 
1826, and is still living on the old estate in the 
town of Pewaukee. Of their seven children, a son 
and a daughter, George and Jane, have passed 
away. Tiie living are Mrs. Beaumont, who is the 
eldest of the family; Thomas and William, of the 
town of Pewaukee; George, who is engaged in the 
local mail service of Ciiicago, and Lizzie, who is 
the wife of Ilcnry Sherman, of Aberdeen, Wash. 
To Mr. and Mrs. lieaumont were born three sons 
and four daughters, named as follows: Saxie F. 
was educated in the higii school of Merrill, Wis., 
and also received musical instruction; Kichard 
H. assists in operating the homestead; Hattie 
C, who was educated in the Normal at White 
Water, died March 14, 1889; Charles R. is also at 
home; William M. was educated in the I'nion 
schools of Waukesha, Carroll College, ami m llie 
Agricultural Department of the State University 
at Madison; Bessie J. and Edith A. were both stu- 
dents in the Waukesha schools, and at St. Mary's 
Academy in Milwaukee, and they were also stu- 
dents under Professor Eaton, the former being a 
skillful artist. 

Mr. Beaumont is one of the stanch Republicans 
of the county, and is a radical believer in the prin- 
ciples advocated by that party. His first Presi- 
dential vote was cast in favor of John C. Fre- 
mont at DownievlUe, Sierra County, Cal., and was 



PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPIlICAL RECORD. 



729 



one of three Frpiiioiil. ballots cast al that plaee. 
As an olticial, Mr. IJcauiiionl is one of tlie best 
known men in the county. During tlie years 
ISfiTand 18fi8 he .served as Chairinan of his Town 
Hoard; in lH7(t was elected County Treasurer, and 
re-elected in the fall of 1 872, holding that oflice 
from 1871 to 1874 inclusive. In the fall of 187t 
he was elected Sheriff, his term ending in 1876. 
He filled that position with credit to himself and 
to the satisfaction of his constituents, his bill for 
salary and expenses Iteing allowed in full by the 
Hoard. He was assisted by the following Deputies, 
.Ic)hn Porter, of Waukesha, being Under Sheriff: 
.John Stephens, of AVaukesha; William Patterson, 
of Ocononiowoc: F. L. Nehs, of Menomonee Falls; 
and Charles Evans, of North Prairie. In 1879 he 
was the formidable op[)onent of the Democratic 
nominee, lion. Richard Weaver, of the town of 
Lisbon, for the State Senatorship, and was defeated 
by only seventy-three votes. lie was again de- 
feated in 1887, by .1. J. Iladlield, who was elected 
to the Assembly, and in 188i( was electetl Assem- 
blyman over W. E. Hennessey, of Eagle, Mr. Heau- 
mont receiving eighteen hundred and ninety-two 
votes, while his opponent was given thirteen hun- 
dred and sixty-nine. During the Assembly ses- 
sion he served upon various important commit- 
tees, being a member of the Committee on State 
Affairs, and Chairman of the Committee on Agri- 
culture. He has also been the choice of his fel- 
low-townsmen to represent them in the State 
Nominating conventions. For the last twenty 
years Mr. Beaumont has been either President, 
Vice-President or Superintendent of the Waukesha 
County Agricultural Sf>ciety, and in every posi- 
tion to which he lias been called has discharged 
the duties devolving upon him in a fearless and 
eminently satisf.actory manner. 

The Beaumont estate comprises two hundred 
and eighty acres of land lying in the town of Mei'- 
ton. It is finely watered, the supply being fur- 
nished b_v springs and the Bark Hiver, wliicli flows 
through it. making one of the most valuable as 
well as desirable stock farms in the town. His 
comfortable brick residence w.hs erected in 186", 
and is surrounded with all the conveniences of a 
well managed farm. Here, surrounded by their 



family, Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont are spending their 
lives most happih'. Everything that has promised 
to be of benefit to his chosen town and county has 
received the wluile-soiiled support and encourage- 
ment of Mr. Heaiinioiit tliroughout the forty-three 
years that this has been his home. 



WILLIAM E. SWAN, a pioneer of Muk- 
wonago Township, dating his arrival 
from 1810, and one of its honored and 
respected citizens, claims Suffolk, F^ngland, as his 
birth|)lace, where he was born on the Ktli of Sep- 
tember, 1820, to the union of William Ellis and 
Catherine Swan, who were both natives of the 
same [)lace as their son. There his mother died 
when he was a baby, leaving only the one child. 
In 1835 his father crossed the briny deep, and 
after spending some two years at Cleveland, Ohio, 
came on to Wisconsin, and made a claim of one 
hundred and sixty acres at Palestine, this county. 
There he built a log house, but as water was hard 
to get he traded that for a hundred and sixty acres 
on section 18, giving $50 besides his land on ac- 
count of the exeelleiil water. 

In his native land William E. Swan received a 
good common school education. When fifteen years 
old he was apprenticed to learn the trade of shoe- 
maker in Lonilon. his time of service lieing five 
years, lie received only his board for the first 
two >ears, then got two pence on eveiy shilling 
for all heearned after that. In 18-10, having com- 
pleted his trade, he joined his father in the United 
States. Embarking on an old sailing-vessel, he 
landed at New York after some six weeks. Con- 
tinuing thence up the Hudson to Albany, he there 
took the old one-horse railroad to Sctienectady, 
and b}' canal from thence to Buffalo, where he 
once more embarked on board a lioat, coming on a 
steamer to Chicago. It was his intention to land 
at Milwaukee, but as there was no pier it was im- 
possible to make a landing, so he continued on to 
Chicago. On arriving there he had no money left, 
however he soon got a job of helping to load a 



730 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



steamboat with wood, receiving a shilling an hour, 
rioing to a race in Cliicai^o he soon spent all lie 
had earned, and on the same steamer that he went 
to that city he came to Milwaukee, where he spent 
a week. On foot he came out to join his father, 
crossing the streams bj- means of logs, or as best 
he could. His father had already made some in.- 
provenieuts on his place and had raised a crop of 
wheat. All kinds of inconveniences had to be 
put ii|) with, both in doors and out. Mr. Swan 
would borrow his neighbor's drag at night with 
whii'h to prepare the ground for wheat. For some 
ten years father and son kept bachelor's iiall in 
the log house, with a shake roof that would free- 
ly admit the snow, and thus in winter they would 
often rise from a snow covered bed, which was 
made by driving pins iu the wall, then laying on 
some strips, on top of which the bed was made. 
Furniture could not be had so the}' improvised a 
table, while a bass-wood slab, supplied with legs, 
served instead of chairs. In time the old log 
house, with its dirt lloor, gave way to a frame, 
which was later supplanted b}- a substantial farm 
residence. Their unbolted ground wheat tasted 
just as sweet as the roller process dour does 
now. The aged father spent his last days with his 
son, who rendered him filial love and reverence as 
long as he lived. On the 14th of October, 1869, 
he passed away at the age of eighty-four years. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this record is the only descendant of 
that worthy pioneer. Having decided that it vv.as 
not good for man to live alone, Mr. Swan married 
January 2, 1852, Miss Mary Duncan, a native of 
Fifeshire, Scotland, born October 27, 1830. She 
was a daughter of Thomas and Jeanette (Tiven- 
dale) Duncan, both of whom died in Scotland, the 
latter when Mary was but seven years old. and the 
former when she was thirteen. After the death of 
her parents she went to live with a sister, with 
whom she came to the United States in 18.')0, land- 
ing in New York on the 4th of July. Coming on 
to Milwaukee, which at that time had but one pier, 
they had to pay *5 for landing their goods on it. 
Upon their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Swan settled on 
the place where they have since lived, and where 
all their children were born and brought up. 



To this estimable couple have been born twelve 
children: William Ellis is a merchant at North 
Prairie, where he has been Postmaster for many 
years; Thomas Ellis is a stock buyer of Mukwon- 
ago; John Ellis is a farmer at West Troy, Wal- 
worth County; Mary Ellis wedded II. B. Cuinming, 
a farmer of the town of Mukwonago; James Ellis 
is a farmer of the same town; Agnes Ellis married 
George Lean, an agriculturist of Genesee Town- 
ship; Christina Ellis is the widow of Clyde Jacobs, 
and resides at North Prairie; George Ellis is a 
farmer of the town of Mukwonago; Frank Alex- 
ander Ellis is a farmer of (ienesee Township; 
Walter Ellis is a farmer of Mukwonago Township; 
Alfred Ellis died in infancy, and Family F>llis is 
at home. All the children received a good com- 
mon school education; the eldest, AVilliam E., was 
a student in Milton College, and has served a 
term as County Treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Swan 
are also rearing a grandson, Shirley K. Swan, 
whom they took when he was about two weeks 
old; he is now a lad of fourteen, and is a great 
comfort to his grandparents. 

Mr. Swan is one of the prosiierous farmers of his 
township, and has owned from time to time, all 
told, one thousand acres, of which he still retains 
about three hundred and forty acres, on which he 
has good buildings and other improvements. 
When he bought the quarter-section of land upon 
which he now lives he paid ^1,000 for it, but af- 
terwards sold hnlf of it for $550, and has since 
bought it back at a i:ost of ij<8,000. In all his busi- 
ness transactions he never gave but one note, and 
that was to a man to whom he had often loaned 
money, taking his note for a few weeks, and of 
whom he would not ask a like favor without giv- 
ing him that security. Mr. Swan can say what 
not many can, that in all these years he has never 
sued or been sued, and has never testified in court. 
By the united efforts of himself and wife a snug 
fortune has been made, and now in the evening of 
life the3' are able to spend a well earned rest in 
comfort. 

Mr. Swan is a stanch Democrat, having cast his 
first vote for Cass. For a term he served as a 
member of the Town Board of Supervisors, but 
has never sought oUice. He is an honored member 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



731 



of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Robert 
Morris Lodge, No. 115, of Eagle. He and his 
worthy wife are among the few remaining pioneers 
in this part of the county, and tliroughont the 
community where they have lived for so many 
years are higlilj- esteemed. 

^M jj- --Mt^ -*4<^ ^1^.. ..w^ "^^ /jh j^jfr* "jtf * "Htf* ' ''tT"* "Itf" ■-y-' 
t:^K«.' V-Wt*? 'fWi-^ ^^* '■m^^^r^jq ^W»» ^t* vyre^ ^jj^ ^fw* ■tiv* 



<rpr LFRED HARDEN, a dealer in lumber, 
/-~-\ brick, tile, coal, etc., at Mukwanago, is a 
native of Verona, Oneida County, N. Y., 
where his birth occurred P'ebruary 11, 1846. His 
parents, Amasa K. and Waty (Ilulbert) Harden, 
were natives of tlie same state; his father was born 
in Oneida County, December 10, 1807, while his 
mother's birth occurred on the 8th of November, 
1808. Their marriage was celebrated in 1831. 
The year 1817 witnessed their arrival in Kacine 
County, Wis., Mr. Harden purchasing land in the 
town of Waterford, where he farmed and carried 
on llie trade of carpenter and builder. He became 
well to do, owning a tract of three hundred acres 
of as good land as lay in that count3'. Politicallj- 
he was a Republican, with strong Prohibition sen- 
timents; in fact he was free from the expensive 
and pernicious habits so common among men, 
namely: tlie use of strong drink and tobacco. liolh 
he and his wife were consistent members of the 
Congregational Church. Mr. Hardin died at the 
home of his son, Alfred, August 1, 1887, and his 
wife, who survived him four years, died on the 
31stof December, 1891, ut the home of her daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Albina Anderson. The family of liiis 
pioneer couple numbered eight children, of whom 
six are living: Amasa is connected with the .asylum 
at Haciiie; Theodore is a farmer of Racine County; 
Mrs. Albina Anderson lives in the town of fSpring 
I'rairie, Walworth County; Orlin carries on a meat 
market at Clinton, Wis.; Alfred is the next, and 
Miss Carrie is engi»ged in the millinery business at 
Racine. 

Alfred Harden, until fourteen yrai-s of age, at- 
tended the common schools, and at that time com- 
menced to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he 
worked until 188G. During twenty years of that 



time he was engaged in contracting. His marriage 
occurred in Racine County, .laniiar}' 27, 186'J, to 
Miss Rosella, daughter of lion. Hiram David and 
Marilla (I'cardsley) Morse. 

Hon. Hiram David Morse was born on the 29th 
of January, 1815, and is a son of William Morse, 
a native of Vermont and a descendant of a New 
England family that traces its genealogy back three 
hundred years. William Morse, who fought for 
American independence in tiie War of the Revolu- 
tion, married Lydia Kord, who was born in Herki- 
mer Countj', N. Y. lie lived to be eighty-eight 
years old, his death occurring at Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa. Hiram 1). Morse is one of eight children, 
of whom four are living. He is a man of superior 
ability and of more than ordinary attainments. 
When nineteen years of age he became accountant 
in a mercantile house, where he remained for two 
years, and in 1836 started for the west. By wagon 
became to Sandusky, Ohio, and there took asteamer 
to Toledo; from that place he continued the jour- 
ney overland, following the lake shore to Chicago, 
where he arrived weary and footsore. That village 
was such a mudhole that he decided not to tarry 
there, so trudged on to Racine, whither he had 
ordered his trunk sent by steamer from Toledo, 
but for some unknown reason it never reached its 
destination. Mr. Morse at once hired to work on 
a farm, and with his ttirefully husbanded earnings 
purchased a claim of one hundred and sixty acres 
of unimproved land. His marriage to Miss Marilla 
Beardsley was celebrated May 31, 1843. The bride 
was born in Ohio, September 20, 1822, and was a 
daughter of Ezra Beardsley, a native of Connecti- 
cut, and Mrs. Mary (Cliat(icld) Niblick, a native 
of Rhode Island. Seven children were born of this 
marriage, alt natives of liacine County, of whom 
six survive: llerinan Olney is a wealthy business 
man and extensive land holder of Rushville, Neb.; 
Mrs. Harden is the second; Edwin is a prominent 
farmer, residing on a part of the old homestead; 
Emma wedded (ieorge Lapham, a farmer in the 
same community; Walter also lives on a i)art of 
the old farm, and Idella is the wife of William L. 
Coop, a carpenter and contractor living in the old 
home with Mr. Morse. The latter began life in 
Wisconsin in a log cabin, 15x18 feet in dimensions. 



732 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



From a poor boy he worked liis way to affluence, 
owning at one time four iiundred acres of land, 
besides other valuable pro|)erty. For some five 
years, in p()m])aiiy with others, he carried on a mill 
and a mercantile eslahlisliinent in Waterford, un- 
der the firm name of II. D.Morse <fe Co. In the af- 
fairs of this county Mr. iMorse was a very prominent 
man. For about thirty years he was Chairman of 
the Town Hoard of .Supervisors, and for more than 
half that perif)d served as Chairman of the County 
Hoard. It is believed that no other man in the 
state has made such a record. During the war 
he was commissioned to raise troojjs, and in 1862 
drafted a resolution to expedite the raising of 
bounties for volunteers. AVhcii a draft was threat- 
ened and Waterford 's quota was fifteen, Mr. Morse 
volunteered to give ten bushels of wheat, which 
he would have ground into llovir, to the family of 
every one who would volunteer. Jn 1867 he was 
sent to the Assembly-, where he did faithful ser- 
vice; besides acting on important committees he 
secured a charter for a seminary at Rochester. Mr. 
Morse is a man of line business ability, broad char- 
ity, and of unblemished integrity. For years he 
has l)een an honored member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, having taken the Knights Templar degree. 

Mrs. Harden was born October 11, 1846, and 
while growing to womanhood received a liberal 
education, llpon her marriage to Mr. Harden they 
settled in Waterford, which continued to be their 
home until 1886. The Wiscxmsin Central Rail- 
road was extended through Mukwonago and to 
that place Mr. Harden came to represent the inter- 
ests of the Wilbur Lumber Company. He has the 
distinction of having unloaded the first car-load 
of timber brought to that place, which consisted of 
cedar posts. Having represented that company, 
in which he had an interest for two jears, the busi- 
ness was sold from him and he determined to start 
on his own account. In 1888 he opened the lumber 
yard where he has since been doing a constantly 
increasing business. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harden have throe children: Alma, 
who was educated in the liurlinglon High School 
and the Union School of Waukesha, was for five 
years her father's bookkeeper; Walter M., who was 
educated at Carroll College, has succeeded his sis- 



ter as bookkeeper, and Charles is a student at St. 
.John's Military Academy in Delafleld. Mrs. Har- 
den is a member of the Universalist Church of 
Mukwonago. Politically Mr. Harden is a Repub- 
lican. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Thirty- 
ninth Wisconsin Infantry, for the hundred days' 
service, and during that time was on picket duty 
for the most part at I\Iemphis, Tenn. He was 
never off duty a day until taken with fever, which 
laid him up for four weeks. Having served four 
months he was honorably discharged at Milwau- 
kee. After the war he learned dentistry with Dr. 
Knight, of Burlington, and for some nine years 
practiced that profession along with his other busi- 
ness. By closely attending to his business he has 
made it a success, liesides his lumber yard he owns 
a good residence, and is a stockholder and Direc- 
tor in the Citizens' Bank of Mukwonago. Socially 
Mr. Harden is a member of Laflin Lodge No. 247, 
A. F. & A. M., of which he is Secretary, while his 
daughter is a Star officer in the ladies' branch of 
the INIasonic fraternity, known as the Eastern Star, 
of which his wife is also a member. 



^^1 



H/ 



/^^ EOROE MICHEL, residing on section 8, 
^ T of the town of New Berlin, is a son of 
that well known and highly esteemed pio- 
neer, .Joseph Michel, who early became a resident 
of Waukesha County. Joseph Michel was a na- 
tive of Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, the date of 
his birth being May 31, 181.3. He grew to man- 
hood in his native land, and there learned the 
trade of a carpenter, at which he worked. In 
1842 he bade farewell to home and friends and 
sailed for America, arriving in New York after a 
voyage of forty-eight days' duration. He had 
only sullicient money to pay for his passage, and 
on landing in this country did not have a dollar 
to his name. However, he had come with a pur- 
pose and was not easily discouiaged, but went to 
work with a will. He remained in the city vf 
New York about three years, and then settled in 
Hudson, N. v., where he followed his trade. It 
was there that he met Miss Margareta P. Sittel, to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



733 



whom he was united in marriage. Mrs. Michel 
was born May 1, 1818, at Kriegsfeld-on-llie-Kliine, 
Rhenish Havana, German^', and was a daughter 
of George .Sittel, who emigrated to America in 
1836, locating in Hudson, N. Y. In 1851, he came 
to Wisconsin and settled on section 17, of the 
town of New Berlin. 

The spring of 1845 witnessed the arrival of .Jo- 
seph Micliel and his wife in this county-, and in 
the northeast corner of section 1 7, of the town of 
New Berlin, tliey i)urchased forty acres of wild 
land, and began to make for themselves and pos- 
terity a home. At the time of their coming Mil- 
waukee was but a village, and on the site of the 
now beautiful village of Waukesha a few pioneers 
had erected their cabins, while their modest wants 
were sui)plied by a single store kept in one 
of these homes. Krom time to time Mr. Michel 
adde<l to his original purchase, extending the 
boundaries of his farm until it included one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of valuable land. Being a 
carpenter by trade, his log house w.as quite a model 
structure, and during the time he was l)uilding it 
his family lived in a slab structure that stood on 
a neighboring farm. He made his own wagon 
and various other implements used on his farm. 
He also erected the modem residence in which 
he spent so many years of his life, and from 
which he was called away by death on the 7th 
of Novemlier, 1890. Few men were more widely 
known that Mr. Michel, or more highly respected 
In his youth he was noted for his cheerful and 
genial disposition, and throtighout life he num- 
bered his friends by the score. A practical farmer, 
his advice on all matters relating to agriculture 
was gladly received. He lived to see the won- 
derful change that made of the wilderness, which 
abounded in wild game at the time of his coming, 
one of the most beautiful farming sections to be 
found. His good wife, who resided in Milwaukee 
with her youngest son, died April 27, 1894. Of 
the ten children born to them, five sons and five 
daughters, six are living, as follows: (ieorge, of 
this article; Katie, who l)ecame the wife of Gilbert 
Hartcr, of Waukesha; JIarv, who wedded .lohn 
Kohler. of the same place; Maggie is the wife of 
John Harth, of .Milwaukee; Barbara married Al- 



bert Federer, of the village of Waukesha; and 
Adam, who is a business man of Milwaukee. 

George Michel was born in the log house on 
his father's farm in the town of New Berlin, No- 
vember 30, 184G, and there passed his boyhood 
and youth. He attended the district school kept 
in the old log schoolhouse that stood on what is 
known as Knoepfel Corner, his first instructor 
being George McWhorter. Here under a succes- 
sion of teachers he acquired his education, remain- 
ing in school until sixteen years of age. He re- 
mained at home until twenty-six years old, then 
branched out on his own responsibilitjs his father 
making him a present of forty acres of partially 
improved land, on which stood a frame building, 
16x18 feet in dimensions, erected by Mr. Towsley 
in the '50s. Here he kept bachelor's hall for one 
year, but at the end of that time brought a wife 
to share his home. On the 28th of April, 1874, 
he wedded Miss Catherine, daughter of Joseph 
and Mary (Binzer) Dechant. Mrs. Michel was 
born in Brookfleld Township, on the 4th of No- 
vember, 1851, and was the fourth in a family of 
four sons and two daughters, of whom but one 
other survives, Joseph, a prosperous farmer of the 
town of Brooklleld. 

Mr. and Mrs. Michel became the parents of 
nine children, as follows: Katie A., born January 
22, 1875, died February 16, 1878; Frank X. J., 
born March 14, 1876, assists in conducting the 
home farm; George A., born Msiy 9, 1877, is serv- 
ing an apprenticeship in telegraphv; Amanda Ma- 
ria, born October 29, 1878, has a decided musical 
talent; Louis, born July 10, 1880, Anna Hilde- 
gard, September 28, 1881, and Katie P., March 26, 
1883, are attending the parochial school in Wau- 
kesha; Albert G., born October 5, 1885, is attend- 
ing the district school; and Adeline, born June 
24, 1889, died November 2, of the same year. 

Mr. Michel has added to his estate until he 
now owns a fine farm of two hundred and fiftj'- 
four acres, about ninety acres of which stand in 
maple and tamarack timber. In 1857 he erected 
his present house, which is a comfortable farm 
residence, surrounded with various other improve- 
ments, such as may be found on well regulated 
farms. He voles with the Democratic party, but 



734 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



prefers to devote his time and energies to the pur- 
suit of his own business rather than in seeking of- 
ficial honors. He was elected Treasurer of his 
School District, and in tliat capacitj' has served 
fifteen years. He and his family are members of 
St. Joseph's Catholic t'liiucli of Waukesha. 



i>^^<i 



WILLIAM r.REDLER is a representative 
of one of the early settled families of 
this county, being a sou of John G. 
and Barbara (Pirner) Gredler, both of whom were 
natives of Bavaria, Germanj'. The former was 
born May 17, 1812, and the latter, April 15, 1815. 
In 1844, with his wife and two children, Mr. Gred- 
ler, Sr., embarked at Bremen, and after a vo)'age 
of forty-nine daj'S and ten hours, landed at Balti- 
more. Five weeks were consumed in making the 
journey from that city to Milwaukee. Coming on 
to the town of Brookfield, he purchased in Au- 
gust of that year, eighty acres of land, a yoke of 
oxen, two cows, and a quantity of hay for $500. 
On this tract only about six acres were broken. 
Soon after his arrival in this county, Mr. Gredler 
was taken with fever, and for eight months was 
unable to do a day's work. As his children were 
too small to render any assistance, his loyal wife, 
with the aid of his sisters, carried on the work 
both in the Held and in the home. 

Mrs. Gredler was a woman of exceptional physi- 
cal strength and of great determination. This 
was the second Geiman family to locate in Brook- 
lield Townsliip, and as it w.as impossible to get 
help, Mrs. Gredler threshed their grain with a 
flail, carried it to market, either at Milwaukee or 
Waukesha, and brought back tluur. groceries or 
other necessaries. Money was very scarce in those 
da\'S, so to provide for the family, she would 
work among the neighbors. For a certain doctor 
of Brookfield Township, she dug potatoes, taking 
her pay for her services in the same product. When 
her da}''s work was completed, tiie Doctor began 
to fill the three-bushel bag which she brought with 
her, thinking that she would say enough when 



there were as many as she could carry, but 
the good lady, not acquainted with the English 
language, and not knowing how many potatoes 
she should have for a day's work, supposed her 
employer would stop when he had put in as much 
as he deemed her services worth. He became con- 
vinced that she could not carry the load, but kept 
at work until the bag was full. To his surprise 
and admiration Mrs. Gredler rolled the load onto 
her shoulders and started homeward with a lirm, 
steady tread. If there ever was an industrious 
and self-sacrificing wife and mother, surel3' Mrs. 
Gredler was one. By the united efforts of herself 
and husband a snug fortune was made. To their 
original purchase they added eighty acres, for 
which they gave 4*700 in silver, which the former 
owner of the laud carried away in a two bushel 
sack. Subsequently a third eighty was added, 
making one of the desirable farms of the town of 
Brookfield. 

On reaching advanced age, Mr. and Mrs. Gred- 
ler removed to Waukesha to spend their declining 
years in a well earned rest. On the 14th of De- 
cember, 1886, she passed from the living. Mr. 
Gredler still makes that village his home. Their 
family consisted of seven children: Lena is the 
wife of M. Kintzele, of Milwaukee; .John resides 
in Chicago; Barbara wedded Charles Dunkel, of 
Wauwatosa; Mrs. Maggie Alostert resides in Ne- 
braska; George makes his home in Florida; Will- 
iam is the next in order of birth; and Mrs. Lizzie 
Bonard resides in Waukesha. 

William Gredler w.as born March 21, 1852, in 
the town of Brooklield. His early life was spent 
at work on the farm and in attendance at the dis- 
trict schools. In 1874 he purchased his father's 
interest in the old homestead, which he still owns, 
and which he cultivated successfully until 1887. 
Having lonted his farm, became to Waukesha and 
purchased fourteen and a-lialf acres which he plat- 
ted, and which is known as Hickory (irove Addi- 
tion. Of this he has sold all except forty lots. 
He also owns two .acres adjoining the village on 
the north. 

Mr. Gredler was married on the 8lh of July, 
1875, to Miss Catherine Wagner, a native of the 
town of New Berlin, born September 9, 1855. Her 




HON. WILLIAM SMALL. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



737 



parents, Jacob and Jacobine (Grebs) Wagner, are 
natives of lUvaria, German}', and in 1848 came to 
the United States. Locating in New Berlin Town- 
ship, Mr. Wagner became one of its substantial 
farmers. His death occurred June 1, 1878, but his 
wife still survives. Of their four children, two 
sons and two daughters, all are living but one son. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Gredler were born five chil- 
dren, namely: Alma, Linda, John G., Emma and 
Arthur. The father and mother of this family are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gred- 
ler in politics is an Independent Republican. He 
has never given much attention to political affairs, 
as his own business has quite fully occupied his 
time and energies. By industrj', careful manage- 
ment and judicious investment, Mr. Gredler h.as 
become one of the well-to-do men of his county. 



E^- 



HON. WILLIAM SMALL. For over one 
half a century has this honored gentle- 
man been a resident of Waukesha Coun- 
ty. As a citizen and an ollicial, he is so well 
known that he needs no especial introduction to 
the people of the county, much less to the town 
of Lisbon, the interests of which he has been iden- 
tified with for the long pericid of fifty-two years. 
A native of Perthshire, Scotland, Mr. Small was 
born on the 5th of October, 1824, being the oldest 
and only son in a family of seven children. There 
are live of this number living, the four sisters be- 
ing named as follows: .lenette became the wife of 
Isaac Smith, a pioneer of Waukesha Count}-, but 
now a resident of Wauwatosa, Wis.; Elizabeth, 
the widow of Russell Waite, resides in Pewaukee, 
Wis.; Isabelle wedded Josepli Counsel!, an agri- 
culturist, though now living retired in the village 
of Ilartland, this count}'; Mary Jane, the young- 
est, is the wife of Matthew Ilowitt, of Pewaukee, 
also living retired. The parents, ,Iohn and Isa- 
belle (Rodgers) Small, were natives of Perthshire. 
Scotland. The former wjis born in 170!), and died 
in 1877, and the latter, who was born about 18(M), 
died in 1886. 

John Small, who was a weaver by trade, received 
a common school education in his native land, 
where he grew to manlK>od and married Isabelle 



Rodgers. In 1841, with his wife and family, he 
emigrated to the United States, sailing from Dun- 
dee, Scotland, on board the "Peruvian,'' .NIessrs. 
.lolin and Gilheit Watson being passengers on the 
same trip. Upon landing in New York, Mr. Small 
had scarcely *10((, but with his family continued 
the journey as far as Buffalo, going by w.'iy of 
the Hudson River to Albany, thence on the Erie 
Canal to Buffalo, where he remained for a short 
time, being employed as a common laborer. In 
the fall of the same year, 1841, he decided to re- 
move to the far west and there lay the foundation 
of his future prosperity. The trip to Milwaukee 
was made on the old steamer "Bunker Hill;" it 
was their intoiition to take passage on the ill-fated 
"Lady l*^lgin," which burned on Lake Michigan, a 
catastrophe remembered by many, but Uncle Ar- 
chibald Rodgers would not go on this vessel, and 
they were thus detained until the coming of the 
former, and by this seeming whim the lives of the 
family were spared. Where the city of Milwaukee 
stands was, for the most part, a tamarack swamp; 
some of the trees had been chopped off, but the 
ground was covered with stumps. The principal 
street in the village was East Water, while the 
number of stores did not exceed four or live, and, 
perha])s, the largest store w.as owned by Solomon 
.luneau; the only l)ridge across the Milwaukee Hirer 
was a pontoon on Grand Avenue. Proceeding to 
the town of Lisbon, Mr. Small made a claim of a 
(|uarter-section of wild land, whicli had not a sign 
of an improvement thereon. He immediately set 
about the construction of a log cabin, which whcif 
completed w.as inlial)ited by the family. When he 
arrived in Milwaukee he had $10, and $8 of that 
w.as spent for a cow, leaving him a cash capital of 
^2 with which to begin life in the new country. 
In politics Mr. Small was a Republican, and in re- 
ligious sentiment lie and his wife were idenlilied 
with the Congregational Church. 

Mr. Small of this biography was a youth of 
seventeen years when he came to America, and 
conse(iuently :ill the education he obtained in the 
school room was ac(|uired in his native laud. 
His fatiier not having the means to defray his ex- 
penses to Wisconsin, he remained behind and for 
about a year was employed at Buffalo. On the 



738 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



4th of .luly, 1842, he landed in Milwaukee, going 
thence to his father's cabin home. The impression 
made upon his mind upon his arrival in Wiscon- 
sin will never be erased, tliere being such a marked 
contrast between the Wilderness predominating 
liere and tiie heath of his native country. Mr. 
Small aided his father in carrying on his farm, re- 
maining at lionie and giving his parents tlie bene- 
fit of his labor till his marrhige, which occurred on 
the 27lh of November, 1856. Mr. Small wedded 
Miss Margaret Marshall, a native of Fifeshire, 
Scotland, and to them was born a son, ,Iohn R., 
a prosperous farmer of tlie town of Lisbon. Mrs. 
Small was educated in the common schools, and 
grew to maturity in her native shire. Her mar- 
riage to Mr. Small occurred after her emigration 
to tlie United States. She has ever been a kind 
and affectionate mother and a faithful wife, shar- 
ing alike the joys and sorrows that have come into 
tlie lives of those most dear to her. 

Mr. Small h.as been an ardent Republican since 
the inception of the party, though his first Presi- 
dential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren, the 
Free-Soil candidate. He has always stood by his 
party, advocating and defending its principles, .as 
in his estimation thej' were best calculated to bet- 
ter the condition of the masses. By his fellow- 
townsmen he has been elected to fill various po- 
sitions of honor and trust, in all of which he has 
performed the duties devolving upon him in a 
manner to win the confidence of his constituents. 
As Chairman of the Town Board he has served 
four different terms, two in succession; he was As- 
sessor of his town for three terms, and Justice of the 
Peace for ten years. In 1880 Mr. Small was the 
choice of his i)eople to represent their interests in 
the State Legislature, performing most faithfully 
and creditably the work of thatofflce. He has been 
connected vvith the public schools as Clerk and 
Treasurer for a number of years, and all measures 
that promise to be of benefit to the count}' and 
town are sure to find a warm supporter in him 
In the contest that arose when Waukesha County 
w.as set off from that of Milwaukee, Mr. Small 
cast his vote for the division, and though it was 
hotly 0])po.sed, the Waukesha people were success- 
ful, and ill 1846 the county was organized. 



When Mr. Small became a resident of this coun- 
ty there were many Indians here, and they often 
came to his father's door to beg for food: deer were 
yet loaiuiug throu^ii the forest, and many times 
was the table supplied witii venison that had been 
furnished by some member of the family. All 
heavy work was accomplished by the aid of ox 
teams, and when the grain was ready to harvest 
it was cut with an old-fashioned four-fingered 
cradle. The first threshing w.as done by hand, 
using the fiail, but after a time cattle were used 
to tramp out the grain, which was considered a 
wonderful improvement over the earlier way. 
Their closest market was Milwaukee, to which 
place the produce and grain was hauled by ox 
teams. The first church services in tlie town were 
held in the schoolhouse on section 35. Our sub- 
ject aided in the erection of the first church, which 
was located on the Lisbon Plank Road, and which 
was used by both Congregationalistsand Method- 
ists, Rev. Mr. Baker being the first pastor. Mr. 
Small is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in the town of Lisbon, and his wife of the 
United Presbyterian Church of the same township. 

The Small estate comprises one hundred and 
seventy acres of land in section 21, situated about 
one mile from the depot. It is well watered and 
is one of the desirable stock farms to be found in 
this section of the county. Besides his farming 
interests Mr. Small manages the grain elevator at 
Sussex, Wis; the shipment of barley alone amounts 
annually to about sixty thousand bushels, the 
major part of which is shipped to William Gerlach 
& Co., well known malsters of Milwaukee. 

Mr. Small has been one of the leading and prom- 
inent citizens of his township, and has the confi- 
dence and high regard of all who know him. 
Honorable and upright in all the relations of life, 
he will leave to his son one of the richest heritages 
that a parent can bestow upon his child, that of a 
life full of good deeds and in harmony with the 
Divine will. 

-*7t^-~ 

r^ EORGE J. VANDERPOOL, of Waukesha, 

V T Wis., is one of the pioneer settlers of this 

county, dating his arrival in 1847. He w.as 

born in the town of Guilderland, Albany Count}', 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



739 



N. Y., March 12, 1831, being a son of William and 
Lavina (Van Bensclioten) Vanderpool. In both 
lines of descent he represents the class known as 
the Knickerbockers of the Empire Stale, being a 
lineal descendant of some of the most prominent 
families that were identified with the history of 
Ft. Orange, as Albany was then called. The pro- 
genitors of the Vanderpool family in America 
were two cousins who emigrated from Holland to 
this country in Colonial days; one known .is Judge 
^'anderpool, settled in New York City, while the 
other, .John M. "V'andcrpool, located at Ft. Orange, 
and was the grandfather of the subject of this 
sketch; he served as a soldier in the War of 1812. 
The father of George .1. Vanderpool was born in Al- 
bany County, December 2"J, 179.0, while his mother 
was a native of the same county, born February 17, 
1810. For a livelihood M'illiam Vanderpool fol- 
lowed the trade of shoemaking until 18-10, when 
his sight became so impaired that he had to aban- 
don that calling. In 1847, accompanied by his 
family, he came to Waukesha Count}-, and for 
twenty years lived on a farm in the town of Ver- 
non, then moved to New IJerlin Township, where 
both he and his wife spent their last days, he dy- 
ing in February, 1869, and she, on the 7th of Jan- 
uary, 1874. Both were consistent members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Vanderpool 
had eleven children, seven sons and four daugh- 
ters, of whom four survive: Oeorge J., of this arti- 
cle; Abram W., a retired farmer of the town of 
New Berlin; Harriet I., wife of James Murphy, of 
the same town; and (lerlrude M., who became the 
wife of Alfred Martin, a resident of Racine Count}'. 
George J. \'andcrpool had very limited oppor- 
tunities for obtaining an education as he began to 
help support himself when only twelve years of 
age. For the first year's work he received his 
l)oard and clothes; for the second year he was 
paid %20, ancl clothed himself; and during the 
third year received an advance of #7. On coming 
to Wisconsin with his parents, in 1847, he was of- 
fered is 10 per month for his services, which he ac- 
cepted without a moment's hesitation lest the one 
who offered it should back out. During the win- 
ter of 1847-48 he chopped wood for eighteen and 
twenty ecuts a cord, getting his dinner in ad- 



dition. Mr. Vanderpool has been a hard working 
man all his life, and notwithstanding the fact that 
he has helped to clear three heavily timbered 
farms he is still well preserved. 

On the 2.')th of November, 1855, Mr. Vander- 
pool wedded Miss Catherine Van Burcn, a daugh- 
ter of Garet and Deborah (Cornick) Van Buren. 
Caret Van Buren was a second cousin of Martin 
Van Buren, who became President of the United 
.States, while his wife's mother, who bore the name 
j of Vanderpool, was a lineal descendant of Judge 
X'anderpool, who settled in New York City. Mr. 
and Mrs. Van Buren died in the Empire State, 
where in Albany County occurred the birth of 
their daughter Catherine on tl;e 27th of February, 
1834. She is one of eleven children, four sons 
and seven daughters, born to her mother of two 
marriages, and is the only one living in Wisconsin. 
The other surviving children, Abram and Peter, 
reside in Schenectady, N. V. 

Until 1889, Mr. Vanderpool, of this sketch, con- 
tinued to farm in Vernon Township, but at that 
time removed to Waukesha, where he has since 
resided. He has the honor of having served his 
country in the late Rebellion. On the 15th of Au- 
gust, 1862, he enlisted at Vernon, Waukesha Coun- 
ty, for the Twenty-second Regiment, but as that 
w.as full he was assigned to Company B, Twenty- 
eighth Wisconsin Infantry. Upon the organiza- 
tion of the com pan J' he was chosen Sergeant, and 
Oiled the position as Commissary Sergeant through- 
out the war. At Clarksville. Tex., he was made, 
First Sergeant in July, 1865. The principal en- 
gagements in which he participated were the bat- 
tle of Helena, Ark., July 4, 18();5, and the siege of 
Spanish Fort, where for thirteen da^s the Twenty- 
eighth was under almost constant fire. He was 
mustered out with his regiment at Brownsville, 
Tex., August 23, 1865, having served the Union 
cause faithfully for a little over three years. The 
war having ended he returned to his home and 
family. 

Mr. and Mrs. Vander|)OoI had six children, 
named as follows: Byron V., born May 19, 1858, is 
a prosperous merchant of Delaticld; Loren, born 
March 28, 186(1, died April 30, 1870; William Les- 
lie, born .September 17, 1866, is in partnership 



740 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



with Byron V.; Linden K., born June 11, 1869, is 
:i ineclianic; Lillie M., liorn December 6, 1871, 
married on the 7th of December, 1891, C. N. Cum- 
mer, a train dispatclier of C liicaifo, by wiioin slie 
lias one child, Cassic Marguerite; George G., the 
youngest of the family, born December 26, 1873, 
makes his home with iiis parents. 

Politically Mr. ^'anderpool is a Republican, 
having joined that party at its organization. He 
lias never been an ollicial asjjirant, though he has 
iield the position of Side-Supervisor. Since he 
was twelve years old he lias been connected with 
tiie Methodist Kpiscupal ('lnir(-h and is now serv- 
ing as Steward. In the work of the cliurch his 
wife heartily joins him. He belongs to AVilliam 
H. Cashing Post No. 19, G. A. R., of Waukesha, 
and is an lionored member of the Masonic frater- 
nity. 

^ P • 



Wn.LIAM H. DIXON, who is a represen- 
tative citizen of Pewaukee Township, 
is a native of Waukesha County, his 
l)irth having occurred Jul^' 19, 1854, in the town 
of lirookfield, where the greater part of his life 
has been spent. He is a son of John and Elizabeth 
(Lumb) Dixf)n, who were the parents of nine chil- 
dren, live of whom lived to maturity. The eldest 
John G., is engaged in the milling business at 
Warren, 111.; Rebecca is the wife of Charles Or- 
niond, a farmer and stock-raiser in the town of 
Hrookfleld; Sarah became the wife of George 
Dance, a farmer of the same town; Joseph J. is an 
agriculturist and dairyman of Pewaukee Township. 
John Dixon and wife were natives of Lincoln- 
shire, England. He was born in 1815 and died on 
the Hth of November, 1891, while his wife, who 
was born in August, 1814, is still living in Brook- 
ticld Township, being yet hale and hearty. The 
husband was reared to farm life and received a 
common school education. He passed his life till 
maturity in his native land, tiiere married, and 
about 1844 emigrated to America. Tliey embarked 
aboard a sailing-vessel from Liverpool, and after 
a voyage of six weeks' duration dropped anchor 
in the harbor of New York. They came direct to 



Wisconsin by way of the Erie Canal and the Great 
Lakes. On arriving in Milwaukee Mr. Dixon had 
but little money left with which to begin bis home. 
Coming to what is now AVaukesha County he pur- 
chased a quarter-section of land, on which a few 
acres had been cleared and a log cabin erected. 
Upon this farm, which lay in the town of Brook- 
field, he resided until his death. In politics he 
was first a Democrat, but during the late years of 
his life was a Proliibitionist. In an oHicial capac- 
ity he served his town as Chairman of the P.oard 
of Supervisors, and as Assessor for a number of 
terms. He and his estimable wife were members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the head 
of this biography received his education in the 
public schools of liis native town. He grew upon 
a farm, and thus far has followed the occupation 
of a farmer in connection with that of a dairyman. 
At the age of twenty-one years he was married to 
Miss Jennie Barker, their marriage being solem- 
nized December ',i(f, 1875. Mrs. Dixon is a native 
of Pewaukee Township, born December 18, 1856, 
and is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Daw- 
son) Barker, who were the parents of four chil- 
dren, three of whom survive. Robert resides in 
North Dakota, where he is engaged in agricultural 
l)ursuits; Mrs. Dixon is the next in order of birth; 
Elizabeth wedded John Poster, a farmer of Sedg- 
wick County, Kan. The father and mother were 
of English birth; the former is now deceased and 
the latter makes her home in the village of AVau- 
kesha. 

Mr. and Airs. Dixon have two sons and two 
daughters, Jennie E., George B., Bessie May and 
Eranklin W. The eldest daughter, Jennie E., is a 
student in the Union School of Waukesha, and 
has also had special instruction in music. 

In politics Mr. Dixon is a Democrat, his fust 
vote for a Presidential candidate having been cast 
for'^Hon. Samuel J. Tilden. P>y his fellow-towns- 
men he has been elected, in Brookfleld Township, 
Clerk of the Board of School Directors, and has 
served as Director three years in the town of Pe- 
waukee. He was elected Assessor by a large vote 
in the same town in 1893, and in the spring of 
1894 was re-elected to the same position. Mr. and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



741 



Mrs. Dixon attend the Methodist Episcopal Cliurcb 
in Waukeslia. 

Since 188fi tliey liuve resick'il in tlie town of 
Pewauiiee, where tliey own a line farm of ninety- 
two acres, located half a mile fi-oui tlie viliai;e 
limits and npon which sulisLjuilial iiii|irovemenls 
have l)ee]i made. During the fall of 1M1I2 a larire 
barn was erected, 30x100 feet in dimensions, witii 
sixteen foot posts and an eight foot stone base- 
ment. It will accommodate lifty head of cows and 
will house seventy tons of iiay. Mr. Dixon is also 
interested in the dairy busines.s, which he carries 
on very suoces.'-fully in connection with faniiint;-. 
He began life with scarcel\' any capital, but by 
diligence and good management has accumulated 
valuable property. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon aie classed 
among the representative citizens of this county, 
and as such enjoy the esteem and high regard of a 
large circle of friends. 






J J. LrRNKY, residing on section 10 of Ot- 
tawa Township, and one (if the oldest and 
most prominent settlers in this jiart of the 
county, was born in Avon, Livingston Coun- 
ty, N. Y., April 22, 1837. On his father's side of 
the family he traces his ancestry back to France, 
while his mother's people were descended from 
Scotc-h ancestors. The Lurveys have been resi- 
dents of America for many years, some of them 
taking part in the Revolutionary War. During 
that struggle a near relative of our subject's grand- 
father assisted the traitor, Henedict Arnold, to es- 
cape, while under his command, supposing him to 
be fighting for the American cause. His father, 
Ezra W. Lurvey, was a native of the same place as 
himself, the date of his birth being December 22, 
1815. Ezra W. Lurvey grew to manhood in Liv- 
ingston County, and there received a common 
school education, he being naturally' a very fine 
mathematician. At Caledonia, in that county, 
he was married on the 30tli of .lune, 183G. to Miss 
Caroline, daughter of .John and Christina (.McDer- 
mott) Thompson, who was born in Scotland May 



12, 1816. With her parents she emigrated to 
America, and settled in Livingston County, where 
her mother died. liotli of her parents were na- 
tives of IJoiinie ScoHniiiI. 

Iiilil hi' had attained his majority Ezra W. l.iir- 
\vy worked on his f.'ither's farm, and after that 
event, he rented farms in the neighborhood, where 
he continued to reside for eight years. In the fall 
of 18 It, accompanied by his family, he emigrated 
to \Visc<insiii, coming \)y way of tlie Erie Canal to 
Huffalo, where he took a boat for Milwaukee. Ar- 
riving ill the Cream City, then a veiy small vil- 
lage, they came direct to New Berlin Township, 
Waukesha County, where the winter was spent at 
the home of a brother-in-law. In the following 
spring Mr. Lurvey moved to Ottawa Township, 
and settled on section 15. To the original pur- 
chase he added until he became the owner of a 
valuable tract of land, comprising four hundred 
and lifty acres. In politics he was a Whig, but on 
the rise ()f the Republican party gave it his sup- 
pott. He took an active part in promoting all 
matters relating to the schools of his town, and 
served as Town Superintendent of Schools. He 
was also elected Clerk of the Town, and besides 
held other town offices. In religious belief he was 
a Univer-salisl, while his wife was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. On the Dili of May, 1876, 
Mr. Lurvey passed to the spirit world, while his 
wife, now in her seventy-ninth year, still abides. 
Of their live children the gentleman whose name 
heads this article is the eldest; W. A., who is a 
native of Ottawa Township, resides on section 15; 
Eliza, who is deceased, was the wife of William J. 
Reed; .1. C. farms the old homestead on section 15; 
and Lucy, who completes the family, is the wife 
of William J. Probcrt, also of Ottawa Township. 

■J. .1. Lurvey acquired his education in the dis- 
trict schools of Ottawa Township. Though but a 
child of six or seven years, he still remembers in- 
cidents that occurred on the trip from his eastern 
home, and well remembers many events connected 
with the pioneer life in the wilds of the western 
country. He worked with his father on the farm 
until the Civil War broke out. On the 10th of 
August, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company 
A, First Wisconsin Cavalry, it being under the 



(42 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



conunaiK] of Colonel Daniels. With his company 
he went liist to .St. Louis, and until his discharge, 
in December, 1862, took part in the various engage- 
ments in which it participated. After a service of 
sixteen months he wa.s sent home, and from .Sur- 
geon-General E. B. Wolcott received an honorable 
discliarge. 

On jS'ew Year's eve, 18()3, Mr. I.urvey was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary .1. Heed. Her parents, Samuel 
and Jane (Boone) Heed, were natives of North 
Ireland, and emigrated to tlie United States in 
1830, just after their inairuige, settling in Platt- 
ville, N. Y. In 18;?S( they came to Wisconsin, and 
located in the town of Ottawa, where the^' lived 
until 18(i(), when Ahey removed to Algona, Iowa. 
There the father still resides at the advanced age 
of eight3--three years, and there the mother died 
in November, 1891, aged eight^'-live years. He 
followed the occupation ol a farmer throughout 
life, or until age necessitated his retiring. They 
were the parents of five sons and three daugh- 
ters, some of whom have crossed to the other 
side: William died in New York .State; Charles 
passed away in infancy; Nancy is the wife of John 
Wallace, who farms near Algona, Iowa; William 
J., is a farmer near Whatcom, Wash.; Mary J. is 
the wife of our subject; Charles died in this coun- 
ty; Samuel B. is a resident of Des Moines, Iowa; 
and Lizzie M. is the widow of A. M. Ilorton. 

Like his father, Mr. Lurvey is also a Republican, 
and by that party has been called upon to fill a 
number of ollicial positions, among which he has 
served as Town Clerk several terms, as Assessor, 
and as Clerk of the District School Board. Mr. 
and Mrs. Lurvey's famil}' contains one son and 
four daughters. The eldest, Ada, is the wife of 
.1. A. Stephen, a merchant of Waltham, Minn. 
She is the mother of two children, Ethel and 
Gladys. Tina, who is at home, is the next; Lyda, 
who was educated in the White Water Normal, 
has taught successfully in the schools of Wauke- 
sha County, and also in Mower County, Minn.; 
Charles, the only son, is a natural musician. Though 
but sixteen years of age, he gives promise of great 
ability; he plays the piano, and besides has per- 
formed upon pipe organs in the several churches 
of Waukesha, and has taken part in a number of 



concerts in Milwaukee. Mabel, the 3'oungest child, 
is attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Lurvey have a 
most interesting faiiiily, and they are to be com- 
mended in the efforts tlicv have made to give them 
excellent educational advantages, thus fitting them 
to fill useful positions in life. 

eOL. CHARLES ALBERT RUPP, a nephew 
of Mrs. Michael G. Harter, will doubtless 
be remembered by man}' of the citizens of 
Waukesha County. He was born in Buffalo, N. Y., 
in 1850, and attended the public schools. When 
fifteen years of age he began earning his own liv- 
ing, and three years later became an employe of 
Henrj' Riimrill, the contractor. He was bright, 
faithful and industrious and Mr. Rumrill was 
quick to perceive his ability. In 1874 he was taken 
into partnership, the firm becoming Rumrill & 
Rupj). Under this style the}' did business until 
1890, being one of the leading firms in the build- 
ing line in Buffalo. In 1890 the partnership was 
dissolved, and since then Mr. Rupp has been in 
the contracting business alone. In 1882 he was 
elected Alderman of the Eleventh Ward, in the 
city of Buffalo, the onl}^ political office he has ever 
held, unless a term on the Civil Service Commis- 
sion may be so designated. During the first year 
of Mr. Rupp's term as Alderman, Grover Cleve- 
lami was Mayor of the city. In politics he has 
been a consistent Democrat and a great admirer of 
Mr. Cleveland. In 1884 he was President of the 
Cold Spring Cleveland Club, and in 1892 was 
President of the Cleveland and Stevenson Club of 
the Seventeenth Ward. His business career has 
been a successful one. He was recently elected 
first Vice-President of the National Builders' Asso- 
ciation, and the next year, according to the rules 
of that organization, he will be chosen President 
of that powerful body. He is a leading member 
of the Buffalo Builders' Association Exchange, 
and for thirteen years was a member of the Na- 
tional Guards. He rose from the ranks in the 
Sixty-fifth Regiment to the position of Lieuten- 
ant Colonel. He is a good disciplinarian, possesses 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



■43 



good executive ability, and is esteemed for his 
many excellent qualities. 

Mr. Rupp i.s conspicudus in the Masonic frater- 
nity, bi'ing a Knight Templar, and Noble of the 
Mystic Shrine. He is a member of several lodges 
and societies. .Mr. Rupp is a thorough believer in 
Civil .Service Reform. In 181(2 he was appointed 
a Civil Service Commissioner by Mayor Bishop 
and served one year, resigning on account of the 
pressure of business matters. 



eUARLES HOWARD, decea.sed, was for 
.<onie years an influential citizen of Wau- 
kesha. He was born in llornscy, Eng- 
land. December «, 1810, and died April 6, 1873. 
He became a landscape gardener, following that 
business in England. In liis native land he mar- 
ried a Miss Wilsfin. and to them were born four 
children, three of whom are yet living. Charles, a 
widower, is now engaged in fruit growing in San 
•Jose. Cal.; Henry, who served during the late war 
and now follows farming in Waukesha Township, 
wedded Mary Jane Rankin, by whom he has three 
children, and Ellen is the wife of Samuel Himp- 
bell, of San Jose, Cal. 

After the death of his lirst wife, Mr. Howard 
married Miss Harriet A. Stevens, also a native of 
Hornsey, England. Their wedding was celebrated 
April 15, 1844, and they immediately sailed for 
the New World, leaving Liverpool on the s.niling- 
vessel "Montezuma," which after a voy.ige of six 
weeks reached New York. By way of the Erie 
Canal and the Great Lakes they made their way 
to Milwaukee, where Mr. Howard left his wife 
while he sought a location for a home. At length 
he purcluised a claim of forty acres on section 15, 
Lisl)on Township, upon which a little log cabin 
had been built and a few acres of land broken. 

There in true pioneer style, Mr. and Mrs. How- 
ard began life in Wisconsin. Their capital was 
very limited but they determined to make the best 
of their opportunitiesand in course of time became 
owners of a comfortable farm. In the early days 
harvesting was done with the cradle and Hail, and 



in the home their furniture was very primitive, but 
at length success crowned their efforts and brought 
them a comfortable competency, their farm com- 
prising one hundred and forty acres of rich land 
which yielded to them a good income. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Howard were born three sons 
and three daughters, namely: Harriet A., wife of 
Edward .1. Weaver, an agriculturist of Cambria, 
Columbia County, Wis.; Sarah .\., wife of Alfred 
A. Weaver, a soldier of the late war, who now fol- 
lows farming; Ruth A., wife of Richmond T. 
Weaver, an agriculturist of I^isbon Township; 
George A., William F. and Robert, all successful 
farmers of this locality. 

Mr. Howard was a man f)f strong convictions, 
steadfast in purpose, honorable in all <iealings, and 
his word was as good as his bond. He voted the 
Republican ticket but never sought political pre- 
ferment. He aided in building the lirst school- 
house iu his locality, and in the erection of St. 
.\lban's Episcoi)al Church of Sussex. His death 
occurred in Lisbon Township, and his wife, who 
was born March 3, 1826, passed away January 3, 
1892. They were numbered among the best citi- 
zens of the community, and their loss w.as mourned 
by many friends who held them in high regard. 



i.Y~^AVID HICKEN is a native of Oldenl>erg, 
I I <;ermany, where his birth occurred on the 
2'Jth of July, 1830. He is the eldest in*a 
family of four children born to Memme B. and 
Anna (Tadkcn) Hicken, three of whom are living, 
namely: David, the subject of this article; Henrich, 
Jr., a resident of Chicago, and Anna, widow of J. 
Tinckham, of JHIwaukee Count}'. His father was 
a native of Oldenl)crg, born January 5, 1805, and 
died January 3, 1851. In 1847 he, with his family, 
emigrated to America. Going to Bremerhaven 
they took passage on the "Salamander," a sailing- 
ves.sel bound for New York, where they arrived 
after a tiresome voyage of eleven weeks. They 
came direct to Wisconsin Territory, landing in 
Milwaukee the 23d of August, and thence to the 
town of Brookfield, where they bought eighty acres 



744 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of i)aitially improved land. Both parents were 
nienibers of llie (Jcriiian Reformed Cburcli, but are 
now deceased. 

Mv. Ilieken, of this hio;4ra|)hy, was a youlli of 
seventeen when lie came with his parents to the 
United States. He was brought up on a farm and 
there learned the lessons of thrift and industry 
that have phtyed no small part in the success that 
has attended his efforts. IIis education was ac- 
(piired in the schools of his nativity. Possessing 
naturally a mathematical mind he look great pleas- 
ure in the study of that branch. As his father died 
soon after coming to this country Mr. Ilieken had 
to make his own way m the world and deserves 
great credit for tiie success he haa attained. When 
the gold fever spread over the country he desired 
very much to try his fortune in that Held, but did 
not have the means. After working hard and 
saving his wages for three years he started for the 
Pacific Slope, going to New York and around by 
the Isthmus of Panama, reaching San Francisco 
one month later. He at once secured employment 
in a wholesale grocery store, where he remained for 
six months; at the expirationpf that time he went 
to Placer County, in the gold diggings, as a clerk in 
a retail store, which position he filled for six and 
a-half years and then returned home. The trip 
proved a very fortunate one, Mr. Hicken bringing 
some i;7,000 home with him. On his return to 
Waukesha County, he bought fifty-nine and a-half 
acres of land, which forms a part of his present 
farm. Bj' subse(iuent purchase he has increased his 
landed possessions until he now owns one hundred 
and thirty acres of line land in the towns of Pewau- 
kee and lirookfield, besides thirt}' acres in Adams 
County. In IBS."} he erected his beautiful country 
residence, which is surrounded with barns and 
other necessaiT outbuildings to be found on a well 
conducted farm. 

On the 18th of September, 1862, Mr. Hicken 
wedded Miss Caroline V. Schneck, who was born in 
the city of New York, .lanuary 27, 1847. They 
have three children: I.iUie Veronica is a resident 
of Milwaukee; Rosa A. became the wife of Rudolph 
Kuenzli, a salesman in the same city; Alfred B., 
the 3-oungest, resides with his paients. All have 
enjoyed the advantages of securing a good educa- 



tion. Mrs. Hicken's father, John .Jacob Schneck, 
who was born at Wittenberg, German^-, in 1814, 
resides at her home. He was educated in the Ger- 
man language and reared to the life of a mechanic. 
His wife, who died at the age of fifty -seven years, 
was also a native of Wittenberg. However, their 
marriage was solemnized in New York,thev being 
the first couple married in the German Methodist 
Church in that city. He enjo^'s the distinction of 
being the oldest Methodist in the northwest. Of 
their eight children but two survive, Mrs. Hicken, 
who was the fourth in order of birth, and a son, 
Frederick AVilliam. The former began her educa- 
tion in the English language but has adhered to the 
German. When quite a small child she came with 
her ])arents to Milwaukee. The latter, who is a 
merchant in that city, wedded ^Miss Matilda Hin- 
ners, daughter of Peter Hinners, a Methodist min- 
ister, and of this marriage four children have been 
born. 

On the breaking out of the late war Mr. Hicken 
responded to the call for troops, enlisting in Com- 
pany 1), Sixth AV^isconsin Infantry, under Capt. 
Henry McTraw. The regiment rendezvoused at 
Madison and there received orders to report at 
AVashington, I). C. The first battle in which the 
command participated was that of Hatcher's Run, 
on the 6th and 7th of February, 1865, where one- 
third of the men was lost. On the 29th of March, 
following, the Sixth, as a part of the "Iron Brigade" 
belonging to the Fifth Army Corjjs, under the direct 
command of General Warien,and forming the left 
flank of General Sheridan's command, took part in 
another hotly contested engagement. It w.as here 
that Mr. Hicken was taken prisoner and carried to 
Petersburg, A'a.. and thence to Richmond, where 
with some eigiiteen hundred others he was dis- 
cliargedjOn giving a verbal promise that he would 
not enter the service again. They were taken 
to Annapolis, Md.,as paroles, going down the .lames 
River and up the Chesapeake Bay. From there 
they were sent to .Jefferson Barracks at St. Louis. 
AVhile they were at Petersburg, the Rebels came 
around to sell biscuits to the soldiers, asking for 
each lil in greenbacks, or 110 of Confederate mon- 
ey, while a meal was worth ^30. Mr. Hicken took 
a furlough while at St. Louis, and came home for 




HON. MATTHIAS J. REGAN. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



747 



thirty days, going thence to Madison, Wis., from 
wliich place he was discharged, liis discharge 
dated May 24, 1865, but he did not receive iiis 
papers until two months later. 

Mr. Ilieken is an advocate of the Repulilican 
party, his first Presidential vote having been cast 
for Gcn..Iolin C. Fremont, lie has been connected 
with the public schools, in an otHcial capacity, for 
a number of years, and has also served as Justice 
of the Peace for a term or so in the town of Pe- 
waukee. Both husb.nnd and wife are members of 
the Methodist Church in Pewaukee, and arc lield 
In hiu;h regard by all who know them. 









HON. MATTHIAS J. RKOAN, the present 
ellicienl Superintendent of the Wisconsin 
Industrial Schotil for Boys at Waukesha, is 
a native of Waukesha County and a representative 
of one of its pioneer families. His birth occurred 
in the town of Eagle on the 16th of February, 
1848. His father, Morgan Regan, was a native of 
Cork, Ireland, where he grew to manhood and 
where his marriage occurred. He emigrated to the 
United States with his family, locating in the state 
of Maine, Init later removed to Mt. Morris, Liv- 
ingston County. N. Y., and thence to Waukesha 
County, Wis., in 1841. On coming to tliis county 
he settled in the -town of Eagle, being one of the 
first settlers of that township, where he continued 
to reside until his death, which occurred .\ugust 
8, 1878, at the age of about seventy-eight years. 
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary 
Burke, still survives, and has now attained to the 
advanced age of eighty-five years. Morgan and 
Mary (Burke) Regan were the parents of ten chil- 
dren, six sons and four daughters, all of whom are 
still living except .lohn, the eldest son, who lost 
his life b}' .iccident a number of years .ago. The 
members of the family have become quite widely 
separated, residing in several different states in the 
Union. 

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in 
his native town, being reared to the life of a farm- 
er. He remained at home assisting his father in 
26 



the operation of his farm until eighteen years of 
age, at that time going to Wa^ikegan, III., where 
he learned the trade of carriage making. Return- 
ing to Waukesha County in 1868, after an absence 
of two years, he engaged in the wagon making 
business in the town of Eagle, which he continued 
until 1877. At that time he purchased adrugand 
grocery store in Eagle, conducting the same until 
1882. In the fall of that year Mr. Regan was elect- 
ed to the State Legislature, in which bod 3- he rep- 
resented his district in a most creditable manner. 
Previous to J.his he had served in various ollicial 
cap.acities, among the number, as a member of the 
County Board of Supervisors in 1877, and 1878 
was Chairman of the County Board. 

In 1885 Mr. Regan removed with his family to 
Waukesha. Mrs. Regan was formerly Miss Julia 
Dalo, adopted daughter of Lewis Jaycox. She was 
born in the town of Genesee, Waukesha County. 
Mr. and Jlrs. Regan have four children, Philip C, 
John P., Stephen F. and Morgan J. 

Mr. Regan was appointed Superintendent of the 
Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys July 20, 
18'J1. His administration of this institution has 
been a very successful one. The duties that de- 
volve upon the Superintendent are arduous and of 
a character to demand superior executive ability-. 
Here are gathered nearly four hundred boys and 
j'ouths, committed for various crimes, incorrigibil- 
ity and vagrancy, with the object of reforming and 
educating them, that they may develop into law- 
abiding and useful citizens. The law of kindness,^ 
attended with firmness and decision, enters largely 
into the present management of the institution, 
and this humane mode of government has (proved 
so successful that cases of severe punishment have 
been extremely rare during the present adminis- 
tiation. Self-respect and self-control are results 
sought for, and the improved moral status of the 
inmates attests the wisdom of the system that the 
present Superintendent h.as adi>pte<l for the man- 
agement of the unfortunate ones in his charge. 
Not the least important work accomplished during 
Mr. Regan's administration is the improved sani- 
tary condition of the buildings and their surround- 
ings. .\ case of serious illness now seldom occurs, 
the general health of the inmates being reiuarka- 



748 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ble. Mr. Regan is ably and faithfully assisted bj' 
his wife, who, as Matron of the institution, per- 
forms an important i)art in its management. Mr. 
Regan is an intelligent and courteous gentleman, 
and as a citizen is esteemed and respected. 



<rpr NDREW SNYDER, .Tit. (deceased) was a 
j- — \ worthy pioneer of Waukesha County of 
1844. He was a native of Essex County, 
N. Y., born December 12, 1811, and was a son of 
Andrew, Sr., and Catherine (Casi)er) Snyder. The 
progenitors of the Snyder family in America were 
Andrew and Eve Snyder, who emigrated from 
their native countr3', Alsace, France, to America 
about 1825, locating in Essex Countj'. Their son, 
Andrew Snyder, Sr., was born in Alsace, .lanuary 
1, 1813, and with them came to the United States. 
In Buffalo, N. Y., he wedded Miss Catherine Cas- 
per, who was a native of the same province as 
himself. Of this union were born six children, 
the eldest of whom was Andrew Snyder, .Ir. In 
1813 Mr. Snyder, Sr., came to section 21, town of 
New Berlin, where he purchased a farm and a 
yoke of cattle for $800. Driving his team to Mil- 
waukee he left it there, while he returned to New 
York for his family. On again reaching that city he 
loaded his family and effects into the wagon and 
drove to his farm, arriving on the 12th of July, 
1814. There he and his wife spent the rest of their 
lives. They were industrious, home and church- 
loving people. Mr. Snyder took a prominent p.irt in 
erecting St. Valerius' Church, the lumber for which 
was cliiefly drawn by his team. He, like his fore- 
fathers, was a zealous Catholic. Their persecutions 
by the Republican party of France caused Mr. 
Snyder to so thoroughly dislike that name that 
on coming to tliis country he at once became identi- 
fied with the Democratic part}', of whose principles 
he was a warm supporter. 

The gentleman whose name heads this article, 
at the time of coming to New Berlin was but a 
child of less than four years of age, so at first 
qould not be of much use in improving and culti- 



vating the farm. As years passed he developed 
into a tall, strong boy, who cheerfully bore his 
part in the labor and hardships incident to the 
clearing of and working a new timbered farm. 
He attended the district school during the winter 
season and worked on the farm at other times of 
the year. On reaching manhood he was married 
in New Berlin, November .SO, 180."), to Miss Susan 
Stephens, a daughter of Matthew and Barbara 
Stephens. Mrs. Snyder was born in New Berlin, 
April 18, 1845. Tier parents had located there in 
1843. 

Upon his marriage Mr. Snyder received from 
his father a gift of one hundred and eighty .acres 
of wild land for a farm, situated on section 29, 
New Berlin Township. He built a house on it, 
and there made his home in 1867. lie cleared up 
and otherwise improved the place, erecting a com- 
modious brick dwelling and large and convenient 
barns. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Snyder was born a famil}- of 
nine children, of whom eight survive, four sons 
and four daughters. Andrew, the eldest, was so 
named in accordance with a custom of the family 
for many generations, which was to name the eld- 
est son in e.ach succeeding generation Andrew. 
The Andrew here spoken of is the present Clerk 
of the Court of Waukesha County, and has a son, 
Andrew (see sketch). Katherine, the eldest daugh- 
ter, became the wife of August Kohler, a farmer 
of the town of New Berlin; Susan is at home; 
INIary is a student of the Waukesha High School; 
Helen Theressa and Joseph are attending school 
near home; William Frederick and Edward Nich- 
olas are yet young. Mr. Snyder died February 8, 
1890, of pneumonia, after only a few days' illness. 

In politics Mr. Snyder was a Democrat, and held 
various local oflices of honor and trust. He was 
Assessor of his town for several years; was Chair- 
man of the Town Board and ex-offlcio member of 
the County Board in 1882-83-87-88-89; was Town 
Clerk for twelve terms, between 18G3 and 1890, 
holding that position at the time of his death, in 
February, 1890. His son, Andrew, w.as appointed 
his successor. Mr. Snyder was Secretary of the 
New Berlin Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company 
for several years. In his religious faith he, with 



PORTRAIT AJND BIOORAFHICAL RECORD. 



749 



liis wife and chilrlren, lu'ld nirnibprslii]) in the 
Catholic Cliuifli. 

Mr. Sn3'dcr was a man of splendid pliysifjue, 
.ind was possessed of superior intellifjence. He 
was six feet, six inches in height, and at the time 
of liis fatal illness weighed two hundred and 
twenty-five pounds, being strong in proportion to 
his size. He possessed a wonderful jjower of en- 
durance, and was industrious in a marked degree. 
In all business trans.ietions he was exact and re- 
liable; in his oflicial duties, correct and faithful. 
He had accumulated property, and at bis death 
left his wife and family well provided for. She, 
with the younger children, resides on the old 
homestead. 

_^=0# P • . 



WING ATE B. LEAF, of the town of Sum- 
mit, is a son of Thomas Leaf, who was 
born in England in 1820, where he 
grew to manhood and married Hannah Marlleet. 
In 1851 the familj' emigrated to America. The 
father was a painter by trade, and on arriving in 
New York, engaged in work at that business, as he 
possessed but little financial means. However, he 
soon started westward for Milwaukee, coming 
thence directly to the town of Summit. He was 
a relative of the family of Mr. Hardell, a pioneer 
of the township, and with his family occupied a 
house owned l)_v the latter. A sad misfortune 
overtook the family almost immediateh', in the 
death of the father, who passed away abouta month 
after their arrival in Waukesha County. The 
mother was left with live children, the youngest 
being born the day tlie father died. She survived 
him but about eight yeai-s. They were the parents 
of six children, the eldest having died in England. 
Mary, the oldest of the five, is the wife of Beverly 
Woodruff, of the town of Oconomowoc; Wingate 
B. is the next in order of birth: .hilia and .luliana 
were twins. The former married a Mr. Dixon and 
died in Kansas a number of years ago, she and her 
husband passing away within a week of each other. 
The latter is also married and resides in Nebraska. 
The one whose birth occurred the day the father 



died was named Henry Thomas, and died at the 
age of eight and a-half years. 

Wingate B. Leaf is a native of England, born in 
Lincolnshire on the 2d of October, 1811, and was 
accordingly but a small lad when he came with his 
parents to the United States. He grew to manhood 
in the town of Summit, and there married Julia 
Leary, a native of Wisconsin, and a daughter of 
Michael and Mary Ellen Leary. Their marriage 
was celebrated April 9, 18!»3, and their home is 
blessed by the presence of two children, a son and 
a daughter, Forest and Daisy. They lost their 
eldest at the age of six years. He was named 
Thomas Marflcet for the parents of Mr. Leaf. 

For many years Mr. Leaf followed the trade of 
a carpenter and joiner, but of late years has given 
much attention to the growing of small fruits, in 
which undertaking he has been very successful. 
These include strawberries, raspberries and black- 
berries. Mr. Leaf is a well known and respected 
citizen of Summit Township, where he has lived so 
long. He is a Republican in politics, but is inde- 
pendent in exercising his right of franchise. 



r^ EORGE W. WEED is a native of Beaver 
\y!f< I>am, Wis., born March 2, 1846, and the 
eldest in a family of five children, com- 
prising two sons and three daughters, born to Will- 
iam and Sarah (Davis) Weed. The father was a 
native of northern New York, and by occupation * 
was a merchant. His death occurred in the state 
of Wisconsin in 185-1. His wife, who still survives, 
was born and reared in Vermont. Both parents 
were people of liberal education, the mother hav- 
ing been a successful teacher in the schools of 
the village of Waukesha for nineteen years. Of 
their children the followingare living: (ieorgeW. 
is the subject of this article; Fannie is the wife 
of Rev. C. S. Richardson, of Little Falls, N. Y.; 
Richard resides in Leadvillc, Colo., where he is en- 
gaged in mining, and Sarah is the wife of .Judge 
M. S. Oriswold, a well known attorney of Wau- 
kesha. 

George W. Weed has spent almost his entire life 
in the state of Wisconsin. His education was ob- 



750 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tained in the common scliools, which he attended 
during llio winter, wliile in llie summer season lie 
worked on the farm. Wiien five ^ears of age lie 
went to live with Henry Davis of WaulteshaTown- 
sliip, Willi whom he remained until he had reached 
his majority. For a year Mr. Weed served as As- 
sistant Superintendent of the Reformed School at 
Toledo, Ohio. On the 21st of March, 1878, he 
married MissJosejihine Tule, a native of Camden, 
N. J. Two children were born of this marriage, 
Edith T. and INIabel 1)., both students in Carroll 
College. 

The father of Mrs. Weed, Samuel G. Tule, was 
born in Medford, N. .]., and was reared to the 
trade of a shoemaker. His death occurred in 
1890. Her mother, Martha A. Rash, who was born 
in AVilmington, Del., died when Mrs. Weed was a 
child. There were three children, two sons and a 
daughter, in the Tule family, but Mrs. Weed and 
Charles are the only ones that survive. The former 
prepared herself for the profession of teaching in 
the public schools of Toledo. 

In political principles Mr. Weed has always ad- 
hered to the Republican party, having cast hislirst 
vote for General Grant. Both he and his wife are 
members of the Presb^'terian Church of AVaukesha. 
Their homestead comprises one hundred and twen- 
ty-seven acres, located on section 30, Waukesha 
Township, and within live miles of the village. 

HEM AN HARMON, who h.as long been a 
resident of Waukesha County and li.as 
ever supported her best interests, taking 
an active part in her development and upbuilding, 
well deserves mention among her honored pio- 
neers. A native of Rupert, Bennington County', 
Vt.,he was born May 4, 1820, and is a son of Ben- 
jamin and Sarah (Hastings) Harmon, who were na- 
tives of the same locality. When he was seven 
years old he accompanied his parents to Cattarau- 
gus Count3\ N. Y., where the father engaged in 
farming. In Parisburg, that county, our subject 
acquired a common-school education and upon 
the home farm he remained until the family an- 



nounced their determination of removing to Wis- 
consin. 

Ileman preceded them a few months, traveling 
to Buffalo, wliere he boarded the old side-wheel 
steamer, the ".lames Madison," which about sun- 
rise on the lOtli of M.a^-, 1842, readied Milwaukee. 
Mr. Harmon then went to Walworth County, and 
a few days later to Racine County with the view 
of selecting a location. On the 2.")tli of May he 
found himself in what is now Menonionee Town- 
ship, AVaukesha County, and made a claim of one 
hundred and sixty acres of canal land on section 
17. Here lie was joined by his parents in October 
and upon that farm made his home for two years, 
when he purchased eighty acres of timlter land on 
section 2(l, Menomonee Township. Prior to this 
he built on his father's farm a log (^abin 1(5x20 
feet ill dimensions, with an oak shingled roof, pine 
floor and large fireplace. This is still standing, 
one of the few landmarks of frontier days that 
remain. 

Few men are better known in this section of the 
state than Mr. Harmon, who came here when Mil- 
waukee was a hainlel and when this county was an 
almost unbroken wilderness. Indians frequently 
visited iiis home and man}' deer were seen. In the 
development of the county he has been an impor- 
tant factor, has aided in opening uj) the roads and 
in transforming the raw prairie into rich and fer- 
tile fields, now covered with golden grain. 

On the 30th of September, 1847, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Harmon and Miss Abigail, 
daughter of Hiram and Sarah (Lannard) Howard. 
The lady was born in Thedford, Vt., .hily 1(1. 1823, 
and is one of eight children, six daughters and 
two sons. Her parents came to tliis county in 
1842 and located on section 7, Menomonee Town- 
ship. Her father and mother have long since passed 
awa}'. The parents of Mr. Harmon are also de- 
ceased. The father, who was born August 27, 
1797, died September 10, 1855. He was one of 
the earliest settlers of the county, and his well 
spent life and many excellencies of character made 
him a valued citizen. His wife was born .Inly 7, 
1800, and was called to the home beyond April 
25, 1875. She was a member of the Wesleyan 
Church of Menomonee, and was a true Christian 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD. 



751 



woman. In their family were four sons and five 
daughters, of wiioni tlie subject of this sketch is 
tlie second. Four of tlie number are yet living. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Ileman Harmon wcic born four 
children. Deinerit, born August 29, 1«18, in the 
log cabin home, was educated in the common 
schools .and is now a member of the firm of II. 
Harmon it Sons. They own a large stone quarry, 
which was opened in 1871. He was a young man 
of excellent business ability. He was married 
April 5, 18H3, to Sopliia Turner and they have a 
daughter, born .July Id, 1884. .lohn D., born Feb- 
ruary 1, 1862, is a meiiibcr of the firm of Harmon 
& Sons, and by his enterprise, energy and perse- 
verance has won success for the company. The 
mother of this family died February 13, 1875. 
She was an earnest Christian lady and her death 
was deepl}' mourned in the family, church and so- 
cial circles. To her memory lias been erected a 
handsome monument in MeiKjuomee Cemetery. 

Mr. Harmon votes with the Republican party 
and warmly advocates its principles but has never 
sought public otHce. He gives his support to all 
worthy enterprises, and in business and social cir? 
cles occupies an enviable position. 






MYLES SWEENEY, who resides in section 
2(). Muskego Township, this county, is a 
native of that town, born April 12, 1844. 
He is a son of those much esteemed pioneer set- 
tlers, Daniel and Margaret (Kelliher) Sweeney, 
both of whom were natives of County- Kerry, Ire- 
land. The former emigrated to the United States 
in 1828. and the latter in 1832. Mrs. Sweeney 
sailed from Liverpool for New York, where she 
arrived after a vo^'age of ten weeks, going thence 
to Hrooklyn, and a year later, 1833, was married 
iu that city to Daniel Sweeney. The year after 
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney left Brook- 
lyn, and ft>r the succeeding seven years lived in 
various states, coming in 1841 to .Milwaukee, then 
a raci-e hamlet. In Ma}', 1841, they came to Wau- 
kesha Coui\ty and settled in the town of Muskego, 
purchasing eighty acres of timber land, on which 



Mr. Sweeney built a log house. Their new home 
comprised one room, vvhich was furnished with a 
fireplace, as they had no stove; that afforded heat 
and the necessary means of preparing their meals. 
Upon this land, of which he made an excellent 
farm, Mr. Sweeney spent the remainder of his life. 
He was born in 1702, and died in 1887, at the ad- 
vanced age of ninety-five years. His venerable 
wife survives him, being now in her eighty-third 
year, and possessed of her faculties in a remarka- 
ble degree. She vividly remembers the journey 
made by herself and husband on their way to the 
town of Muskego. From Milwaukee they were 
brought by a horse-team. There being no roads, 
and Mr. Sweeney undecided as to the true course 
to take, Mrs. Sweeney overheard the driver sa_v, 
"I doubt if he knows where he lives himself." 
However, they reached their destination in safety 
and Ijegan life in their cabin home, which was 
subsequently replaced by a more modern dwell- 
ing. Mrs. Sweeney has witnessed the entire growth 
of this county; the Indian's hunting ground has 
been converted into fertile farms on which dwell 
a thrifty and intelligent people; where wigwams 
were formerly pitched, churches and schoolhouses 
have been erected, and the redman by force of 
circirmstances has been compelled to make his 
home beyond the Father of Waters. 

Daniel Sweeney was fond of the cha.se and often 
supplied his table with venison and other wild 
meat*. His experiences and observations furnished 
him with a vast fund of amusing incidents of pio- 
neer days, which in later life he delighted to relate 
to his children and friends during long winter 
evenings. (Jenial and sunny tempered, his presence 
in the home w.as always a joy, and by a large cir- 
cle of friends and acquaintances he was held in 
the highest regard. 

The family of Daniel Sweeney and wife consisted 
of five sons and four daughters, but seven of them 
have joined their father in the other world. The 
living are Myles, whose name heads this article, 
and llrian, a prosperous farmer of the town of 
Muskego. 

Myles Sweeney has spent his entire life on the 
old homestead, which his aged mother enjoys with 
him. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of 



752 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ricli land, which lie assisted his father in improv- 
ing and cultivating, and of which some ten acres 
still remain in timber. His education was acquired 
in the district schools of the neighborhood, his 
first teacher being Morris Scan Ian, who taught the 
first school in a log schoolliouse on section 26. 
Mr. Sweeney has devoted his entire life to agri- 
culture. Though a Democrat in politics he has 
never asked any favors of his party. He, like his 
l)areiits and the rest of the family, is a member of 
the Catholic Church. 



^>^^<m 



MRS. MARGARP:T (RODGKRS) CRAVEN 
is still living at the old home on section 
26, Lisbon Township, which has been her 
place of residence since 1844. She is a native of 
Perthshire, Scotland, born December 25, 1814. Her 
parents were Alexander and Janet (McClagen) 
Rodgers, and in their family were twelve children, 
of whom Mrs. Craven is the youngest. Her mai- 
denhood days were passed in her native land, and 
at the age of twenty-eight years she bade adieu to 
the home and friends of her childhood and sailed 
from Dundee in the ship "Peruvian" bound for New 
York. Of those who made the voyage at the same 
time there are yet living, A. V. North, James Rodg- 
ers, John Watson, Thomas Welch, Mrs. Craven, 
Mrs. Isaac Smith, of Wauvvaloosa, Mrs. John Wat- 
son, Mrs. Isabel Couucel, of Hartland, and Mrs. 
Elizabeth Waite. 

Accompanied by her mother Mrs. Craven went 
from New York to Albany, thence by canal to 
Buffalo, and by steamer to Milwaukee, which was 
then a small village, containing only one tavern 
and a few houses. She at once took up her resi- 
dence in Lisbon Township, and has witnessed al- 
most the entire growth and development of the 
couuty. She has seen many Indians in the neigh- 
borhood, and wild deer and feathered game were 
very plentiful on the prairies. 

On the nth of April, 1844, was celebrated the 
marriage of Richard Craven and Margaret Rodg- 
ers. He was born in Yorkshire, England, June 17, 
1812, and in 1837 came to Wisconsin, eleven years 



ere the state was admitted to the Union. Through- 
out his life he carried on agricultural pursuits and 
was a hard working man. His integrity and honor 
nuniliered him among the best citizens of thecom- 
munit3- and won iiim the high respect of all. In 
political views he was in early life an old line 
Whig, but on the organization of the Republican 
party joined its ranks, and was one of its stalwart 
supporters until his death. He served as School 
Director, and ever supported the best interests of 
the community. When called to the home beyond 
his remains were interred in the Scotch cemetery' 
on section 21, Lisbon Township, where a beautiful 
monument marks his last resting place. 

In her native land, Mrs. Craven belonged to the 
Presbyterian Church, but now holds membership 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is still 
living on the old homestead and a part of the or- 
iginal dwelling still stands, one of the few land- 
marks of pioneer days which yet remain. The 
present residence was erected in 1864. She has 
now reached the advanced age of eighty, but her 
years rest lightly upon her, and with her many 
friends we join in the wish that she may yet be 
spared for many years to come. 

/-^ EORGE F. H. BARBER is a representative 
V^T of one of the early settled families of 
Waukesha County, being the only surviv- 
ing son of Silas and Amelia (llasbrouck) Barber. 
He is a native of the town of Delafield, this coun- 
ty, where his birth occurred September 1, 1850. 
Since about six months old his home has been in 
Waukesha. Mr. Barber enjoyed superior educa- 
tional advantages, which have been supplemented 
b3- extensive reading. After attending the Union 
School he entered Carroll College, completing the 
course in 1869. The following year he became a 
student at Princeton University, Princeton, N. J., 
from which institution he graduated with the de- 
gree A. B. in 1873. Returning home he engaged 
actively in the liver3' business in company with 
his father until it was disposed of. He owns a fine 
farm in Waukesha Township, and for years has 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



753 



carried on agriculture. Since 1892 he lias assisted 
in llie National Exchange Bank of Waukesiia. 

Mr. Barber was married ()ctol)er 21, 1875, to 
Miss hydia i). Bacon, who w.is born in Waukesiia, 
and is a daughter of Winchel D. Bacon, one of the 
well known pioneers of this county. Mrs. Barber 
was educated in the public schools at Carroll Col- 
lege and in a seminary at Kockford, 111. Two chil- 
dren, Winchel V. and (Jeorge Stanle}', have been 
born to Mr. .and Mrs. Barber. Both husband and 
wife are zealous workers in the Presbyterian Church, 
in which he is serving as Elder and Trustee. 

In his political principles the subject of this 
sketch is a Republican, though he has never sought 
oflicial honors or emoluments, preferring to devote 
his time and energies to his private business, in 
which no one would accuse him of having made a 
failure. 

^ P • 



<^T^ LEX MELVILLE, who is both widely and 
y — \ favorably known in Waukesiia Count}-, 
now resides on section 2, Lisbon Town- 
ship. He belongs to that class of sturdy Scotch- 
men who are numbered among America's best 
adopted citizens. He was born in Perthshire, 
Scotland, Jaiiuar}* 28, 1834, and was the second in 
a family of four children, whose parents were 
Peter and Amelia (Bruce) Melville.. His sisters 
were Janet, wife of .James Will, an early settler 
of Lisbon Township; Mary, wife of Edward Mc- 
Carten, a retired farmer of the same township, and 
Elizabeth, wife of David Will, an agriculturist of 
Blue Earth County, Minn. The father of this fam- 
ily was born in Perthshire, Scotland, November 
22, 1801, and died in May, 1884. He carried on 
business both as a teamster and grocer, his wife 
having charge of tlie store. In 1845, he bade 
adieu to friends and native land, and with his 
family crossed the Atlantic in the sailing-vessel 
"Hector" which left Liverpool, and after a voyage 
of five weeks and two da^-s dropped anchor in the 
harbor of New York. He then went up the Hud- 
son River to Albany, by the Erie Canal to Buffalo, 
and by the Great Lakes to .Milwaukee, where he 
arrived in September, 1845. He purchased (ifty- 



two acres of canal land, upon which not a tree had 
been felled, a furrow turned, or an improvement 
made, but he at once began to plow and plant and 
at last developed a good farm. The log cabin 
home was 22x30 feet in size, and in a garret above 
the living rooms the children slept. Indians were 
in the neighborhood, all kinds of wild game could 
be had, and many of the now thriving towns and 
villages had not yet sprung into existence. Farm- 
ing was done witii crude machinery, but at length 
civilization and progress brought its comforts. In 
early life Mr. Melville was a Democra'., but after- 
ward became a Republican, and he and his wife 
were members of the Congregational Church. His 
death occurred in May, 1884, and Mrs. Melville, 
who was born in 1801, died in 1857. 

Alex Melville was a child of about eleven years 
when he came to the Badger State. He remained 
at home until twenty-five years of age, when, on 
the 17th of March, 1859, he married Nancy Tracy, 
by whom he had three ciiildren, two yet living, 
Amelia, now the wife of Charles Weeks, a leading 
farmer of Lisbon Township, by whom she has two 
sons and a daughter, and Edward, an expert car- 
penter, who resides in Grand Porks, Minn. The 
mother of this family was born in Rhode Island in 
1837, and her death occurred in 1867. 

For a second wife, Mr. Melville chose Elizabeth 
Gilmour, and their union, celebrated March 17, 
1868, has been blessed with six children. Agnes, 
the eldest, was graduated from Carroll College in 
the Class of '89, and is now a successful teacher in 
the Mary Allen Seminary of Crockett, Tex., an in- 
stitution for the education of freed men. She has 
been a teacher and missionary at that pl.ice for 
four years; John, who was also a student in Car- 
roll College, is his father's assistant. In politics 
he is a Republican; James, who was a student in 
Carroll College and graduated from the Normal 
College of Valparaiso, Ind., in the Class of '94, is 
a young man of marked ability. Thomas, who 
graduated from Carroll College in the Class of '93, 
is now studying for the ministry in a Lulled Pres- 
byterian College of Tarkio, JIo.; David and Har- 
vey are still with their parents. Mrs. Melville was 
born in Waukesha County, December 19, 1842, and 
is a daughter of John and Ann (Chambers) Gil- 



764 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



mour, who were natives of Scotland, and oame to 
this country in 1842. The father died May 12, 
189-1, and the mother passed away some years pre- 
vious. Tiiey were both iiigiily respected citizens. 
Mr. Melville became familiar with all the hard- 
ships and trials of i)ioneer life, and is familiar with 
the histor3' of the county in its early da\'S. When 
he began life for himself he went in debt for forty- 
seveu acres of land, but now owns one hundred 
and eighty acres on section 2, Lisbon Township, 
free from all encumbrance. It is under a high 
state of cultivation and well improved, and is a 
monument to the thrift and enterprise of the 
owner. Since casting his first vote for Oen. John 
C. Fremont he has supported the men and meas- 
ures of the Republican party. For nine years he 
was oflicially connected with the schools of this 
community, and the cause of education finds in 
him a warm friend. He and his family are all 
members of the United Presbyterian Church, and 
are peoi)le of prominence in this community, who 
hold a high position in social circles. 



•St^ 



fc»»»c^ps= 



i 



AMES AVALSH. For over a quarter of a 
century has the gentleman whose name 
^^ heads this article been an honored and re- 
spected citizen of Waukesha County, and one 
who is widely known for his integrity and honor. 
Mr. Walsh is a native of Orleans County, N. Y., 
his birth occurring in September, 182'.», being 
second in a family comprising four sons and three 
daughters whose jiarents were William and Sarah 
(Givens) Walsh. Of his father's family there are 
five members now living, namely: Margaret makes 
her home with our subject; .lames comes next; 
John is a prosperous farmer of the town of Mer- 
ton; Robert is Postmaster at Scottsville, Monroe 
County, N. Y.; and Sarah resides at the liome Of 
her brother James. William Walsh was a native 
of the Emerald Isle, and there grew to manhood 
and married. He received a lil)eral education and 
prior to his emigration to this country followed 
the profession of teaching. His marriage to Miss 
Givens was celebrated in his native land, and soon 



thereafter he and his young wife sailed for the 
New World. They were many weeks in crossing 
the Atlantic, and upon their arrival in America 
had but small means with which to begin. How- 
ever, the young husband did not hesitate to en- 
gage in whatever presented itself, whether just 
what he desired or not. He was first employed 
on the F]rie Canal, where he worked for some 
time, but was finally clerk and bookkeeper in the 
Medina Flouring Mills, of Medina, N. Y., one of 
the largest mills in the slate. Passing away in the 
prime of life, his death occurred in New York. 

James Wal.sh spent the earlier part of his life in 
his native county, where lie obtained a common- 
school education. He was reared to farm life, 
which has ever since continued to be his chosen 
vocation. At the death of his father, which oc- 
curred while James was still (juite 3'oung, being 
the eldest son, the heavy responsibility of caring 
for his mother and the family devolved upon his 
shoulders. When nineteen years old he removed 
with his mother to Monroe County, N. Y., where, 
near Rochester, they purchased a farm of one hun- 
dred and twenty acres, having previously sold 
their farm at Medina, Orleans County. After re- 
siding there for twentj'-one years Mr. Walsh dis- 
posed of the property and located in a neat little 
home on the banks of Genesee River. In the 
Sluing of 1869 he and his family emigrated to 
Wisconsin, locating in Merlon Township on one 
hundred and sixty acres of land, which constitutes 
his present homestead. The improvements at that 
time were very meager, while the land lacked good 
cultivation, but to-day it presents a delightful 
a|)pearance. The farm is well located and finely 
watered; it lies near Pine Lake, and on it is one of 
the largest springs in the county, from which flows 
many barrels of cold sparkling water daily, while 
through the southwestern |)art runs the Bark 
River. The natural resources, taken in connection 
with the excellent improvements, make it one of 
the most desirable, as well as the most valuable, 
farms in the township. His beautiful residence 
was erected in 1887, and is surrounded with all 
the necessary outbuildings found on a well con- 
ducted farm. 

Mr. Walsh was married on the 5th of February, 




W. H. S. EDWARDS. 



PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRATHICAL RECORD. 



757 



1856, to Miss .Teannette Gray, who was born in 
1837, near Montreal, Canada. Mrs. Walsli was 
reared in Caledonia, N. Y., and there received lier 
education. Her parents, Alexander and Anna 
(Vass) Cray, were natives of Scotland, llie father 
following the occupation of a farmer. There were 
but two children in their family, the other one be- 
ing David Cray, of Scottsville, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. 
Walsh became the parents of three children: Anna 
G., who is the widow of William E. Smith, resides 
with her parents. She received her education in 
the district schools and at Carroll College, where she 
was a student for several terms. She has taught 
successfully in the schools of Waukesha County 
for sixteen terms, holding among different posi- 
tions the I'rincipalship at Martland in 1882, and 
the position of Primary A.ssislant in the schools 
of Jlerton. Her professional career was begun 
before she was sixteen years old. On reaching 
womanhood she became the wife of a Mr. Smith, 
a native of Waukesha Count3', who was a telegraph 
operator on the Chicago & Northwestern Rail- 
road at Sullivan, Wis. He had taken the course 
at Valentine's School of Telegraphy at Janesville, 
Wis., and was an excellent 0|)erator. Of this union 
two children were born, Arthur J., deceased, and 
Helen A. The second child in Mr. Walsh's family, 
Sarah E., is the wife of George Dopp, a hardware 
merchant of Ashland, this stale. Mrs. Dopp was 
educated in the public schools, and for two terms 
was the primary teacher at Mcrton. They have 
two childroi, Marion J. and -lames Lawrence. 
Helen Mar, the youngest in the family, who was 
also educated in the common schools, wedded Dr. 
Frank R. Wright, of North (ireenlield, a graduate 
of Rush Medical College of Chicago. They have 
one child, Marjerie J. 

Mr. Walsh is a standi Republican, having sup- 
ported the first candidate put forward by that 
party. He cast his vote both times for Lincoln. 
He still continues to vote for its men and meas- 
utes and takes a lively interest in its success. He 
has been prf>niinently connected with Ihc |)ublic 
schools for a number of years as Clerk and Direc- 
tor. At present he is the eHicient Chairman of 
the Town l?oard of Supervisors, this being his liflh 
term in thatolllce. In every position to which he 



has been called he has discharged its duties in 
such a n)aniier as to win the confidence of his fel- 
low-townsmen; as a citizen he stands high in 
the estimation of all who know him. He and his 
wife are ever ready to give their support and en- 
couragement to all measures that promise to ad- 
vance the interests of their community. Their 
family is numbered among the leading ones in the 
town, and as such enjoys the esteem of a wide cir- 
cle of friends and acquaintances. 



-•^^I 



a> 



■B 



\^ 



WILLIAM II. S. EDWARDS, an agricul- 
turist of Lisbon Township residing on 
section 27, is numbered among the na- 
tive sons of Waukesha County. He was born on 
the old Edwards homestead. May 14, 18(51, and is 
a son of John and Mary (Mclntyre) Edwards, who 
are represented elsewhere in this volume. He be- 
gan his education in the common schools and his 
early privileges were supi)leinented by two years' 
attendance at Carroll College. He thus .acquired a 
good education and for a number of years he en- 
gaged in teaching in Waukesha County, being 
quite successful in this work. He won sin enviable 
reputation and for nineteen terms he w.-is Princi- 
pal of the schools of Sussex. He also taught four 
teniis in the Plank Road District and an equal pe- 
riod in District No. IG. 

As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey 
Mr. Edwards chose Miss Martha J. Redford, and 
their marriage was celebrated October 2!l, 1881. 
B}' their union have Ikcii born two bright little 
daughters, Mi'rtle and Florence, who are the life 
of their parents' home. 

In his political views Mr. Edwards is a stanch 
Republican, and with .lohn A. Ro<lgeis, .lohn A. 
Small and .lames Templeton is regarded .as one of 
the "Big Four" leaders of the party in this locality. 
He cast his first Presidential vote for lion. .lames 
G. lilaine, and has ardently supported Hepiihlican 
principles. He has been honored with some pub- 
lic offices, for two years w.as Chairman of the Town 
Hoard of Supervisors, was Township Cleik for two 
terms and has frerjuently been delegate to the 



758 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



county conventions. His public duties liave ever 
been discliarged with a promptness and fidelity 
which have won liini high commendation. Socially 
Mr. Edwards is connected with the Masonic fra 
ternity, being Secretary of Ashlar Lodge of Sussex. 
He is also Secretary of Morris Camp No. 1126 M. 
W. A. His life has been well and worthily passed 
and those who know him esteem him higlily for 
his sterling worth. He and his wife hold an en- 
vial)le position in social circles and arc numbered 
among the best citizens of their natrvc county. Mr. 
Edwards is a member of St. Alban's Church at 
Sussex, Wis. 



JOHN SPERHEH, an early settler of this coun- 
ty, and proprietor of the National Hotel of 
Waukesha, was born at Sulzbacb, Bavaria, 
(iermany, April 30, 18.32. He had reached 
about his fifth year when he was deprived by death 
of his father, and was conscipiently left to the care 
and guardianship of his mother. Until fourteen 
years of age he attended school; at that time a 
neighbor, John Ileislcutner, was preparing to come 
to the United States and was desirous of having 
young Sperber accompany him, promising to pay 
his passage and let him work it out after reaching 
this country. In 1847 he set sail from Bremen 
and six weeks later reached New York City, where 
they remained for three weeks, thence came to 
Buffalo, and after a short stop continued their 
journey to Milwaukee. In the last named city 
Mr. Ileislcutner embarked in the grocery business, 
but in the same year was induced by friends to 
come to Waukesha County and open a hotel a few 
miles north of the county seat. A year and a half 
was suflicient to convince that gentleman that he 
had made a mistake in starting in business there, 
and as a result he abandoned it and came to the 
village of Waukesha, where for a number of years 
he engaged in the brewing business. In all these 
business enterprises Mr. Sperber assisted. In the 
brewery he was employed for six years, becoming 
foreman. Later he tended bar for his old em- 
ployer, but in 1856 opened a saloon and oyster 
house on his own account. His next venture was 



the purchase of a grocery store, which he conduct- 
ed about three years. The lot on which the Na- 
tional Hotel stands was acquired bj- Mr. Sperber 
in 1870. though it then had only a dwelling house 
upon it, to which he built a stone addition. The 
fine three-stor^' stone structure which now consti- 
tutes the National Hotel was erected in 1887. It 
has a capacity for accommodating comfortably 
about eighty guests. This hotel, located at the 
corner of Main and AVest Streets, though not the 
largest is one of the best equipped hotels in Wau- 
kesha. 

Mr. Sperber was married in that village Novem- 
ber 13, 1860, to Miss Barbara Conrad, who was 
born April 1, 1838, near Nuremberg, Bavaria, Ger- 
many, and with her parents came to the United 
States in 18,0;;, locating at Waukesha. Of this un- 
ion has been born three children, one of whom 
died in infancy. Oscar, the oldest living, was ed- 
ucated in the public schools and at Carroll Col- 
lege, and is now manager of the National Hotel. 
Emma presides over the affairs of the house in the 
place of her mother, who was called to the spirit 
world ,!une 15, 1893. 

^Ir. Sperber is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, and in political faith is a 
Democrat. From a business standpoint he has met 
with exceptional success. When he landed in this 
country he was in debt the i)rice of his transpor- 
tation, but by industry and judicious investment 
has become one of the well-to-do citizens of Wau- 
kesha. With the assistance of his son and daugh- 
ter he keeps one of the neatest and best appointed 
hotels in the village, as is indicated by the liberal 
patronage he receives from the traveling public. 



BERNARD CASPER, an old settler and the 
present Tostmaster of New Berlin, is a 
native of Alsace-Lorraine, where his birth 
occurred June 30, 1824. His parents were Joseph 
and Catherine (Uendinger) Casper, who had eight 
children, five boys and three girls, four <^>f whom 
are living, as follows: Martin is a resident of 
Chantilly, Fiance; Lizzie is the widow of Anthony 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



759 



Stiasser,a fanner in the Old Country'; Bernhard is 
next, and Alois is a tailor of Milwaukee. Tlie gen- 
tleman whose name heads this article received a 
coninion-school educHtion in iiis iiativc land, and 
assisted on liis father's farm until he decided to 
emigrate to America. From Havre, France, in 
May, I81u, he sailed on the French vessel "Phtt-- 
nix," and after thirty-three days landed at New 
York. Tlie following d.iy he went to Albany by 
way of the Hudson Hiver, and from tliat city to 
Rochester on the Erie Canal, where he engaged as 
an apprentice to learn the cooper's trade, serving 
one year. At the expiiation of that time he 
crossed from Buffalo to Canada, going over tiie 
river on the ice, and made his home at Waterloo, 
wlieie he engaged at work at his trade during the 
winter. From there he went to Preston, Canada, 
where he resumed the coopering business, and 
wliere he met and wedded Catherine Lehmann, 
a daughter iif Joseph Lehmann, a native of Al- 
sace-Lorraine, born in 1824. In 1816 Mrs. Casper, 
in company with a cousin, Micliael Saltz, crossed 
the ocean and made her home in the village of 
Preston till her marriage. 

Two days after their wedding the young couple 
crossed over to Buffalo, where tliey took passage 
for Milwaukee, landing in that city four days 
afterward. Here Mr. Casper carried on business 
on his own account, making Hour and pork hav- 
rels, in exchange for which he received store-|)ay. 
In 1851, after a residence of four years in Mil- 
waukee, he removed to tlie town of New Berlin, 
where he bought ten acres of comparatively un- 
improved land, upon which stood a small frame 
house and a log cooper shop. He immediately re- 
sumed work at his trade, replacing the old tumble- 
down shop with a more modern and substantial 
log building. From time to time ."Mr. Casper added 
to his original purchase until he now owns a line 
farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres, about 
twenty-five acres of which remain in timl)er. prin- 
cipally maple. The residence he occupies was 
erected in the year 1861, in wiiich he opened a 
tavern for the accommodation of the public. Here 
he carried on his shop and entoi'tained emigiaiits, 
numy of whom later found homes In the town of 
New Berlin. Some eighteen yeare ago Mr. Casper 



discontinued coopering, and has since given his 
attention to the o])eration of his hotel, increasing 
trade demanding his time. 

Mr. and Mrs. Casper had a large family, num- 
bering thirteen children, as follows; George, born 
June 12, 184!t. died September 1, 18.-(0; Joseph, 
born September 11, 18.'>0, died April 1, 18.5;); Ber- 
nard, born January 31, 1852, operates a hotel at 
Oconomowoc; Alois, born September 15, IH.'j.'J, is 
a farmer and stoek-ralser of New Berlin Township; 
Catherine, born April 20, 1855, married Jacob Ser- 
Ing, a farmer of Franklin Township, Milwaukee 
County; Elizabetli, born November 111, 1856, be- 
came the wife of John Schiltz, a farmer of Pros- 
pect; Andrew, born September 5, 1858, is a very 
popular hotel man on the Mukwonago Roail; Jo- 
seph, born May 21, 1860, died April 16,1861; 
Ynlenllne, born February 14, 1862, is a merchant 
at Sullivan, Jefferson County, Wis.; John V., born 
January 4, 1864, is Assistant Postmaster. He has 
always resided at home with his parents, being a 
valuable helper in conducting the business. He 
is deservedly popular with young and old, and 
has the esteem of all wiio know him. November 
18, 1890, he was married to AHss Mary (ireiler,a na- 
tive of North Greenfield, Milwaukee County, who 
was born February 15, 1875, and died .Fiily 4, 1894. 
They have two children, \'alentine and Rosalie, 
who are the pride of their grandfather in his de- 
clining years. The next child In Mr. Casper's 
family, Mary, born October 18, 1867, died in Feb- 
ruary, 1870; William, born April 13, 1870, died 
when thirteen months old; and another child died 
in infancy. July 12, 1892, the mother of this 
family, passed to the spirit world and was laid to 
rest in the cemetery of the Holy .\i)ostles' Church. 
She was much beloved In New Berlin, and w.ns a 
kind neighbor and a devoted mother. 

Mr. Casper began life a poor man, but by hard 
work and close attention to business has accumu- 
lated a good property. He is a firm believer in 
the principles advocated by the Dcniocratic party, 
and by that party has been luniored by election 
to the oftice of Side-Supervisor, which position he 
has lilled.at different limes, for a period of twenty 
years, and he h.ns been School Clerk for three years. 
He is a devout Catholic and has contributed lib- 



760 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



crally toward the erection and support of the 
Catholic ehurclies of Xew Berlin, having been 
a Director in the first one Iniilt at that place 
For church and school purposes he has i>;iven three 
acres of ground, their lieautiful cemeter_v occup3-- 
ing a part of that gift. He was appointed Post- 
master of New Berlin under Cleveland's first ad- 
ministration. Mr. Casper is now in his seventieth 
year, and has witnessed the growth of New Ber- 
lin from a wilderness to a line agricultural section. 
Progressive and energetic, he has a wide circle of 
friends, few men being better known in that com- 
munity- 






/■'^ P:()HGE W. STEELE, an honored and re- 
V ^ spected citizen of the village of Pewau- 
kee, has been a resident of Waukesha Coun- 
ty for thirtj'-nine years. lie is a native of the 
town of Lenox, Madison Count}', N. Y., born 
August 7, 1837, and is removed eight genera- 
tions from John Steele, the progenitor of the fam- 
ily in America. John .Steele was horn in Essex 
County, England, and emigrated to America in 
16.'?1 or 1632, locating in Newtown, now Cam- 
bridge, Mass., but soon after removed to Connec- 
ticut, where he became one of the founders of the 
city of Hartford in 1635. In that place a monu- 
ment w.as erected to the memory of tlie founders, 
and among the names appearing thereon is that 
of John Steele. The members of the family were 
possessed of good minds, many of them being 
numbered with the foremost scholars of their day. 
One bent was quite marked, that was their love 
of and excellency in mechanics. On the 16th c>f 
September, 1680, occurred the marriage of John 
Steele's son, John Steele, Jr., and Miss Mercj', 
daughter of William Bradford, the second Co- 
lonial (iovernor of Massachusetts. 

The grandfather of f!eorge W. Steele, whose 
name ai)pears at the head of this article, was Jesse 
Steele, who was born in LitchQeld Count}', Conn., 
in I7r(r), and died at New Hartford, in the same 



state, on the 6th of May. 1815. He was a hero of 
the Kevolutionar}' War and participated in manj' 
of the most important events of that memorable 
struggle. lie was present at the battle of Sara- 
toga, the capture of Ft. Lee, the action of Horse 
Neck, and saw the one hundred stone steps down 
which (Jencral Putnam dashed on horseback. His 
son. Willis A. Steele, the father of George W., was 
born on the !)th of January. 1799, at Canton, 
Conn., and died in Pewaukce. Wis.. January 9, 
1881, his death occurring on his eighty-second 
birthday. He had two brothers, Jesse and Seger, 
both of whom were soldiers in the War of 1812. 

Willis A. Steele, who was a mechanic by trade, 
was reared in his native state. His education was 
obtained in the schools of those early da^-s, and 
through his personal efforts; a man of more than 
ordinary ability, he improved his spare moments, 
and thereby became well informed. 15eing a poor 
boy. he was early thrown on his own responsi- 
bility, and after his father's death, which occurred 
while he was still quite young, he had not only 
his own way to make, but to care for his wid- 
owed mother. In 1822, accompanied by his mother, 
he came to Madison County, N. Y., locating at 
Lenox, where he remained until his emigration to 
Wisconsin, and where his mother died March 22, 
1828. At that place he was married July II, 
1836, to Jliss Sophia, daughter of Levi and Phiebe 
(McEwen) Botsford. Of this union two children 
were born, namely: George W., of this record, and 
Clara C. The latter, who was educated at Wau- 
wautosa, Wis., became the wife of Ephraim Gif- 
ford (now deceased), a farmer of F]xcelsior, Minn. 
She has two sons living. Willis and (irant. Mr. 
Steele's wife preceded him to the spirit world 
many years, her death having occurred May 27, 
1845. In politics he was an old-line Whig and 
cast his first Presidential vote for James Monroe; 
just sixty years later his last ballot was cast in sup- 
port of the lamented James A. Garfield. During his 
residence in New York he was a member of the 
State militia, and rose from the ranks to the office 
of Colonel. The cause of temperance received his 
hearty support, he being identified with a number 
of organizations founded by its advocates; he was 
an otlicer in the (iood Templars Lodge and a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



761 



member of the Temple of Honor. He and his wife 
were members of the Presbj^terian Church in the 
state of New York; he took an active part in 
building the first church in his town in New York. 
A man of great concentration and force of cliar- 
actcr. honorable and upright in all the relations 
of life, lie commanded the respect and esteem of 
all who knew him. 

ficorge W. Steele was reared to tlic trade of a 
wagon and carriage maker. lie remained in his 
native state until nineteen yeai-s of age, and there 
attended the pul)lic sciiools. In March, 1H,56, he 
bade farewell to his old home and with his father 
turned toward the west, his destination being Lis- 
bon Township, Waukesha C'ount\-. However, he 
first went to McIIeniy County, 111., to visit friends, 
and then came to this county. He entered the 
academy at Wauwatosa that fall for a short term of 
study, after which he resumed work at his trade. 
Mr. Steele began without a dollar, but liy indus- 
try and frugality has accomplished more than 
man^' an other who has had every advantage in 
the start. In 1864 he came to Pewaukee, where 
he opened a shop, and has since carried on busi- 
ness. 

George W. Steele has been twice married, his 
first wife being Miss Mary E. Wilcox, a native of 
Illinois, to whom he was united on the 2()th of 
November, 1866. Willis Albert, familiarly known 
as "Bert." born .September 30, 1868. the only 
child of this marriage, was educated in the Pe- 
waukee schools. He is associated with his father 
in business, being a carriage maker and painter. 
A natural musician, he is a skillful performer on 
a large number of musical instruments, among 
which are the piano, organ, guitar, (lute, fife and 
brass instruments. A Republican in politics, he 
takes a lively interest in the successes of his [larty. 
His first Presidential vote w.as cast in support of 
Benjamin Harrison. Socially he is a member of 
Camp No. 1!)45, M. W. A., of Pewaukee. in which 
he is an ollicer. He is a consistent member of the 
Congregational Church of Pewaukee, and is an 
active worker and oflicial in the Young People's 
.Society of Christian Endeavor. Mr. Steele was 
called upon to mourn the death of his wife on the 
14th of April, 1873. Ou the 5th of December, 



1877, he wedded Miss Ella M., daughter of Rob- 
ert Curran, who became a resident of the town of 
Brookfield in 1836. and of Waukesha Township 
in 1875. To this union two daughters were born, 
Edna A. and .May. The former, whose birth oc- 
curred November 2. 1878, died on the Kith of 
July, 1884. She was the joy of the home, and 
her loss was a sad bereavement. The latter is 
aged seven years, and gives promise of more than 
ordinary ability. Mrs. Steele, who was educated 
in the public schools and in the Union School of 
Waukesha, was a successful teacher in the state of 
Michigan. She is a lady of culture, genial and 
pleasant, and in her home kind and loving. 

Politically Mr. Steele supports the men and 
measures of the Republican party, having cast his 
first vote for President Lincoln. He had the 
satisfaction of seeing the following Presidents: 
Lincoln, Grant and Hayes. By his fellow-citizens 
he has been selected to represent their interests at 
county and state conventions. A member of Lodge 
No. 186, I. O. O. F., of Pewaukee, he has passed 
all the chairs, and was one of the delegates se- 
lected to represent the local lodge at the Grand 
Lodge in Milwaukee and (ireenberg, the latter in 
1894. He and his wife are members of the Con- 
gregational Church, in which he has been an of- 
ficer many times. They give to the support of the 
various church benevolences, and take an active 
part in carrying on the work of the church. 

A student all his life. Mr. Steele has been a 
great reader of history, besides being posted on 
all general topics. He h.as a well selected library 
that indicates the line of thought that has at- 
tracted him most. Among his possessions Mr. 
Steele has some valuable and rare souvenirs. Tliere 
are three commissions issued to his father by the 
Governoi-s De Witt Clinton. Martin Van Buren 
and Marcy, of New York, in his possession, an 
old volume published in Boston in 1682, entitled 
"Covenant Keeping the Way to Blessedness:" The 
Connecticut Cnurant. published .Mond.a^-, Decem- 
ber 30, 179!t, which contains a full account of the 
obsequies of Gen. (ieoige Washington; a copy of 
"Woodbridge's Atlas." published in 1818; a copy 
of the Gjurant, containing a description of the 
battle of Waterloo, the Russian expedition and 



762 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the death of Napoleon in 1821. He also has a 
••Harrison Almanac," publisherl in 1841, a me- 
nienUj of the iiieniorabli! "Tippecanoe and Tyler 
Too" campaign. These relics cannot possibly be 
duplicated in the county. At present writin": Mv. 
Steele and his family are residing in a cozy, well 
funiished house in Pewaukee, where they have a 
large circle of friends and relatives. Here he ex- 
pects to spend tlie remaining days of his life. He 
has lived the life of an honest gentleman, and we 
gladly present llie full memoir of this sterling 
citizen and his family. 

T7> LON FFLLER, who is one of the oldest 
f C) living settlers of Waukesha County, has 
resided here since 1835. In Sliaftsbury, 
Bennington County, Vt., he was born on the '2d 
of September, 1816, being the second in a family 
numbering live sons .and seven daughters. His 
parents were Hosea and Deborah ((Ireene) Fuller, 
of whom more is given elsewhere. When twelve 
years of age Mr. Fuller accompanied his parents 
to Ohio, where they remained two years, coming 
at the expiration of llialtimc to Kalamazoo Coun- 
ty, Mich. There he remained at home until the 
ao'e of nineteen, when his father gave him his time. 
Not liking Michigan, the climate affecting his 
health, he decided to try his fortune in the terri- 
tory of Wisconsin. About this time he met M. 
I). Cutler at White Pigeon, Mich., the latter hav- 
ing just returned from Waukesha County, where 
he had made a claim, to make some preparations 
prior to his removal thence. Mr. Cutler urged 
Mr. Fuller to come with him to Waukesha County, 
and upon his deciding to do so. he and a friend, 
Isaac Judson, rigged up an old wagon, to which 
the}' hitched two yoke of oxen and started over- 
land for this county. Leaving home on the Gth 
of August, they were nearly three weeks on the 
road, and during that time did not sleep under a 
roof with the exception of one night spent at the 
home of Mr. Cutler at Door Prairie. The trip was 
made by way of Chicago, then better known as 
Ft. Dearborn, in the principal streets of which 
teams would raire. On reaching Prairieville, now 



Waukesha, they found a few log cabins without 
floors, windows or doors, and among the few sur- 
vivors of the .score of inhabitants who have since 
been identified with the interests of the county, 
may be mentioned Messrs. M. D. Cutler and Isaac 
.Smart. Indians far outnumbered the whites, and 
with the exception of the small number of rude 
houses no improvements had been made; the field 
for labor was large and the constantly increasing 
band of sturdy pioneers spent little lime in idle- 
ness, setting themselves zealously at work to make 
of this a desirable home. The natural conditions 
were most excellent and the result has far exceeded 
the hopes of the most sanguine. 

When they came they brought provisions enough 
to Last perhaps two months, and after these were 
consumed, Mr. .ludson was sent to Jlilwaukee to 
see what he could do. They had no money with 
which to buy, and unless sufficient provisions could 
be obtained to carry them through till the summer 
the settlers would be compelled to return to their 
old homes. Going to Milwaukee, Mr. Judson laid 
the matter before the old Indian trader, Solomon 
.luneau, who, when he heard that the settlers at 
Prairieville were sadly in need of food, rolled out 
a barrel of pork, one of tlour and two of meal, tak- 
ing Mr. Judson's note for the amount. The pork 
cost $33, the flour |!i5 and the meal *1(J, making 
a total of $fil. In order to use the meal they had 
to cut it out with aa ax, as it became heated and 
thereby almost unlit to eat. However, the settlers 
never forgot the kindness of Mr. Juneau, though 
the prices were steep. Deer and other wild game 
were plentiful, and by careful management they 
passed the winter of 1835-36 in their new homes. 
Messrs. Fuller and Judson, in order to liquidate 
the bill of ^64 for the provisions purchased of Mr. 
Juneau, teamed through the countrj', going from 
Milwaukee to Janosville, and from Milwaukee to 
Oconomowoc. On these trips they carried people 
to claims, receiving for their services ^5 per day. 
In the fall Mr. Fuller took a load of provisions for 
Mr. Juneau to Bark River, where a sawmill was to 
be erected, that being the second time a team had 
been over that route. This trip also completed the 
last payment on the hill. 

The fanning implements used were of the most 



PORTRAIT AND IJIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD. 



763 



crude pattern, and as money was not plentiful in 
tills new country, were lars^ely tlic result of lionie 
manufacture. The |)!ows were provided with a 
wooden mold-board and wore made from the growth 
of a tree; best suited for the slo|)e. The plow fin- 
ished and foiu-yoke of oxen hitched to it, the out- 
fit for breaking the virgin soil was complete. Tiie 
harrow or drag was also, teeth and frame, made of 
wood. Tlieii' grain was cut with the old-fashioned 
cradle ami threshed with the Hail. The light for 
the home was furnished b^' the tullow dip made 
from deer fat, and sometimes a saucer full of fat 
with a rag laid in it served. The first merchan- 
dise sold in I'rairieville belonged to Solomon .Uiu- 
eau and was disposed of at the home of Mr. 
Walton, the first salesman l)cing, if Mr. Fuller re- 
members correctly, a Mr. Richardson. Mr. Fuller 
and Mr. Judson each claimed a half-section, and 
when the land sale commenced ])urcliased section 
33, which had not yet been surveyed, at a ?*1.25 
per acre. Mr. Fuller has in his possession the three 
deeds made on sheep-skin parchment and bearing 
the signature of President Tyler, and has since re- 
sided, for fifty-seven years, on the land therein de- 
scribed. The first house he erected was a log cabin 
18x22 feet in size, covered with a shake roof held 
in place by a log. Often during the winter they 
would find the tloor and bed covered with several 
inches of snow on waking in the morning. The 
habitation he and Mr. Judson first built was a very 
primitive atTair, not a nail being used in its con- 
struction; of this building there are some of the 
old puncheons on his premises to-day. Their bed- 
stead was made by setting a post some distance 
from the walls of the liou.se, while strips resting 
upon it were made secure in the wall. Upon this 
slabs were laid which were covered with liav or 
straw, while the bed was completed with a tick 
filled with the same. 

On the 11th of .laniiary. 1H13. Mr. Fuller was 
united in marriage with Miss I'rsula M. Sears, a na- 
tive of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and of this 
union three children were born, namely: (Jalusha 
E., born December 15, 1813, resides in Waukesha; 
Monroe L., born June 8, 1845, died December 29, 
1876; and Eugene S.. bf)rn April 8, 1850. also 
passed away December 2(», 1876. Mr. Fuller was 



called iijion to mourn the death of his beloved wife 
on the nth of January, 1881, after a wedded life 
of thirty-eight years, her death occurring on the 
anniversary of their marriage. In politics Mr. 
Fuller has always been a Democrat, though he has 
never taken an active part in political affairs. Me 
has ever i)een an ardent supporter of the public 
schools, and to Carroll College he has given most 
liberally. A true friend to all religious measures, 
he has aided in advancing the usefulness of the 
church by giving to its various benevolences. 

Mr. Fuller's present estate comprises one hun- 
dred and eighty-four .acres, l.ying within eighty 
rods of the limits of the village of Waukesha. It 
is one of the best farms in the town. For some 
time he has been interested in the dairy business, 
keeping a high grade of Jersey cows. His pro- 
ducts are shipped to Milwaukee, and during the 
summer of 1893 his income per month amounted 
to *200. At present he has some twenty-four cows. 
During his residence of almost three score years, 
Mr. Fuller has been closely identified with the 
growth of the county and town. Coming here 
when but a stripling, his capital comprising ^75 
in mone}' and a yoke of three year old steers, he 
has b^' industry and well directed effort become 
one of the substantial farmers of the county. 



-T^ MOS W. (iUlSWOLD, of the town of Pe- 
/ — \ waukee, is one of the oldest surviving set- 
tlers of Waukesha County, in which he 
h.as made his home continuously for a lialf cen- 
tury, lie is a native of Montgomery Country, N. 
Y., where his birth occurred April 15, 1809. His 
parents, John and Nancy ((iage) Ciriswold, had a 
family consisting of five children, of whom four 
survive, Mr. Oriswold being the oldest child and 
the only son now living. John Griswold, who 
was born in Connecticut, was a soldier in the War 
of 1812. His wife was the daughter of a sturdj' 
New Englander. 

Amid the scenes of farm life the gentleman 
whose name heads this article grew to manhood, 
his educational advantages being such as farmer 



764 



PORTRAn' AND KlOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



boys usually enj03'ed in an early day. His first 
business venture on attaining his majority' was 
tiie manufacture of buckskin goods, in which lie 
was engaged for some five or six years. Before 
leaving iiis native state Mr. Griswold married in 
May, 18.'i8, Miss Eiizalietii Coe, wiio was born in 
the Empire State and was o^ German extraction. 
In 1841 he emigrated to the territory of Wiscon- 
sin, locating in the town of Pewaukee, where he 
entered one hundred and eighty-eight acres of land, 
receiving a ])atent from the Government for the 
same. On this estate he still resides, having put 
every improvement on it and made it one of the 
desirable farms of the town. When it first came 
into his possession but three .acres had been broken, 
and in a primitive log cabin he and his wife be- 
gan their domestic life in the west. Indians of the 
Winneli.ago tribe often stopped at the home of 
this pioneer and one lived on his farm. At that 
lime Wisconsin had made ver^- little progress; no 
railroad, telegraph line, factory or other great in- 
dustry had as yet come within its borders; its niag- 
niticent cities were then mere villages. What a 
transformation has taken place within the brief 
span of one human life! Mr. Griswold has not 
only been an eye-witness to this progress, but in a 
quiet way has done his part toward developing 
the country. Whatever was for the good of the 
community and his fellow-citizens found in him an 
ardent su|)porter. All religious denominations, 
and especially the Congregational Church to which 
he and his wife belonged, were encouraged and 
assisted by him. For the public schools he was 
ever solicitous, and in an early day served as Su- 
perintendent of schools in Pewaukee Township. 

Ill his political views Mr. Griswold is an ardent 
Ki'puhlican, and by that party has been honored 
with various local ofliccs, such as Justice of the 
Peace and Supervisor of the town. Prior to the 
rise of the Republican party he was an old line 
Whig. In 1853 his estimable wife, who had been 
a true helpmate to him for forty-five years, passed 
from among the living. She was a woman pos- 
sessed of excellent qualities of mind and heart. 
Her family consisted of three sons as follows: Mil- 
ton S. IS the present County Judge of this county; 
John Albert farms the old homestead; II. AVillard, 



the youngest of the family, died in 1882 at the 
age of tliirty years. 

Mr. Griswold still owns one hundred and forty 
acres of his original purchase; the cabin home was 
replaced in 1856 by a substantial stone residence 
that promises to stand for generations. Though 
past eighty-five j'ears of .age his inental faculties 
are bright and active. A man well informed and 
of a genial disposition, Mr. Griswold is an inter- 
esting conversationalist. He is a type of the Chris- 
tian manhood which forms the sure foundation of 
social progress. 



€^ 



=»j.«.^ 



^ "\ S^EXZEL KELLNER, a thrifty and pros- 
V/ X/ perous farmer of Muskego Township, 
residing on section 8, is a native of 
Rushaupt, Austria, where his birth occurred Sep- 
tember 6, 1844. He is a son of Matthias and The- 
resa (Degelmann) Kellner, and is the second born 
in the family of six children, comprising three 
sons and three daughters, of whom the following 
are still living: Barbara became the wife of An- 
drew Spitzner, a farmer on section 17; Wcnzel is 
the next; John is a carpenter of Lay ton's Park, 
Milwaukee; Joseph, who is still abroad, is a potter 
by trade, but was called upon to serve as a soldier 
in his native land. 

Wenzel Kellner was reared and educated in his 
native village, and at the age of fourteen years 
was apprenticed to the trade of m.ason. He pur- 
sued his trade in many cities of Austria before de- 
ciding to come to America. In the spring of 1868 
he went to Bremen, where he took passage aboard 
a sailing-vessel bound for Quebec, arriving at his 
destination after a voyage of fifty-eight days. 
From the latter city he came by rail to Montreal, 
thence to Milwaukee by steamer. Here he spent 
two weeks working in a brick-^ard, going at the ex- 
piration of that time to the town of Muskego, where 
he found employment on the farm of Nicholas 
Schmidt, who lived on section 12. He worked for 
several farmers in this township, then made a trip 
to Manistee, Mich., where he was engaged in log- 
ging for two years. Returning to Muskego Town- 




H. M. PENDERGAST. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



767 



ship he was employed by tlie widow of .lohn Post. 
After two suniniers' services he married Mrs. Post, 
their marriage occurring on the 1st of December, 

1872. Mrs. Kellner isa native of Waukesha Cininty, 
born in the town of Musicego, .September 'J, IS 13, 
and is a daughter of John and Jane (Ferguson) 
Johnson. Her father, who was born in County Cork, 
Ireland, died when slie was a child of two years, hav- 
ing been a resident of this country but a few years. 
His wife wius a native of tiie same county as him- 
self, but of .Scotch descent. They were tlie parents 
of five children, four of whom survive: Mary be- 
came tiie wife of Charles Herring, a blacksmith of 
Muskego Centre; Sarah wedded William Iluard, a 
lumberman of Lynxville, Crawford County, Wis.; 
Frances is the wife of the gentleman wliti.-^e name 
appears at the head of this sketcli; John is a far- 
mer on section 18, iu the town of Muskego, and is 
the onl3' son. 

On the 18th of September, 1860, Miss Frances 
Johnson became the wife of John Post, their mar- 
riage being solemnized in the Episcopal Clniicli at 
Waukeslia. Mr. Post was born in England August 
27, 1820, and accompanied his parents to America 
in 1838, settling in tiie town of Muskego a few 
years later. By this union Mr. and Mrs. Post be- 
came the parents of four children, as follows: 
George E., born December li), 1861, is a cattle 
dealer of his native town; Mary E., born August 
7, 1863, became the wife of P. C. Willis,a railroad 
man of Chicago; Frank E., born July 18, 186,5, is 
a farmer of Walworth County, residing near Elk- 
iiorn; Albert J., born September 21, 186!), isaclerk 
in Marsiiall Field it Co.'s wholesale dry-goods 
house, Chicago. The last named took a three 
years' course at Carroll College, and for the last 
six years has been a resident of Chicag<^. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kellner have three children, one 
son and two daughters: Fred M., born August 22, 

1873, assists in operating the farm; Jennie M., born 
May !*, 1878, is a student in the Slate Normal at 
White Water, Wis.; Hattic F., born August 13, 
1881, is attending the district school. 

Mr. Kellner owns a good farm of one liuniired 

and sixty acres, of which about twenty remain in 

timber, located tliirteen miles from the corporate 

limits of Milwaukee and nine miles from the vil- 

27 



I lage of Waukesha. Few farms in Muskego Town- 
ship have a liner location, or are in a belter state 

j of cultivation. The members of his family are 
lirighl and interesting and none are more highly 
cs teemed. 



^#(^ 



MICyAEE H. PENDEHGAST. One of the 
young and representative farmers and 
worthy oflicials of the town of Lisbon is 
the gentleman whose name heads this biography. 
He IS a native of Waukeslia County, born Novem- 
ber 30, 1865. and is a son of Michael and Mary 
(Eaiinon) Pendergast, who were the parents of 
nine children, comprising three sons and six daugh- 
ters. The members of this family are all living 
save one and are named as follows: Anna is first; 
Thomas and Michael II. are twins; Thomas is a 
physician and surgeon of Milwaukee. His primary 
education w.as obtained in the public schools and 
supplemented bj' a course in Carroll College. His 
professional course was pursued in the Chicago 
Medical College, from which he graduated in the 
Class of '93. The next is Jennie, who was also 
educated in Carroll College. She is now employed 
as a saleslady in Milwaukee. Agnes was educated 
in the same institution. Kate, Lucy and W'illiam 
are at home. The latter was a student at Carroll 
College and at the Northern Indiana Normal School 
of \'alparaiso, Ind. .Sallie died January 2G, 1881, 
aged four years. The parents, both of whom are 
still living, were natives of Ireland. The fatiier 
came to America in the early days and first 
located in Wisconsin, buying land in the town of 
Lisbon, Waukesha County, where his present home- 
stead of one hundred and sixt^' acres is situated. 
What education he received was acquired in the 
common schools, and when he commenced life for 
himself he possessed but a small amount of capital. 
In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion he 
and his wife are Catholics, holding membership 
with St. James' Church of Menomonee Township. 
The gentleman wht)se name appears at the head 
of this biography was reared to the occupation of 
a farmer, which he still pursues. He was educated 



768 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in the public scliools of his town and at Carroll 
College, where he was a student for three years. 
After leaving college Mr. Pcndergast taught suc- 
cessfully in the schools of Waukeslia County for 
five terms. Mis entire life thus far has been spent 
in Ids native county and at his old home. Indus- 
trious and energetic, his life has been a busy, help- 
ful one. 

Politically he is a true Democrat, his maiden 
vote being cast forGrover Cleveland at his second 
candidacy. lie takes a lively interest in political 
affairs, and has been chosen b3' his fellow-towns- 
men to fill the office of Clerk of the District Schools 
for the last four j'cars, and also is the present in- 
cumbent. At the spring election of 1894, he v^as 
again elected Town Clerk, making his fourth term 
of service, in all of which he discharges the duties 
devolving upon him in a most satisfactorj' man- 
ner, and thereby has gained the confidence of the 
people. He is also Deputy' .Sheriff of Waukesha 
County, holding that position under .Sheriff Charles 
Deissner, and served in a like capacity under the 
administration of Chris Gaynor, the jiredecessor 
of the present incumbent. 

Like his parents, Mr. Pendergast is a member of 
the Catholic Church. A young man of sterling 
qualities, honorable and upright in business and 
social relations, he commands the respect of all 
who know him, and in the coniniunity where his 
bo^iiood and youth were spent is numbered among 
the representative young men. 



"« T 4^ ASHINGTON WALLACE COLLINS 
Y/V/ has been identified with the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway as sta- 
tion agent at Oconomowoc since April, 1865, a 
period of nearly forty consecutive years. He has 
the distinction of being the oldest in that capacity, 
serving at a single station, in the state of Wiscon- 
sin, and it may well be doubted whether there is 
a parallel case in the country'. Mr. Collins is a 
native of the town of Craftsbury, Orleans County, 
Vt., where he was born August 28, 1822, and is 
descended from old New England ancestry. His 



father was Julius Collins, while his mother's fam- 
ily name was Davidson. His maternal grandfath- 
er, Daniel Davidson, was a soldier in the War 
of the Revolution, and was jiresent at the sur- 
render of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. Daniel 
Davidson's father, the great-grandfather of tiie 
subject of this record, participated in the French 
and Indian War which began in 1755. Mr. Col- 
lins lias an interesting relic, consisting of a small 
hand mirror, carried by his ancestor in his knai)- 
sack dining the Revolutionary War, presumably 
to assist him in making his toilet after a hard fight 
with the British. In 1832 the parents of our sub- 
ject removed to Lowell, Mass., and thence to Bos- 
ton, where tlie father died in 184(). Later the 
mother married William K. Green, who died in 
Worcester, Mass. After the death of her second 
husband, the mother came to Oconomowoc, where 
she lived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Col- 
lins until her death in 1871. 

W. W. Collins was one of a family' of six chil- 
dren, three sons and three daughters. He was the 
youngest one of the family and is the only one 
now living. In 1843 he came from Boston to tlie 
territory of Wisconsin, landing in Milwaukee Oc- 
tober 23d of tliat year. He had attended school 
until old enough to begin to do something toward 
his own support, and had then engaged as clerk 
in a store. In ^Milwaukee he was in the boot and 
shoe business with his brother-in-law, George W. 
Fay. In September, 1844, he engaged in mercan- 
tile business in Oconomowoc with Mr. Fay, they 
being the first merchants at that place. Mr. Collins 
continued merchandising until he was employed in 
the railroad service. Officially he has held various 
positions in the years gone b^', including those of 
Town Clerk, Postmaster for five years, Supervisor, 
and Mayor of Oconomowoc for two terms. 

Mr. Collins w.as married in Oconomowoc, March 
17, 1847, to Julia A. Campbell, who was born in 
the town of ISIachias, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., 
April 28, 1824. Her parents were William and 
Elizabeth (Mudge) Campbell, natives of the Em- 
pire State. After marriage they settled in Catta- 
raugus County, and removed thence to Ohio in 
1835. lu 1841 the family emigrated to Ocono- 
mowoc, Wis., where the parents spent their last 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



769 



days. The fatlier died on the 3d of July, 1853, 
ayed sixty-Uvo years, and the motlier on the 17lh 
of August, 1873, at the age of ei,<jhty-two years. 
Their family consisted of live sons and two daugh- 
ters, of whom Mrs. Collins and three brothers 
survive. The eldest of these is William Camp- 
bell, and the second is Mrs. Collins; the next is 
Harvey, all residents of the city of Ocouoinowoc. 
The youngest, Hiram, resides in Aberdeen, S. J3ak. 

Mr. and Mrs. Collins have been blessed with 
eight children, live sons and three daughters; three 
of tliQ. former and two of the latter are living. 
The sons, who began their railroad nducaLion 
with their father, have all attained to high and 
responsible positions, ascending step by step, 
through merit and ability. Sumner J. Collins, 
the eldest of the three brothers, was born in 
Oconomowoc, March 24, 1848. He is now Gen- 
eral Superintendent of the Wisconsin Central Hail- 
road. Wallace Green, the second son, was born 
November 24, 1851, and now holds the position 
of General Superintendent of the entire system of 
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. Will- 
iam Webster, the youngest of the brothers, was 
born on the 23d of July, 18.i3, and is Superinten- 
dent of the Mineral Point and also of the Prairie 
du Chien Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee it 
St. Paul Railroad. The sons are all natives of 
Oeonomowoc, and were educated in the public 
schools of that city, and as already stated, received 
their primaiy railroad education under the in- 
struction of their father. The daughters are Julia 
K., at home, and Nellie M., wife of Percy C. Kld- 
ridge, of Ottumwa, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Collins 
were sadly atllicted in the death, by accident, of 
two i)roinising sons. Earnest S. and Charles H. 
The former was accidentally killed by the discharge 
of his gun while hunting, October 2.5, 1872, at the 
age of seventeen years. Tlie latter lost his life 
.Se))tember 30, 1881. He was a conductor on a 
freight train and is supposed to have been killed 
b}' falling from his train. Klizabeth, the deceased 
daughter, died March, 9, 18.')0, in earlj' infancy. 

Mr. Collins was a charter member of the first 
Blue Lodge of lhe>L»sonic fraternity instituted in 
Oconoraowoc, and is still an honored member of 
tliat order. The long series of years in which he has 



been in the employment of one of the greatest 
railroad corporations in the country is evidence 
of the confidence and esteem in which he is held 
by his employer, and this evidence is greatly en- 
hanced by the fact, that, though now through age 
and declining health he is unable to attend to the 
active duties of the pl.-ice, he still receives the 
comi)en.sation of agent, and has the general su- 
pervision of the work, while a you'iger man is 
employed to attend to the more active duties of the 
oflice. 

Mr. Collins has ever possessed the confidence of 
his fellow-citizens in a marked degree, ever being 
respected for his integrity and upright character. 
He and his wife are numbered among the earliest 
settlers of the city that has been their home for 
so many years, and are beloved for their many 
excellencies of mind and heart. 



OC -f-H"»"}"l-8"i"fr-»»» JaF 'i"i"i"^»'»'»'i"S'»-i"> IX> 

DR. KDWAKD ilAliVKY IIKWIT,of Ocon- 
DUiowoc, is one of the leading members of 
the dental profession of Waukesha Coun- 
ty. He has been engaged in the practice of den- 
tistry in the above-named city since November, 
1884. Dr. He wit is a native of Waukesha County, 
having been born in the town of Delafield, July 
27, 1857. His father, (Jeorge C. Hewit, was an 
early settler of that township, locating there in 

1847, where he still lives. Our subject is the sixtfi 
in order of birth in a family' of eleven children, 
comprising seven sons and four daughters. The 
sons arc as follows: Dr. Hamilton W. is a physi- 
cian at Friend, Neb. (ieorge C. own and operates 
a cattle ranch in Kansas. Dr. h'ving W. is a prac- 
ticing physician at Bellwood, Neb. Stephen Whip- 
ple resides on the home farm in the town of Dela- 
field. Dr. K. H. is the next. Frank W. is a banker at 
Guthrie, in Oklahoma. William E., the youngest of 
the brothers, is practicing dentistry in David City, 
Neb. The eltlest of the family is Helen Gertrude, 
wife of Ezra Wing, of Oconomowoc, who was born 
in the town of Summit, this county, March 22, 

1848. The second daughter is Anna M., who mar- 
ried Frank Jacijues, of Watcrtown, Wis.; Mary E. 



770 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



married Leslie Vanderpool, a merchant in the town 
of Delalield. The ^'oungest, Nina A., is at home. 
The inotiier of this family' died on the 11th of 
June, 1881. The father survives and still resides 
on the old homestead in Delafield Township. 

Dr. E. 11. Ilewit and three of his brotliers were 
educated in Wisconsin State University at Madi- 
son. For a number of years he was a successful 
teacher. lie studied dentistry under the direction 
of Dr. Mowe and was graduated from Pennsylva- 
nia College of Dental Surgery in Jlarch, 1884. 
The following November he returned to Ocono- 
mowoc and succeeded to the practice of his former 
preceptor, Dr. Mowe, who removed to Berlin, Wis. 

On the 1st of May, 1884, Dr. Hewit was married 
at Prairie du Sac, Wis., to Miss Sarah Ada. daugh- 
ter of Walter and Abbie Baldwin. Dr. llewit has 
an extensive practice and occupies a place in the 
front rank in his profession. He is a student and 
has acquired much knowledge of the world by 
travel. lie is an honored member of the orders of 
the Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons, and of the 
Knights of Pythias. 






JACOB MILHAM (deceased), who became a 
resident of Waukesha County in 1843, was 
a native of Ancram, Columbia County, N. 
Y., where he was born on the 7th of December, 
1816; he was the youngest in a family of four 
sous and four daughters born unto Jacob Milham, 
of whom but two survive, Acenith and John. The 
former is the widow of Lawrence Bosburgand now 
resides in Sodus, Wayne County, N. Y., hav- 
ing attained the advanced age of ninety years. 
The latter is also a resident of the Empire State, 
living at Orleans, Waterford County. He was a 
farmer by occupation, but is now retired, having 
reached a good old age. 

Jacob Milhani was reared and educated in his 
native state, but after reaching maturity decided 
to try his fortune in the west, and accordingly 
came to Wisconsin. Upon his arrival he located 
in Oconomowoc, where he purchased a large tract 
of land aggregating seven hundred acres, erecting 



his house on what is now known as Brown Street 
in the city of Oconomowoc, and so named in honor 
of one of its pioneers, Curtis B. Brown, who 
became a resident of that (ilace in 1H43, preceding 
his future son-in-law some time. It was here that 
Mr. Milham met and wedded Miss Martha, daugh- 
ter of Curtis B. and Betsey M. (Johnson) Brown. 
Their wedding occurred on the 9tli of April, 1846, 
the ceremony being performed by Rev. .1. M. 
Snow, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Ciiurch. 
Mrs. Milham was born August 19, 1820, in Berlin, 
Washington County, Vt., and is one of nine chil- 
dien,six of wliom are still living, their names and 
residences being as follows: Swayne K., a farmer 
and stock-raiser of Deshler Township, Tiiayer 
County, Neb.; Mary M., wife of John E. Richard- 
son, a bookkee|)er at (Ireen Bay, Wis.; Nelson II., 
a resident of California; Ljraan K., a traveling 
salesman of Topeka, Kan.; Frank E., a farmer and 
stock-raiser of Oconomowoc, Wis.; and Clement 
H., a resident of Medford, Taylor County, Wis. 
Curtis B. Brown was born in Hanover, Grafton 
County, N. H., March 25, 1806, and was the eldest 
in a family of ten children, three of whom survive. 
Ills father, Edward Brown, was a carpenter by 
trade at that place. Curtis B. Brown was reared 
in the east and there married Betsey' M. Johnson, 
a native of the state of New York, born on the 15th 
of September, 1808. In 1837 the young couple 
came to the territory' of Wisconsin, locating on the 
site now known as Summit, but in 1843 removed 
to (Jconomowoc, wlieie they jiassed the remainder 
of their lives. Mrs. Brown 's death occurred on the 
22d of January, 1883, and that of her husband 
January 15, 1890. They are numbered among the 
early and honored settlers of Waukesha Countj-. 
Mr. Brown owned a fine farm of two hundred and 
eighty acres near Oconomowoc, upon which he had 
resided for more than fifty years, and few men 
were better known or more beloved than was he. 
Mr. and Mrs. Milham began their domestic life 
in a frame house erected on their farm at Ocono- 
mowoc. Neighbors were few and far between in 
tliose days, but they lived to see the country de- 
velop into a fine farming section dotted with com- 
fortable homes. In 1852 Mr. Milham disposed of 
his interests at Oconomowoc and removed to Will- 



PORTRAIT AND BTOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



771 



iamsoD, Wayne County, N. Y., where he spent fifteen 
years, and at the expiration of that period returned 
to the former city and embarked in mercantile 
pursuits. Two years later he bought one hundred 
and twenty acres of partially improved land in 
the town of I'ewaukee, and 5.()me four years after- 
ward purchased a farm of seventy acres on section 
7, New Berlin Township, where he spent the re- 
mainder of his life, passing away on the 2()th of 
May, 1883. lie was laid to rest in Prairie Ceme- 
tery, Waukesha, where a monument was raised to 
his memory. His death was mourned by a large 
circle of friends and acquaintances, lie was a 
man who took an active part in the affairs of the 
community and one whose loss was deejily felt be- 
yond the home. Politically he was a Republican 
and an advocate of all measures that promised to 
better the condition of his country and its citizens. 
Mr. and Mrs. Milham became the parents of two 
boys, Curtis F. and Henr3' A., both natives of 
Oconomowoc. The former, born August 11, 1848, 
attended the common schools of Wayne County', 
N. Y., and upon the return of the family to 
Wisconsin took a two years' course at Lawrence 
University, from which he graduated with honors. 
lie is now a traveling salesman for Kipp Bros., of 
Milwaukee, witli which firm he has been emplo3-ed 
for over ten years. January 13, 1876, he wedded 
an accomplished lady oi Waukesha, Miss Jennie 
Patterson, and now resides in Milwaukee. They 
have one child, Nellie P., who is a student in the 
Milwaukee High School and is also pursuing her 
studies in vocal and instrumental music. The lat- 
ter, Henry A., was born July 8, 1851. His boy- 
hood was spent in Wayne County, N. Y., where he 
attended the public schools, and after coming back 
to Oconomowoc was a student at a private school 
kept by Mrs. M. L. Woodruff, a pioneer teacher of 
that place. After his school work was completed 
he returned to the farm, but when twenty-two 
years of age went into the lumber region of Brown 
County, Wis., where he was employed as a sawyer 
in a sawmill. He was absent from home some four 
years, visiting In the time Green Bay, Wis., where 
he met and wedded Mi.ss Ella J. Wheelock, a 
daughter of B. F. and Harriet P. (Stanford) 
Wheelock. Upon the death of his father Mr. Mil- 



ham was called home to assume charge of his fa- 
ther's estate, which under his able management has 
developed into a line farm with a good brick resi- 
dence and modern barns thereon. The farm is 
finely situated, with running water, and is one of 
the best cultivated in this section of the country. 
Mrs. Milham survives her husband and still re- 
sides on the old homestead in the town of New 
Berlin, being the |)ride and joy of the home, espe- 
cially of her grandson James, who came to bless 
the home March 16, 1884. She is well preserved, 
notwithstanding the fact that she has passed 
through the trials and hardships of pioneer life, 
and, all things considered, may enjoy many more 
years. 

- — ^ m c^ — • 

BYRON V. VANDERPOOL, senior member 
of the lirm of Vanderpool Bros., general 
merchants of the village of Delafield, is a 
native of Waukesha County, his birth having oc- 
curred in the town of Vernon on the 19th of May, 
1858. He is the oldest in a family of six children 
whose parents are George J. and Catherine (A'an 
Buren) Vanderpool.. 

The subject of this article spent his Iwyhood 
and youth on his father's farm, where he early 
learned lessons of thrift and economy that have 
been of untold value to him in his business career. 
His education was obtained In the public schools 
of his native county. He remained at home aud 
worked on the farm until his twenty-eighth year 
was reached, then went to River Falls, where he 
was engaged as a clerk. He continued in that po- 
sition for three \'ears, at the end of which time he 
came to the village of Delafield, and in company 
with his brother Leslie bought out J. J. Ilalfin, who 
was conducting a general store. They immedi- 
ately replenished the stock of goods and contin- 
ued business in the same store room for a year and 
a-half. They then removed to their present loca- 
tion where they still carry on general merchan- 
dising. They carry a full line of such g<x)ds as 
are calculated to meet the demands of their cus- 
tomers, and by courteous and fair treatment of 
customers have secured a large patronage. Their 



772 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



business amounts to some $12,000 per year. For 
the accommodation of tlie public Jlessrs. Vander- 
pool have a public telephone in their store. 

In politics Mr. V'anderpool gives his support to 
the men and measures of the Repul)licau party. 
He has been elected to various town oflices; was 
Town Treasurer of Vernon Township, and in Del- 
afield has served as .Justice of the Peace, Town 
Clerk and as a Director of the School Board. He 
Is an enterprising and public-spirited man and 
whatever he undertakes receives his undivided at- 
tention. 

Mr. Vanderpool chose for a life companion Miss 
Ella Tinker, to whom he was married June 4, 1891. 
The bride was a daughter of James and Elizabeth 
(Graham) Tinker, early settlers of Wisconsin. 
Both father and mother were natives of Devon- 
shire, England. From there they emigrated to the 
United States, settling in Milwaukee, where the 
former worked at his trade, that of a mason. The 
father died in February, 1884, and the mother 
February 10, 1889. 

The junior member of the above lirm, William 
Leslie Vanderpool, was born September 17, 1866, 
also in Vernon Township. He enjoyed good edu- 
cational advantages, being a graduate of Wauke- 
sha High School. After completing his literary 
education he took u commercial course at Valpa- 
raiso, Ind. On the 5th of June, 189.3, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Matie Hewitt, by 
whom he has one child, Beryl Bell. The "Winder- 
pool brothers are young men of push and energy, 
and of good Inisiiiess ability. 



-m^ 



zmir- 



JOHN TEMPERO has the honor of being one 
(if the native sons of Waukesha County and 
is one of her progressive and prominent 
farmers, living on section 34, Lisbon Town- 
ship. He was born October 31, 1850, and is a son 
of Charles and Helen (Runcliman") Tempero. The 
father was born in Oxfordshire, England, about 
1808, anil died in 1881. lie received but a limited 
education and was early inured to hard labor. 
With the hope of bettering his linancial condition 



he came to America in 1842, sailing from Liver- 
pool to New York, where he arrived after a voy- 
age of seven weeks. Joining some English friends 
in Rochester, N. Y., he there remained for about a 
year, when he came to Waukesha County, which 
was then a part of Milwaukee County, while the 
state was yet a territory. He at that time had 
only l>8, but he was industrious and enterprising; 
he entered a claim of one hundred and sixty acres 
of canal land, broke the first half acre with a 
spade, and continued its cultivation until he was 
the owner, of a rich and fertile farm. His first 
home was a log cabin and he did his work with 
ox-teams. The wheels on his first wagon were cut 
from ends of logs and a hole bored through the 
center for *.he axle. Farming was done w^ith an 
old-fashioned cradle and flail, and though there 
were many hardships to be borne, those pioneer 
days were happy ones. In politics Mr. Tempero 
was a Republican and in religious belief was an 
Episcopalian, but his wife held membership with 
the United Presbyterian Church. She was born 
in Glasgow, Scotland, April 6, 1830, emigrated to 
America in 1849, and died February 24, 1890. 

This worthy couple were parents of six chil- 
dren, three sons and three daughters, four yet liv- 
ing, namely: John is the subject of this sketch; 
William, who wedded Mary J. McGill, is a prosper- 
ous farmer of Lisbon Township; David R., who 
married Agnes E. Davidson, is a farmer of the 
same township; and Agnes, wife of William How- 
ard, resides in Lisbon Township. 

Under the parental roof John Tempero was 
reared to manhood and was early inured to the 
arduous labor of developing a new farm. On at- 
taining his majoritj" he started out for himself 
and as a companion and helpmeet on life's jour- 
ney chose Miss Jane Davidson, daughter of A. L. 
Davidson, one of the pioneers of Lisbon Town- 
ship. They were married November 8, 1871, and 
two children grace their union: Charles J., who 
acquired a liberal education in Pewaukee, the 
I'nion School of Waukesha and Carroll College, 
now aids his father on the farm. Marnie has also 
ac(iuired a good literary education, having re- 
ceived her diploma from the district schools. The 
mother of this family was born in Linlithgow 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



773 



County, Scothind, February 1, 1847, and was only 
three years old when brouglit by lier parents to 
America. 

Mr. and Mrs. Tempero began their domestic life 
on the old homestead, but after two years entered 
a farm on section .35, Lisbon Township. They af- 
terwards returned to section 9, and our subject 
purchased forty acres of land, upon which he 
made his liome for nine years. lie then became 
owner of his present farm of one hundred and 
sixty acres and thereby contracted an indebted- 
ness of i}i4,00t); but tiiis has all been liquidated 
and he is now in comfortable circumstances, pos- 
sessed of a competence that supplies him with all 
the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life. 

In politics Mr. Tempero has been a stanch Re- 
publican since casting liis first Presidential vote 
for (ieneral (Irant. Ho has served as Supervisor, 
but has never sought otiice. He and his wife are 
members of the Presbyterian Church and are ciiari- 
table and benevolent people, friends to all good 
work. Throughout tiie community they are widely 
and favorably known and in social circles tliey 
hold an enviable position. 



b'<""T"Sl 



r ORENZO EULOAH RIBLKTT, station 
I O agent for the Chicago & Northwestern 
Hailroad Company at Waukesha, is a na- 
tive of tiie Badger State, his birth having occurred 
near Lodi, Columbia County, May 2.">, 18.52. His 
father, Christian Hil)lett, was born in Erie, Pa., 
and was descended from one of two brothers who 
emigrated from France, on account of religious 
persecution, finding a home in German}-. The 
name was originally spelt Rivlet, i)ut tlie past four 
generations have used the present spelling. The 
progenitor of the family in America is four gen- 
erations removed from the subject of this sketch. 
The mother of Mr. Riblett bore the maiden name 
of Abbie S. Partridge, and w:is also burn in Erie, 
Pa. Grandfather Partridge, a Connecticut gen- 
tleman, wedded a Miss Kelley, whose father was 
an Irish sea captain. Christian Kiblett had ten 
brothers and two sisters, and his wife had one 



brother and eight sisters. In 1837 this pioneer 
couple set out in an old "prairie sciiooner" for 
Wisconsin, coming all the way overland. On 
reaching Chicago they found a village consisting 
of a few houses that gave no promise of developing 
into a cit}'. Their first location was in Sauk 
Cit3', Wis. Soon after the husband took a claim 
seven miles west of Lodi, where he developed a farm 
and became quite an extensive land owner. Their 
first cabin home in which their happiest days were 
passed is still standing. Politically he was ever a 
Republican after the rise of that part}'. His death 
occurred in 187'J, at the age of sixty-seven years. 
His widow survives and is now making her home 
in Sioux Falls, S. Dak. Of their nine children 
but four are living: William J. is a farmer of Ab- 
erdeen, S. Dak.; Mrs. Sophia Burnett resides in 
Lake County; and Mrs. Marion A. Foster in Min- 
nehaha County, of the same state. One of the 
deceased children, Myron Z., served his country 
during the late war as a member of Company E, 
Second Wisconsin Cavalry, and died at Jefferson 
Barracks, near St. Louis, Mo. 

L. E. Riblett is the eighth child in the above 
familj' and the youngest of the living. His bo}'- 
hood and youth were passed on his father's farm, 
and in the district schools. Subsequently he at- 
tended the high school at Lodi. Having taken a 
course in telegraphy at Oberlin, Ohio, he was giv- 
en charge of the ofTice at Lavalle, the end of the 
^Sladison Division of the Chicago & Northwestern 
Railroad, on the 25th of May, 1872, and since that 
time h.as been constantly in the employ of the 
same company, never having been laid off or 
discliarged. During these years he has had charge 
of twenty different stations in Illinois, Wisconsin 
and Iowa. For six years he w.as stationed at Cal- 
edonia, HI.; for five 3'ears at Lake Mills, Wis.; and 
since December 15, 1886, has been station agent 
at Waukesha. 

While at Caledonia, III., Mr. Riblett was married 
December 10, 1876, to Miss Kate, daughter of 
.lohn and Permelia (Brown) De La MonUiyne, 
who were respectivelj' of French and Dutch ex- 
traction. Mr. De La Montayne is one of the heirs 
to Harlem Commons, N. Y., which has been in lit- 
igation SOUK* two hundred years, and a part of 



774 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



which is now included in Riverside Park, wliere 
rest the remains of General Grant. Mr. and Mrs. 
Riblett hare two children, Carl Euloah and Bessie 
Kate. The name Euloali is very rare and had its 
origin in the following manner: When .Air. Riblett 
was an infant, his father read the history of the 
Indian Chief hearing the name Eulowa. though 
the spelling was somewhat changed. li.y a friend 
it was suggested that the son be named after the 
red chieftain, and the suggestion was adopted, Mr. 
Riblett being always known at home as I.oah. 

Politically the gentleman whose name heads 
this account is a Republican, though he has never 
taken an active part in political affairs. He is a 
faithful and competent official as is shown by the 
many years he has been retained in (lie service of 
one company. 



^>^^^<m^- 



JACOB WELTNER, of Oconomowoc, is one of 
the earlier contractors and builders of that 
city, in fact is the oldest resident of the lead- 
ing builders, the time of his coming having 
been in 1861. He was born in tiie city of Baltimore, 
Md., January 4, 1838. His father, .lacol) Weltner, 
Sr., was a native of Ilesse-Cassel, Germany, and 
emigrated to this country, settling in the city of 
Baltimore, where he and his wife both died. They 
were the parents of six children, three sons and 
three daughters. One of the brothers, Adam, also 
became a builder. The other brother is named 
Joseph. 

The gentleman whose name heads this biography 
began to learn the trade of carpenter at the early 
age of thirteen years. At the .age of nineteen years 
he went to Lexington, Mo., and engaged in work 
at Ills trade. There he was married to Miss Amelia 
Meyer, daughter of August Meyer. For a time he 
was foreman at that place for Messrs. Anderson 
.ind Reed. On account of the excitement immedi- 
ately preceding the War of the Rebellion, the car- 
pentry and building business became much de- 
pressed, and as a result Mr. Weltner engaged to 
work in a foundry. There he was put to work by 
the owner of the foundry in making patterns for 
cannon intended for the Confederate army. There 



be assisted in casting the first cannon made in the 
south for the Confederate service. Mr. Welt- 
ner bored this gun and lircd it the first time 
it was di.-'Charged. The great ni.ajority of the 
people where he was were sympathizeri* with 
the south, and he soon found that he must join 
the Rebel army, fare worse, or esca])e from the 
country as best he could. Deciding upon the last 
course he made an attempt to come to the north, 
but only by taking an oath that he would not join 
the Union Army was he Unally allowed to proceed 
to St. Louis, accompanied by his wife. They 
crossed the ^Mississippi at that place, went directly 
to WalerUiwn, Wis., where his wife's people then 
lived, and the same fall (1861) came to Oconomo- 
woc. Here he remained until 186.3, when drafting 
for the Union service was resorted to. As stated 
he had been obliged to take an oath not to enter 
the military service of the Union and he seemed 
now forced to take the chance of being compelled 
to violate his oath. At this time he had a fiiend 
with the Army of the Potomac, employed by the 
• iovernment .as a wagon-maker, who had written 
him that he could secure for him a like situation. 

Prompted to some extent by the expectation of 
being drafted Mr. Weltner went directly to Wash- 
ington and soon secured a position in the Govern- 
ment service, at a salaiy of !?70 per month. While 
General (irant was besieging Petersburg Mr. Welt- 
ner was employed in front of that stronghold, do- 
ing such work as was demanded of him. He was in 
the city of Kiclimond shortly after that city was 
evacuated. He also saw Mr. Lincon and shook 
hands with him, when the great war President vis- 
ited the arm^', but three days before he was assassin- 
ated. At the close of the war Mr. Weltner returned 
to Oconomowoc and has been engaged in contract- 
ing and building ever since. After the Chicago 
fire, in October, 1871. he went to that cit}- and for 
a year and a-half assisted in its rebuilding. 

Mr. and Mrs. Weltner have had three children, 
but one of whom is living. Herman, their onl^^ 
son, died at the .age of eighteen years, and a daugh- 
ter, Laura, in infancy. Emma, their onlj' siirviv- 
child, is the wife of Frank Gordon, of Darlington, 
Wis. 

Mr. Weltner is a prominent member of the Odd 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



775 



Fellows, and was one of the six charter members 
of the lodge at Oconomowoc, only two of whom 
are now living. lie li.as been chosen to represent 
his local lodge at the Grand Lodge a number of 
times. 



:£)^^^ 



/'">' HARLKS H. BROWN, a representative of 
\^ y one of the pioneer families of Waukeslia 
County, and one of its self-made men, 
now devotes his time and attention to agricultural 
pursuits on section 14, Lisbon Township. The 
record of his life is as follows: lie was born in 
Genesee County, N. Y., December 7, 1841, and is 
the sixth in a family which numbered seven sons 
and three daughters. Seven of the number are 
yet living. The parents were (Jeorge and Cath- 
erine (Hopkins) Brown. The father was born and 
reared in England, and in 1841 came to America, 
locating tirsl in New York, where he spent about 
five years. He then came to Wisconsin b3' way of 
the canal and Great Lakes, and when he first saw 
Milwaukee it was a small village of little import- 
ance. He settled in Lisbon Township, then a part 
of Milwaukee County, and his first home was a 
log cabin with a bark roof and stone chimney. The 
Indians still visited the neighborhood and there 
were no highways or public roads, j)eople crossing 
the country as they found it convenient. Mr. 
Brown fii-st secured a farm of forty acres, for which 
he paid l.")0, and upon that farm made his home 
until Ids death, which occurred at the age of sev- 
enty-seven. 1 1 is wife passed away when eighty- 
three years of age. Both were members of the 
Episcopal Church of Sussex, and in his political 
views Mr. Brown was a Republican. 

Charles 11. Brown was a child of four summers 
when wiih his parcnls he came to the territory of 
Wisconsin. Amid the wild scenes of the frontier 
he was reared and was early inured to the arduous 
lalx)r of developing and cultivating new land. 
The greater part of his education was obtained in 
a little log schoolhouse, which was lighted by a 
long window placed where two logs had been re- 
moved. The panes of glass were eight by ten in- 



ches. The door was hung on wooden hinges, the 
Boor was made of puncheons and the seats were 
split logs placed upon wooden pins. The birch 
rod hung above the te.iclier's desk and was an im- 
l)ortant factor in maintaining order. Mr. Brown 
attended this .school for about three months dur- 
ing each year, and during the remainder of the 
time worked upon the farm, lie continued to 
give his father the benefit of his services until 
twenty-two years of age. when he started out in 
life for himself with a cash capital of $10 and a 
team of horses. 

As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey 
Mr. Brown chose Mar}' M. Greengo, a native of 
Waukesha County, born July :i, 1840, and a rep- 
resentiitive of one of the pioneer families of Lis- 
bon Township. Their wedding was celebrated in 
the fall of 18f)(), and their union was blessed with 
three sons and four daughters. Olive M., now de- 
cea.sed, was born in 1874, was educated in the .Sus- 
sex schools and possessed decided musical talent. 
She became the wife of John Leadle^-, of Wauke- 
sha County, and they have a daughter, Olive M., 
who is now four years of age and makes her home 
with ;Mr. and Mrs. Brown. Mrs. Leadley died April 
6, 1889. Nellie G. became the wife of Everett B. 
(ierken, the wedding ceremony being performed 
May 1, 1894, by Rev. M. Grant of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Charles is a student in the 
Sussex schools. Nora is at home, and the other 
members of the family are deceased. 

In 1867 Mr. Brown removed to his present farm, 
upon which rested an indebtedness of *2,000, fnit 
this he h.is liquidated and now has one of the val- 
uable and desirable places of this locality. The 
land is highly cultivated and the place well im- 
proved with the accessories of a model farm. His 
home is a comfortable residence and he has a large 
barn 30x70 feet in dimensions, with sixteen foot 
posts and an eight-foot stone basement. During the 
past seven winters, in connection with Messrs. Ed- 
ward Brown, William Medhui-st. Charles Craven, 
Richard Greengo and William Brown he has op- 
erated a clover huUer. 

Mr. Brown cast his first Presidential vote for 
Abraham Lincoln, but usually supports the Democ- 
racy, although he is not strongly partisan. Soci- 



776 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ally he is connected with Morris Carap No. 1126, 
M. W. A., and is a member of the Episcopal 
Cluireli, while his wife belongs to the Methodist 
Church. He is a liberal supporter of all charitable 
and benevolent interests and all wortiiy enter- 
prises find in iiim a friend. He started out in life 
empty-handed, but by liis own exertions lie stead- 
ily worked his way upwnrd and may truly be 
called a self-made man. 



0<; ^»^»i.»^.^.^.4.^.»^. ^ ^•^^^^»^S^^i^^i•^}^^H^^^•^^^ » 

THEODORE P08HRIG, a farmer residing on 
section 18, is a son of one of the early 
families of Muskego Township, Waukesiia 
County, in which town he was born on the 9th 
of April, 1860. His father, Karl G. Posbrig, was 
a native of Silesia, (Germany, born August 27, 
1830, in Polnish Hammer, near Breslau. His edu- 
cation was obtained in the village scliools, and at 
the age of fourteen he was confirmed in the Lutli- 
enin Church, that memorable event occurring on 
the 29th of September, 1814. He grew to man- 
hood in his native country, but Lliinking that the 
United States afforded better opportunities for ac- 
cumulating a fortune, decided to come hither, and 
accordingly in 1856 went to Hamburg, where he 
took passage on a sailing-vessel, arriving in the 
harbor of New York thirteen weeks later. Com- 
ing direct to Wisconsin, he arrived in the town of 
Muskego, August 27, 18.56, wliere he purchased 
one hundred acres of land. However, in the fall 
of 1858, he returned to the Fatlierland for the lady 
of his choice, Miss Hannah Dorothea Melde, to 
whom he was married on the 23d of January', 1859. 
The bride was a native of Silesia, born on tiie 24th 
of March, 1831, near the city of Breslau. 

The following summer Mr. Posbrig, accompanied 
by his young wife, returned to this county, reach- 
ing his farm in Muskego Township on the 18th of 
June, 1859. To his original purchase he added 
three hundred and twenty acres of land, buying 
the same at different times as he had the means to 
invest. Energetic and enterprising, he was very 
successful throughout life. Mr. Posbrig was called 
upon to mourn the loss of his good wife, whose 



death occurred December 30, 1886. In a few 
months he joined her in the spirit world, passing 
away on the 3d of August, 1888. Both husband 
and wife lie buried In llie cemetery at Tess Cor- 
ners. Of their six children, fonr sons and two 
daughters, three survive: the subject of tills arti- 
cle, Theodore; Ilenr3',a fanner of Muskego Town- 
ship, who resides on the old homestead on section 
32; and John, an agriculturalist and stockman, of 
the same town and section. The deceased were 
Charles, who died on the 2d of July, 1889, at 
the age of twenty-six years, three months and 
twenty-one days; his twin sister, who died in in- 
fancy, and another baby girl. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this biograph}' was reared and educa- 
ted in his native town, and when twenty-two years 
of age his father made him a present of one hun- 
dred and forty acres of farming land located in 
sections 18 19 and 20, the larger part of which Is 
still in his possession. He disposed of some of 
this and again added by purchase, his present farm 
consisting of one hundred and twenty-nine acres 
of finely improved land, some forty of which remain 
in timber. On the 22d of October, 1882, occurred 
• the marriage of Mr. Posbrig and Miss Lena, daugh- 
ter of Karl and Theresa (Mackeldea) Schauwitzer, 
early settlers of Muskego Township. Mrs. Pos- 
brig is a native of this town, born June 3, 1863. 
Of this union five children were born, namely: Ida 
C, born October 20, 1884; Martin S., born October 
22, 1886; Edward W.,born February 15, 1889, wiio 
died April 6, 1889; Karl H., born April 13, 1890, 
and Amanda A. M., born August 20, 1892. Mr. 
and Mrs. Posbrig have an interesting little family 
of which the}' may be justly proud. 

The house in which they began their domestic 
life, November 1, 1882, was erected by Charles H. 
Babcock, deceased, and is a comfortable dwelling. 
A fine barn 54x30 feet In dimensions was erected 
in 1884, besides other Improvements have been 
made. A flowing spring furnishes an abundance 
of water, making this a desirable stock farm. Tlie 
surroundings indicate the thrifty and prosperous 
owner, who gives personal attention to all the de- 
tails connected tlierewitii. 

Politically Mr. Posbrig is a Democrat. He sup- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



777 



ported Grover Cleveland during his first candidacy 
and takes a lively interest in the success of his 
party. lie has served his town as Assistant Super- 
visor two years; Road Commissioner for three 
yeai-s, and is the present Clerk of his school dis- 
trict. Like his f-ather, he has always been held in 
high esteem in the cominunit3' in which he resides. 
Both lie and his wife are consistent members of 
the (jcrnian Lutheran Church of Tess Corners. 



X»C ^IK'^^ 3!K 3i^ C?IC yJ9 3»C" 3j^^l& ^S^ 3iC 3|t: 



DAVID L. KDWARDS. The little country 
of Wales, whose shores arc washed by the 
restless waves of the sea, has furnished tliis 
county with some of her best and most enterpris- 
ing citizens. The sturdy Welshman is to be found 
in all the avenues of business life, and the charac- 
teristics of his countrymen in all relations with 
him. The gentleman whose name ajipears at the 
head of this article, the affable and genial merchant 
of Genesee Depot, Waukesha Countj", Wis., is a 
native of Cardiganshire, Wales, horn in July, 1822- 
He was the eldest in a family of eight children, 
comprising three sons and five daughters, only four 
of whom are now living, whose parents were John 
and Margaret (Lewis) Edwards. John Edwards 
was born in Cardiganshire, Wales, in 1798, and 
died ill 1888, at the advanced age of ninety years. 
David L. Edwards was reared and educated in 
Ills native country. He was earl}- initiated into 
the ways of mercantile life, having been appren- 
ticed to that vocation when still quite young. At 
the age of twenty-five years, in the spring of 1847, 
he bade adieu to home and country and sailed 
from Livei|)ool to New York. When he landed 
in America his financial resources were vcr}' limit- 
ed indeed, but being possessed of a determination 
to succeed in his newly adopted country, Mr. Ed- 
wards at once sought einploj'ment. He was en- 
gaged as salesman in a mercantile estalilisliment in 
the city of New York, whore he remained until 
1856. That year, like many other ambitious young 
men who came to America to seek their fortunes, 
he turned his face toward the distant west. Ar- 
riving in Milwaukee in 1856 he immediately found 



employment with the well known firm of Mack 
Brothers in thecai)acity of salesman, and remained 
in the city until 1862, when he located in Genesee 
Township. 

Mr. Edwards has been twice married; his first 
wife was Miss Margaret James, their marriage be- 
ing solemnized in London. Of this union lliere was 
one child, Alice, who has received the advantages 
of a good common school education, and who re- 
sides with her father. After the death of his first 
wife and during his residence in Milwaukee, he 
married Miss Mar}- Jones, a native of Wales, 
though reared from infancy to maturity in this 
county. Mrs. Edwards was born in July, 1840, 
and became the wife of our subject on the 28th of 
July, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards had four sons, 
one of whom is deceased. The living are John A., 
whose education was ac<piired in the district schools 
and the Business College of Milwaukee, and who is 
a salesman in -'The Eair" at Chicago; Thomas D., 
whose education was obtained in the same institu- 
tions, is his father's assistant in the mercantile pro- 
fession in Genesee Depot; and R. C, the youngest, 
who is also engaged in mercantile life in Chicago. 
One very commendable feature may be oliserved, 
namely, that Mr. Edwards and wife have given 
their children the advantages of acquiring good 
practical educations. 

When Mr. Edwards commenced business in Gen- 
esee, his stock of merchandise amounted to about 
$2,000. At present he carries a good line of gen- 
eral merchandise, whicii is calculated to meet the 
demands of a country trade, consisting of a Iftie 
of staple groceries, hats, caps, boots and shoes 
and a good assortment of dry goods. By fair and 
impartial treatmoiit of his customers he has won 
their esteem and confidence. P'or tliirty-two years 
he has been a. iiicrchant in tlie town of Genesee. 
At present his annual business aiiioiiiits to about 
112,000. 

Politically Mr. Edwards h.is always atliliated 
with the Democratic party, having first exercised 
his right of franchise for Millard Fillmore. He has 
not been an active or aggressive (wliticiaii, as his 
time and attention are worth more to him when con- 
centrated on his personal affairs. He is a member 
of the well known Welsh Society, "Oym Brodor- 



778 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD- 



ion," of Chicaoro, whose object is to promote social 
intercourse between natives of Wales who have be- 
come citizens of this country. Mr. and Mrs. Ed- 
wards are members of the Calvinistic Methodist 
Church of .Jerusalem, of the town of Genesee, of 
which he is one of tlie Trustees. He is also a Di- 
rector in the rsational Exchange Bank of Wauke- 
sha, in which capacity lie has been connected with 
that prosperous institution since 1885. 

One important feature in the life of Mr. Edwards 
is that lie lias, by economy, business acumen and 
tact, accumulated a fortune for himself and family. 
Beginning without much capital, his career has 
been a most successful one. Besides his mercan- 
tile interests he owns a valuable farm of two hun- 
dred and fifty acres in Genesee Township. By in- 
dustry and the pursuance of correct business meth- 
ods he has made a record, as a citizen and a busi- 
ness man, of which lie ma^' well be proud. 



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HENRY E. L. BAKER, deceased, one of the 
very early settlers of the town of Ottawa, 
Waukesha County, was a native of Lon- 
don, England, born in July, 1814. He wasa great- 
nepiiew of (Teorge IJaker, the historian of North- 
amptonshire. His i)arents, John and Ann (Parsons) 
linker, who were first cousins, were born and 
reared in the same city. Henry Baker received 
a liberal education, having graduated from a col- 
lege in Paris, Erance, whither liis parents liad 
moved to school their children. Returning to 
London he entered upon the practice of law. He 
was a very learned man and one wliose advice and 
counsel were sought b}' men in all walks of life. 
Being a fine linguist he opened a' school in which 
he gave instructions in Ereneh and Latin. It was 
while thus engaged that he met tlie lady who af- 
terward became his wife, she being a pupil of his. 
That lady, Miss Erances Patmore Taylor, was a 
native of London, a descendant of Taylor, the 
"water poet," and a lady of refinement. To them 
were born eleven children, three sons and eight 
daughters. The living are as follows: Emma, the 



widow of Amos Greengo, resides at Glenn ville, 
Minn.; Ann became the wife of James C. Greengo, 
a farmer of the town of Menomonee, this county; 
Zoa I. married John Clark, a contractor and builder 
of Minneapolis, Minn.; Maiy W. is the wife of R. 
S. Greengo of Waukesha, and Jane W. married A. 
S. Putney, a merchant of the same village. Two 
of their sons served in the late Civil War, namely: 
Harry I. and Joslyn B. The former, whose birth 
occurred in London, accompanied bis parents on 
their emigration to the United .States. His youth 
was spent in this county, and on the breaking out 
of the Rebellion he offered his services to aid in 
its suppression, enlisting in Waukesha in August, 
1861, becoming a member of Company G, First 
Wisconsin Infantr}'. His death occurred in Louis- 
ville, Kj'., in March, 1862, where he lies buried. 
The latter was a native of the town of Ottawa, 
and enlisted in the same regiment as his brother, 
and at the same time. However he did not live 
long to serve his country; smitten with typhoid 
fever he died in the camp hospital at Munford- 
ville, Ky., in January, 1862, and was buried on 
the banks of the Green River. 

In 1842 Mr. Baker, accompanied by his family, 
his wife, his two children, and George B. Baker, 
sailed from Liverpool for the United States, where 
they arrived after a voyage of forty-two days. 
Coming direct to Wisconsin Mr. Baker located in 
Ottawa Township, Waukesha County, where he 
purchased a quarter-section of land. t)f those who 
accomjianicd him on the trip across the Atlantic, 
only Mrs. George B. Baker, of Sand Island, this 
county, survives. For a number of years after his 
settlement in the town of Ottawa, he served as 
Notary Public. By his fellow-townsmen he was 
honored by election U> about all the minor town 
otHees, the duties of which he discharged in a most 
satisfactory manner. 

Mr. Baker served in the late war; he first enlisted 
at Waukesha in the Twenty-eight Regiment Wis- 
consin In tan try, but failed to pass on account of 
his health. Later, however he entered the service 
as a member of Battery B, First Wisconsin Heavy 
Artillery, in 1863, and was discharged when his 
company disbanded. When in the service he was 
stationed as a watchman at Nashville, Tenu., and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



779 



at the close of the struggle received an honorable 
discharge, lie was a deservedly po|)iilar man and 
was esteemed b^^ all who knew him. On the loth 
of December, 18«2, Mr. Baker was called from the 
duties and cares of this life. He was laid to rest 
in the cemetery at Genesee, where his wife, who 
passed away on the 28th of May, 1861, sleeps. 
Honorable and upright in all the relations of life, 
they were held in high regard by a large circle of 
friends. 







<rr^ NTHONY B. ROGAN, of Oconomowoc, 
/ — \ and of the law firm of Rogan it Fleming, 
has been a member of the Bar of Wau- 
kesha County since February, 1891. Mr. Rogan 
is a native of Wisconsin, born on the 2()th of June, 
1858, in the town of Lebanon, Dodge County'. 
His father, James Rogan, was a pioneer of that 
county, the dale of his settlement having been No- 
vember 25, 1852. He located on a new farm which 
he improved, and upon which he resided until 
1865, at that time removing to another. farm in the 
same town. In the fall of 1866 he removed to the 
adjoining township, Ashippun, but stili in Dodge 
County, where his death occurred November 11. 
1880. James Rogan was a native of County Mayo, 
Ireland, born in 1808. His wife, whose maiden name 
was Nancy Carne^', was also born in County Mayo, 
the date of her birth being January 24, 1818. Her 
death occurred on the 2Uh of September, 1880, 
but a few weeks previous to that of her husband. 
They were the parents of ten children, the surviv- 
ing menibei-s of the family comprising three sons 
.and three daughters: Martin, the eldest of the 
brothers, keeps an hotel at Cr3stal Falls, Iron 
County, Mich.; .lames, the next, is a resident of 
Oconomowoc; Anthony B., the youngest of the 
brothers, is the subject of this article; Kate, the 
eldest sister, is the wife of James Barrett, of 
Oconomowoc; Mary, the second sister, became the 
wife of William Fleming, who is associated with 
her brother in the practice of law; Margaret, the 



third and last surviving sister, is unmarried and 
resides in Seattle, Wash. 

Anthony B. Rogan secured his early education 
in the common schools, and in the years 1876 and 
1877, was a student of the College of the .Sacred 
Heart, of Walertown, Wis. While in that school, 
in 1876, he entered the contest for the gold ined.il 
offered by the Faculty for proficiency in mathema- 
tics. Notwithstanding the fact that he was only 
eighteen years of age, and that there were eighty- 
five other contestants, Mr. Rogan carried off the 
prize. In 1889 he entered the Law Department of 
the Wisconsin State I'niversity at Madison, gradu- 
ating in the Class of '90, with the degree of LL. B. 
In June, 1890, he was admitted to practice in the 
Supreme Court of Wisconsin, and in the United 
District Court for the Western District of Wis- 
consin. 

Mr. Rogan was a successful teacher for a num- 
ber of years, and by education is well e(iuipi)ed 
for the profession wliicli he has chosen as his life 
work. 






~y- W. SIZER, the ellicieiit Priiaipui of the 
^ schools at Hartland, is descended from 
New England ancestry. His grandfather, 
Jabez Sizer, who was a native of Connecticut, emi- 
grated to Oneida County, N. Y., in 1805. He en- 
listed as a private in the Warof 1812, and was pro- 
moted to the rank of Colonel, in which capacity' he 
served during the War of 1836, and also in the 
Mexican War. The father of our subject, who also 
bore the name of G. W. Sizer, was born in Oneida 
County, N. Y'., in 1820, and there grew to man- 
hood. In 1846 he emigrated to Fond du Lac 
County, Wis., where he entered eighty acres of 
land, which was subsequently increased to three 
hundred and thirty-seven acres. For a wife he chose 
Miss Fanny A. Newman, of Springfield, Mass., 
and eleven children, all of whom are living, re- 
sulted from this union, namely: Georgia, Jabez, 
Helen, George, Charles, Ada, Jlary, Frank, Elmer, 



780 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Louis and Lucy. The father of this family passed 
away on the 1st of .June, 1880. 

G. W. Sizer, the gentlem.an whose name appears 
at the beginning of this biography, was born and 
reared in Fond du Lac County. In 1887 he came 
to Waukesha County and assumed the Principal- 
ship of the schools at Ilartland, in which position 
he has remained to the present time, giving gen- 
eral satisfaction. In addition to attending to his 
duties in the school room, Mr. Sizer holds the office 
of Justice of the Peace, Police Magistrate, Village 
Clerk, President of the Fire Departmeul and is 
Treasurer and Director of the Hartland Cheese 
and Butter Company. He also deals in real estate, 
does notary work and negotiates loans. 

Mr. Sizer was married to Miss Amelia M. An- 
stey. of Ilartland. on the 12th of June, 1889. Mr. 
and Mrs. Sizor's family consists of four sons, 
named and aged as follows: C. E. Dartt is four 
years old; H. G. Quincy is three years years old; 
Claud E. A. is two jears old; and Elmer M. A. is 
four months old. 



HOLT BARNES is one of the substantial 
citizens that Old England has furnished 
Waukesha Country. He is a native of 
Lancashire, where his birth occurred January 23, 
1825, being a son of James and Lizzie (Holt) 
Barnes, whose family comprised three sons and 
four daughters, of whom two survive, Jolin, a 
resident of Cheboygan County, Mich., and the 
gentleman whose name heads this article. James 
Barnes was a native of Lancashire, born in 1789, 
and died in 1878. By trade he was a bleacher of 
cotton cloth. It was in 1818 that he, accompanied 
by his family, set sail from Liverpool on the "Dc 
Witt Clinton" for the New World. From the time 
they started until they reached Milwaukee three 
months elapsed; seven weeks were required to 
cross the ocean, while the rest of the time was 
consumed in making the trip from New York to 
Milwaukee by way of the Hudson River, Erie 
Canal and the Great Lakes. The family came di- 
rect to the town of Merton, where Mr. Barnes se- 



cured two hundred acres of land at $5 per acre. 
The entire improvements on the place consisted 
of a log cabin and about an acre cleared. It was 
quite a change for tiie Barnes family; coming as 
they did from a thickly populated country to one 
where wolves could be heard and Indians and 
deer seen. To the work of developing a farm in 
a new country, Mr. Barnes, Sr., gave his best en- 
ergies. He was a strong Abolitionist in principle, 
and when the Republican party sprang up, enthu- 
siastically joined its ranks. Both he and his wife 
were members of the Church of England. 

Mr. Barnes, whose name heads this sketch, was a 
man of mature j'ears when he accompanied his 
parents to the United Stales. In his native land 
he received a good education in the National and 
select schools, which has lieen supplemented by 
reading from the best authors. His calling in 
life has been that of a farmer and stock-raiser. 
On the 28th of June, 1858, was celebrated his mar- 
riage to Miss Ellen Taylor, a native of the Empire 
State. Of this union were born three children, 
the oldest of whom, James, died in 1890 at the 
age of thirty years. He was a young man of good 
qualities, and was highly esteemed throughout 
the neighborhood where he was reared. Bonnie, 
the second child, became the wife of Thomas K. 
Knight, a resident of the city of .London, Eng- 
land. While a resident of the United States, Mr. 
Knight was in the employ of tiie Government as 
Transportation Agent at Santa Fe, N. Hex. Mar- 
tha H., the youngest child of Mr. Barnes, became 
the wife of W. R. Kay, a Civil Engineer of Mil- 
waukee. All the children received good educa- 
tional advantages, thus litting them to l)ecome 
useful members of society. 

Politically Mr. Barnes has been a Republican 
since the rise of that paity, his first Presidential 
vote having been cast for (ieneral Scott. By his 
fellow townsmen he has been honored with a num- 
ber of official positions. For twelve years he has 
been Assessor of his town and Ciiairinan of the 
Town Board, and Side-supervisor forseveral terms. 
He erected the first schoolhouse in the northwest- 
ern {)art of Merton Township, of tamarack logs, 
for which he was to receive ^25. It is needless to 
say that the house was built in the most primitive 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



781 



style. For some twenty .years off and on Mr. 
Barnes has been oflicially connected willi the 
schools of his district. Both jMr. and Mrs. Barnes 
are members of the P^piscoital Chiircli at North 
Lake, Wis., he being Treasurer. Kor Uiirty-five 
3'ear.s he lias been an lionored member of tiie Ma- 
sonic fraternity, having passed all the chairs in 
his lodge. 

The Barnes estate comprises two hundred .icres 
of fine laud in Mertou Township, on wiiich stand 
a comfortable residence and other necessary farm 
buildings. 



HON. .JOHN DOUOLA.S M< DONALD is 
one of the earliest pioneers of Waukesiia 
County, and the oldest living resident of 
the town of .Summit. He dates his settlement 
from April 7, 1837, having then made the claim 
of the place on which he now resides. He was 
born in Joiinstown, Fulton County, N. Y., August 
2,1815. His father was Daniel McDonald, and 
his mother's maiden name was Elizabetli Port. 
They were natives of Scotland, and came to Amer- 
ica in early life. The father was a cooper by oc- 
cupation. When our subject was but a 3'oung lad 
his |)arents removed to Troy, N. Y., where the 
mother died. Later the father passed away in St. 
Lawrence County. At that lime the son was a 
boy of ten or twelve years. Tiiere were besides 
him a brother and a sister left, he being the eld- 
est; be is now the only survivor of the family. 
The second member was thesistiir, Mary Elizabeth; 
she grew to womanhood, married and died at her 
home in Johnstown, N. Y., more than half a cen- 
tury- ago. The only brother, Daniel McDonald, 
came to Waukesha County about IB.")!), and later 
went to California, where his death occurred many 
years ago. 

,Iohn Douglas McDonald was reared on a farm, 
but for four years previous to coming west was 
employed in a mitten factory at Gloversville, 
N. Y'. He was posscs.sed of but little pecuniary 
means when he came to Waukesha County and 
made his claim lifty-seven ^-ears ago. He worked 
out as he could find work to do, and attended to 



the improvement of his place. Other settlers soon 
came in, and b^' the fall of 18.37, there was a set- 
tlement in what is now the town of Summit. On 
the 29th of October, 1810, Mr. McDonald w.ts 
married to Miss .Sophia Brown, who was born in 
St. Lawrence County, N. Y., Scijtember 11, 1824, 
daughter of Gardner and Ruah (Plumley) Brown, 
natives of the same st^te. In the fall of 1837, 
Mr. Brown emigrated to Wisconsin, and also set- 
tled 111 the town of Summit, this county. He was 
accidentally killed the following winter h3' the 
falling of a tree, leaving his wife and five chil- 
dren, two sons and three daughters. His wife died 
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. INIcDonald, in 
September, 1858. Only the latter and one si.ster, 
Maria, who is the widow of S. B. White, and re- 
sides in Eureka, Wis., are now living. The two 
brothers were Sylvester and Onslow, they being 
the eldest members of tlie family. Both were for 
many years residents of the town of Summit, but 
later, Sylvester removed to Allen Grove, Milwau- 
kee County, wliere he died several years ago. Ons- 
low went to Pierce County, where his death oc- 
curred recently. The deceased sister was Lyra, 
who married .John Lytic, and passed away at her 
home in .lefferson Countj- many years ago. 

Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have four children, two 
sons and two daugliters, Daniel, the eldest, resides 
on a farm adjoining that of his parents; .John D., 
the next, is also a resident of the town of .Summit; 
Emma .1., the elder of the daughters, is the wife of 
E. W. Barnard of the same township; Nellie, the 
youngest living, is the wife of J. M. Crumraey of 
San Bernardino, Cal. They lost two daughters, 
Mary and .Maggie. The former became tlie wife 
of Clark Storey, and removed to JJebraska. She 
died at the home of her parents, .(une 2, 1883, she 
having returned to her place of birth for the l)ene- 
fit of her health. The latter, who was the young- 
est of the family, married .1. M. Crummov. her 
death occurring October 23, 1890. 

Mr. McDonald w.as prominently identified with 
the early history, growth and development of the 
town of Summit. In his iiolitical sentiments he 
has always been a Democrat and cast his firet Pres- 
idential vote for Martin Van Biiren in 1836. But 
for eleven years after coming to Wisconsin, Mr. 



782 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



McDonald had no voice in the election of Presi- 
dent, as Wisconsin continued a territory until 
1848. He served two terms in the Assembly branch 
of the Legislnlurc, including the sessions of 1870 
and 1871. Besides lie lias held many local offices, 
and was Chairman of the town of Summit for 
twelve years. 

For fifty-seven years has IMr. McDonald owned 
his present farm, and for tifty-four years have he 
and wife lived together at the old homestead, hav- 
ing, .is Mrs. McDonald remarked, moved^but once 
in all those years, and that from their pioneer log 
house into their present residence in December. 
1851. Thus is given a brief sketch of Mr. and 
Mrs. McDonald, who, as already seen, are among 
the very oldest residents of Waukesha County, 
'["hey are still in the enjoyment of a good degree 
of health, and are surrounded by the comforts of 
life, the result of llioir own industry and untiring 
effort. They have an extended .acquaintance, and 
are revered for their many excellencies of mind 
and heart. 



^^ 



/'^ ALVIN .lACKSON. Among the well known 
C^-\y citizens of AVaukesha who have been iden- 
tified with the growth and development 
of the village during nearly the whole of its exist- 
ance, is the gentleman whose name heads this 
sketch. Mr. .lackson is a native of the Empire 
State, having been born near Auburn, Cayuga 
C'f)uiity, .)uly "iil, 1830. His father was also named 
Calvin .lackson, and was a native of the state of 
New York. By occupation he was a manufai'turer 
of carding machines. When the subject of this 
record was but a small boy his father went to the 
state of Michigan for the purpose of obtaining 
land in what was then a far western territory. He 
took with him a number of horses which he in- 
tended to exchange for land. While in Michigan 
he was attacked with malarial fever, from the 
effects of which he died. He left the wife and 
mother with four children, of whom our subject 
was the only son. Soon after the death of the fa- 
ther the mother and children removed to Lock- 



port, in the western part of the state of New York, 
and about five years later to Toledo, Ohio. In 
the latter city the mother was married to Sanford 
Brewster, who was a lock-builder, employed on the 
Maumee Canal. The family removed thence to 
Huron County, Ohio, where the mother died of 
consumption, the result of exposure, in March, 
1846. Her maiden name was Calista Bennett. 

After the death of his mother, which occurred 
when he was a lad of about sixteen years, Mr. 
Jackson shipped as cabin bo^- on the lakes, which 
OCCU|)ation he continued for some time. Catherine, 
his second sister, married William H. Polder and 
came to Waukesha, which was the inducement 
that led Mr. Jackson to come to Wisconsin, the 
time of his arrival being December, 184B. The 
eldest of the three sisters was Esther, who lived 
many years with her brother in Waukesha, where 
her death occurred November?, 1892. The young- 
est sister, Elizabeth, also came to Waukesha and 
married Edwin M. Hall, a well known railroad 
man. She died at her home in Watertown many 
years ago. Calvin was the youngest child in his 
father's family and is the onlj' one now living. 
On May 22, 1861, he was married to Eliza Wilbur, 
of Huron, Ohio. This union has been blessed by 
two daughters, namely: Calverta W., who died at 
the age of twenty-three years, and Ketella E., wife 
of Fred R. Haynes, of Waukesha. 

Mr. .lackson was for many years prominently 
identified with the business interests of Waukesha. 
As stated, he came to the city in 1846. The fol- 
lowing winter he attended school and then en- 
gaged as clerk for William H. Elder, his brother- 
in-law, and then for A. W. Hatch. When the 
latter sold for H.N. Davis, Mr. Jackson took charge 
of Mr. Davis' business till the firm of Barstow & 
Hatch started in business, then engaged with that 
Arm, with which he continued for some three years. 
In the fall of 1852, in company with Mr. Elder, 
who had recently returned from California, he 
went to New Orleans, expecting to engage in the 
drug business there, both possessing a good knowl- 
edge of that occupation. However, limes were 
dull, and they received so little encouragement to 
engage in business, that they decided to secure 
employment as clerks. The following spring Mr. 




CHARLES F. STEELE. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



786 



Jackson reUirned and soon afterward enfjaged as a 
clerk in a store in Milwaukee. In 18a4 lie opened 
a store of liisown in Waukesha, liis stock coinjjris- 
ing groceries, <lru^s and hooks. lie continued in 
business for tliirty years, or until 1HH4, when he 
sold out and has been practically retired since. 
Mr. .lackson is a well known and respected citizen 
and during his long residence in Waukesha, which 
covers nearly half a century, has ever commanded 
the esteem and confidence of iiis fellow-citizens. 



I©. 



++++*'5''}''5''H''5''r++++ 



(^ 






/'^ IIARLKS F. STEELE, a prominent citizen 
^^y of tlie town of Pewaukee, first became a 
resident of this county in 18.')2. He was 
born in Prussia, Germany, on the 1 1th of Septem- 
ber, 1817. and was the second in a family of live 
children, four sons and one daughter, of whom 
only two are living: William, a prosperous farmer 
of Pewaukee Township, and the gentleman "hose 
name heads this article. His paients, John and 
Mary K. (Harlos) Steele, were natives of Prussia, 
where they were reared and where their mairiage 
took place. In 1852, they with their three chil- 
dren, emigrated to America, sailing from Antwerp, 
Belgium, for New York. The voyage .across the 
Atlantic was a perilous one. The ship encoun- 
tered many storms, in some of which slie was so 
badly damaged that the passengers finite despaired 
of ever seeing land again. However, after fort^ - 
two days on the water, anchor was dropped in the 
American port, all on t)oard returning thanks for 
tiieir safe deliverance. I'pon their arrival in this 
country they had but little capital, but with strong 
hearts and stronger wills began the making of a 
home for themselves and their children. Coming 
direct to Wisconsin, the trip being made by rail 
and the (Ireal Lakes, they located first in the town 
of New Berlin, where for one year Mr. Steele rented 
land. At the expiration of that time he came to 
Waukesha Township and there remained until his 
death. He waJi a man known anil revered for his 
28 



honorable and upright life. His wife, who sur- 
vived him a number of years, died December 16, 
1893. her remains being interred in Prairie Home 
Ceineteiy. For some time her home had been in 
the village of Waukesha. 

At the time of his coming to Wisconsin Mr. 
Steele, of this sketch, was but live years of age. 
His education was iargelj- acquired in the district 
schools, and has been broadened by careful read- 
ing and observation. I'litil the age of fifteen 
years his life was spent upon the farm. At this 
time the country was in great peril and to the call 
of President Lincoln for one-hundred-day men 
Mr. .Steele, young as he was, responded. Enlist- 
ing in May, 1854, he became a member of Com- 
|)any 15, Thirty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry, under 
Colonel liutterick, t)f Milwaukee, Camp Washburn, 
in that city, being their place of rendezvous. His 
regiment was sent to Memphis, Tenn., and there 
assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. The reg- 
iment's cam|) was some three miles south of Mem- 
phis, and while here young .Steele did picket and 
guard duly. The time that the Rebel (;eneral 
Forrest and his bushwhackers rushed upon the 
Federal foices at this point, the skirmishing Lasted 
all day, the I'nioii boys being exposed to many 
dangers. At the expiration of his term of enlis- 
nienl Mr. Steele was honorably discharged, the 
date of that event being September 1 1, 1865, after 
which he retui-ned to his home, walking from 
Camp W:ishluiin to Waukesha. 

In 1861 he went to the upper peninsula of 
Michigan, near Escaiiaba. where he engaged in the 
lumber bu.siness, remaining there eleven j'cars. 
When he started he had just money enough to 
take him there. Beginning as a laborer, by close 
attention to business, he was rapidly promoted. 
Industrious and careful, he saved his earnings and 
upon his return to this county brought home with 
him >!|,00() of hard earned money. He soon en- 
g.aged in the hardware business with Franklin D. 
Clark, but one year later disposed of his interest 
to his partner and accepted a position at the In- 
dustrial .School in Waukesha. He was at first .Su- 
perintendent of the farming interests, entering 
upon the duties of the office March 1, 1876, and 
leaving the institution on the 15th of Septeuilrer, 



786 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1878, after a service extending over two years and 
eight months. While connected witli this institu- 
tion he was associated with W. H. Sleep, its able 
Superintendent and Manager. 

About this time Mr. Steele wedded Miss Amelia 
Bickert, their marriage occurring on the 18th of 
September, 1878. Mrs. Steele was a native of 
Waukesha County, her birth having occurred Au- 
gust 29, 1852. Of this union three children were 
born, Ilattie A., Charles W. and Katie K. The 
former has received her diploma from tlie town- 
ship school, and it is her father's intention to 
place her in the Union School of Waukesha, where 
she may continue her studies. She has also re- 
ceived musical training. The mother of this fam- 
ily passed from among the living February 28, ] 
1891. I 

Mr. Steele was married May 27, 1892, to Miss 
Katherine Bickert, a sister of his first wife. Mrs. 
Steele w.'js born on the 12tli of December, 1858, 
and was educated in both the English and the Ger- 
man languages. Her parents, Louis and Katharine 
(Eiler) Bickert, are yet living, their home being in 
the village of Waukesha. In their family there 
were eight children, one son and seven daughters, 
seven of whom survive. 

In 1878 Mr. Steele purchased his present beau- 
tiful farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which 
w.as known as the Klickman estate, and afterward 
added five acres. The larger part of this farm is 
tillable and all the surroundings indicate a care- 
ful and thrifty manager. Since buying this pro])- 
erty he has been engaged in agricultural |)ursuits, 
has erected large barns and built an addition to 
the house, in fact has made nearly all the [jerma- 
nent improvements. The farm is nicely situated 
and as it is watered by springs is in every way de- 
sirable. From his home it is four miles to Wau- 
kesha, sixteen to Milwaukee, and half a mile to 
the junction of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
and the Wisconsin Central Railroads. 

Politically our subject is a Democrat, though 
not in any sense a partisan, preferring to support 
the man rather than the party. He has been hon- 
ored by his party in election to the olHce of Side- 
Supervisor for two years in the town of Pewaukee, 
and as Chairman of the Town Board for two years. 



Mr. Steele has the honor of being one of the build- 
ing committee elected January 6, 1893, its object 
being to arrange for the erection of a new court 
house. So successfully did the committee do its 
work that Waukesha County can boast one of the 
most beautiful and artistic count}- court houses in 
the state. Tlie building was dedicated March 29, 
1894, with suitable and elaborate exercises. The 
cost of the structure up to the date of April 4, 
1894, had been *69,136. It is safe to say there 
is probably not another piece of work in the state, 
that is its equal in beauty of design, which has 
been erected upon such an economical plan. The 
building committee was composed of the follow- 
ing well known gentleman: L. M. Snyder, Chair- 
man, Waukesha; Andrew McCormack, Oconomo- 
woc; John A. Rodgers, Lisbon; Ted Jones, Ottawa; 
and C. F. Steele, Pewaukee. The work of this 
body of men was done with credit to themselves 
and to the county. Mr. Steele h.as served as Clerk 
of the School Board for three years, has been 
Road Commissioner for the long term of ten years 
and is the present incumbent. He and his wife are 
in sympathy with all religious and moral teach- 
ings and have given liberally toward the erection 
of the German Reformed Church of Waukesha. 



■^^ T 



i>-^<i 



r a?^ 



-J- 



iO:^ 



0LAES ANDREAS ESTBERG has been the 
longest engaged in merc.intile pursuits at 
Waukesha of any now in active busine.ss. 
For thirty-six years continuously he has been the 
leading jeweler of that vilL-ige. Mr. Estberg was 
born in Karlskrona, Sweden, February 23, 1825, 
being one of six children, three sons and three 
daughters, whose partMits were Axel G. and Johan- 
na Marie (Wahlman) Estberg. They were also 
natives of Karlskrona, where tliey spent their en- 
tire lives, the father reaching the age of eighty-six 
and the mother eighty-seven years. From the time 
he began his apprenticeship until the close of life, 
Axel G. Estberg w.as in the jeweli v business in his 
native place, first as a workman and later as pro- 
prietor of a jewelry store. Of this family C. A. 
Estberg is the only one that came to America. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



787 



Four of the children still reside in Sweden and one 
of the sons lias passed to the spirit world. 

The gentleman >yhosc name heads this ailiile 
had good educational advantages until fourteen 
years of age, at which time lie entered his father's 
store as an apinenliee, serving four years. For 
nearly a year thereafter he worked in Stockholm, 
and while there graduated as an assayer at the 
royal mint, a .service required by the government 
from those who wish to engage in the jewelers' busi- 
ness. Having received his diploma, Mr. Estberg 
spent four years in (iermany in broa<lening his 
knowledge of the trade. During the winters he 
was emplo3'ed in Uerlin, Dresden and Hanover, 
while in the summer season he traveled. Returning 
home he spent a year, and on the 30th of April, 
1850, embarked at Stockholm aboard a small sail- 
ing craft bound for New York Cit}', where he ar- 
rived .luly 11. Having worked nearly two years 
for Brainard A- Geffroy of that city he was employed 
a year by Clark Bros., of Augusta. Ga. The fol- 
lowing year was spent with G. RI. Griffin, of Sa- 
vannah, in the same state. 

The year 18.')4 witnessed his arrival in Milwau- 
kee, Wis., where three years he worked for A. B. 
Vancott, and at the expiration of that period 
formed a partnership with Messrs. Logeman and 
Lawrence, whicli was dissolved a year later. In 
May, 1858, Mr. Kstberg arrived in Waukesha, wliere 
he at once established him.self in the jewelry busi- 
ness by purchasing the small stock of a Mr. Pur- 
ington. Since 1882 he has occupied a room in the 
Putney Block, at the corner of Main Street and 
(Jrand Avenue. In 1880 he admitted two of his 
sons, Adolph and Emil, to partnership, the firm 
becoming Estberg &• Sons. They keep a large and 
well selected stock, being recognized as the leading 
jewelers of Waukesha. Mr. Estberg is a capable 
optician, holding a diploma from the Philadelphia 
Optical College. 

In Milwaukee, on Christmas Day of 18.54, was 
celebrated the marriage of Mr. Estberg and Miss 
Sophia Schlitz, a native of Bavaria, (iermany, who 
came in childhood, with her Itrother, to the I'nited 
States. Of this union were born four sons, all of 
whom were educated in the public schools of Wau- 
kesha. Adolph and Emil are associated with their 



father in business; Albert is a member of the firm 

of Blair & Estberg, druggists, of Waukesha, and 
Edward is Assistant Cashier in the Waukesha Na- 
tional Bank. 

In politics Mr. Estberg, as well as all his boys, is 
a Reptihlic.in. He has served three years asa mem- 
ber of the Board of Trustees for Waukesha and 
four years .as Clerk of the School District, but his 
life has been such a busy one that he has not time 
to devote to affairs apart from his business. Dur- 
ing the thirty-six years he has been in trade at 
Waukesha he has never been away from his office 
more than a week at a time and not that long only 
two or three times. 

Socially Mr. Estl)erg is an honored member of 
the Masonic fraternity-. Both he and his wife are 
members of the E|)iscopal Church. 



BEAAEH LAKK COTTAiJES. This mag- 
iiilicent resort consists of eleven cott.iges, 
containing from four to sixteen rooms 
each, which have been erected and carried on by 
Hon. Ephraim Beaumont. The summer of 1883 
witnessed the first arrival of guests at this now 
popular and widely known resort. It is ^situated 
on Beaver Lake, in Merton Township, two and a 
half miles from Hartlaiid, a pretty little village ou 
the Chicago, Milwaukee S: St. Paul Railroad. 
When Mr. Beauiinmt accpiired tlie land on whieU 
the above cottages are located it was unimproved, 
being covered with a fine growth of forest trees. 
It has been his purpose, as far as possible, to 
leave it in its natural state, thus making ita desir- 
able place for those who have been cooped up 
within four walls in the city during the greater 
part of the year to spend the hot summer months. 
Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont take great pride in making 
their resort homelike and lirst-cl.-jss in every re- 
spect; guests are met at the train, and are treated 
with a consideration that makes those who have 
spent a season there anxious to return and take 
their friends With them. The large dining room, 
which commands a spleniiid view of the lake. Inis 
a cap.acity for seating about one hundred and fifty 



788 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



giiests, while the tables are abundantly supplied 
with the best tliat the markets and Mr. Ueauinont's 
fertile farm can provide. The guests who resort 
to this summer home come from Chicago, St. Louis, 
Milwaukee, Louisville, New Orleans, Cincinnati, 
and also from Mississippi and Texas. 

'I'he water used comes clear, cold and sparkling 
from a spring and is equal to that found in Wau- 
kesha. Hoats, which are at the disposal of the 
guests, and beautiful country drives throughout 
the lake region makes this a resort where one may 
ejijoy almost any diversion that heart can wisii. 
Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont are courteous and affable, 
and are ever ready to supply the wants and antic- 
ipate the wishes of those who come to spend a 
season with them. 



AMUEL STEWART, deceased, was an hon- 
ored citizen of Ottawa Township for nearly 
half a century. His native place was Car- 
indasy. County Kerry, Ireland, wliere his birth oc- 
curred April 7, 1822. llis parents, David and 
Elizabeth Stewart, were natives of the same coun- 
ty, but were of Scotch extraction. In 184.3 the 
family came to the United States, and made their 
first permanent location in the town of Ottawa, 
Waukesha County-, where David Stewart purchased 
a hundred and twenty acres of land on section 23, 
of which forty acres were government land. There 
he and his good wife spent their last days, she 
reaching the age of seventy-two and he ninety- 
four years. Both were zealous members of the 
Presbyterian Church, in which the husband was an 
Elder for many years. Their family has been 
noted for longevity; their oldest child, Jane, who 
died in 1891, was eighty-eight years of age; Nan- 
cy passed away the same year at the age of eighty- 
five; James, who died in 1888, was seventy-eight: 
John, who resides in Dousman, is well advanced in 
years; David also lived to be quite old; Robert is 
still living in Pennsylvnnia; Samuel, of thissketch, 
died in his seventy-first year; and Mrs. Mary 
Hunter, who completes the list, lives in Chicago. 
Until twenty-one years of age, Samuel Stewart 



resided in the land of his nativitj-, then coming 
with his parents to the United States, he made his 
home with them till their death. His marriage 
to Miss HivelineT. Hammond was celebrated in the 
town of Ottawa, March 7, 18.50. Mrs. Stewart 
was born in Brownsville, Iiid., July 8, 1829, being 
a daughter of Henry C. and Mehitable (Thomas) 
Hammond. Her father was born in Woodstock, 
\L, and was a lineal descendant of William Ham- 
mond, who emigrated from England in 1632, 
while her mother was a native of Erie County, 
Pa. In early life the parents of Mrs. Stewart re- 
moved to Hamilton, Ohio, where they married and 
lived for a time, then moved to Indiana, but sub- 
sequently returned to Butler County, Ohio. Tlice 
Mrs. Hammond died at the age of about forty-two 
years. Her family consisted of nine children, f)f 
whom three are living, and are Mrs. E. T. Bt)one, 
of Mason City, Iowa; Mrs. Stewart; and Thomas 
H. G., who lives in Los Angeles, Cal. After the 
death of his wife, Mr. Hammond removed to 
Louisa Countj', Iowa, where he spent his remain- 
ing days. Her father having tlied, IVIrs. Stewart 
came to live with iier sister, Mrs. Boone, in Ottawa 
Township, and tiiere met and married Mr. Stewart. 
The pioneer whose name heads this article was 
one of the valued citizens of his community. In 
laying out roads, erecting schoolhouses, and es- 
tablishing churches, he took an active part. A 
man of superior business ability and of excellent 
judgment, business of every kind prospered in his 
hands. From time to time he incrcase<l the liound- 
aries of his farm until he owned three hundred 
and twenty acres, on which he erected good build- 
ings of all kinds. Though an active KepuMicaii 
in politics he never sought office or public honors 
for himself. Of the Presbyterian Church he was 
a consistent member for thirty-one years, and from 
1868 until his death, April 1.5, 1892, held the ollice 
of Elder. His faithful wife united with the church 
the same year, and is still serving in the Master's 
vineyard. Like her mother, Mrs. Stewart had a 
family of nine children, the oldest of whom, Lizzie 
M., became the wife of Joseph Kennedy, who died 
leaving three children; Hettie J. married Andrew 
Kennedy, and lives in Niles, Mich.; Gusta A. is 
the .wife of A. L. Tulhill, of Welcome, Minn.; Ella 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



789 



married Walter Jones, a farmer in tlie town of Ot- 
tawa; Clinton D., who served as Chairman of his 
town in 1891, assists in operating the old home- 
stead; Lucy A. wedded Rev. T. I). Williams, a 
Methodist clergyman; James II., who was married 
to Ada Cone, makes his home in Chicago; Charles S. 
assists in conducting tiie liomo farm; and Arthur 
W., the \'Oungesl of the family, died in his seven- 
teenth year. All the hoys su[)))ort the principles 
and candidates of the Republican party. 

Wonderful changes have taken jtlace since the 
Stewart family located in this county; not a rail- 
road had been built witiiin the borders of the ter- 
ritory, and but few wagon roads had lieen laid 
out. In order to secure a deed for his first pur- 
chase of land, David Stewart walked all the way 
to Milwaukee, as he had no horse, and in fact there 
were very few in the county. Whatever promised 
to promote the best interests of the community 
Samuel Stewart always encouraged. His heart and 
hand were extended to the needy and those in 
distress, and few men in the community more 
richly deserved, or more generally received, the 
good will and esteem of their fellow-citizens. To 
his family he left abundant means, but what is 
better far, he left a good example of right living. 



HON. CFHTIS MANN. Tlw following ac- 
count of this worthy citizen was taken 
from one of the city papers, as the best ob- 
Uiinable record of his life. "The (Ion. Curtis .Mann 
died at his residence in Oconomowoc, February 27, 
1894,aftera long and severe illness, in the seventy- 
ninth year of his age. Thus year by year we have 
to chronicle the loss among us of some of the old 
pioneer citizens to whom we owe so much, and 
whose death leaves a vacancy never tilled. Mr. 
Maun came to the town of Summit from llio city 
of Buffalo in 1856, settling upon the farm in tliat 
town where he lived until lf*87, when he moved to 
this city. During his long residence in this stale 
he has been a prominent and foremost citizen, not 
only of the vicinity but f>f the whole state. Mis 
life was a constant illustration of the many vicis- 



situdes, successes, prosperities, failures and losses 
which have inevitably come from time to time 
upon all pioneer business men, who came to the 
northwest in an earl,v day and dealt in the pro- 
ductions, as well as shared in the growth of the 
country. He was born in Hartford, Washington 
County, N. Y., on the 22d of June, 1815, and upon 
his next birthday would have been seventy-nine 
years of age. From the vicinity of the little vil- 
lage of Hartford where he was raised, had previ- 
ouslj' come to this vicinit}' many of our most 
prominent families, and among them we might 
name those of J. J. Mann, Homer Hurd, Israel Mc- 
Connell, Leonard Coleman, S. C. Sealey,and many 
others. 

"Mr. Mann's father was a small farmer, and com- 
bined with farming the business of a mill-wright 
and boat builder, which trade he taught to all of 
his sons. He also gave to his son, Curtis, a fair 
academic education, such as in those days was af- 
forded at a good academy, a better education than 
is given now by our common school system. About 
tiie time when Mr. Mann reached an age in which 
he could enter into the activities of business, the 
canal system of New York had opened up to the. 
active and enterprising youth of that day a great 
opportunity for business enterprise, and at this 
time he found iiimself, through the assistance of his 
father, who had built the boat, in charge of a boat 
load of merchandise and produce to go from 
Whitehall at the foot of Lake Champlain to Buffalo 
on Lake Erie. In this voyage he had charge of 
the cargo, sold the same at BufiFalo, purchased flour 
and (ish for a return cargo, and came back to 
Whitehall with a verj' handsome profit for those 
for whom he worked. This was his first business 
effort independently, and took pl.ice when he was 
eighteen jears of age, and was the first of an active 
career in the same line. He was first engaged in 
the transportation business upon the Erie Canal, 
and afterward purchasing a warehouse in Uufifalo, 
commenced the forwarding and commission busi- 
ness which he followed until he practically retired 
many 3'ears later. The business was carried on at 
Buffalo under the firm of C. Mann & Co., and then 
under the firm of Mann, \'ail A- Co., and extended 
throughout the entire lake ports in Lake Erie and 



790 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Lake Michignn, and also into 'Wisconsin as far as 
Janesvilie and in the neiglil)Oiin<j regions in Illi- 
nois and Indiana, and was as comprehensive at the 
lime as the business of the Great Lakes then af- 
forded. 

"At the close of the Crimean War the drop in.the 
price of wheat, caused liy tiie cessation of the for- 
eign demand, found this lirm heavily loaded with 
that cereal, and being unable to realize upon their 
purchases liiey were compelled to go to the wall. 
Mr. Mann then, in 1856, made a general assignment 
of all his business, and moved onto his faim in 
the town of Summit, wiiere lie lived, as we have 
before stated. It took him until IHfiO to gather 
together the remnants of his failure in Buffalo and 
settle with his creditors, so that in that year he 
felt free again to enter once more into business. 
He formed a business connection in Milwaukee 
and commenced again in the commission business 
in that city. He soon after formed a fortunate 
partnership with Mr. L. Kellogg, and the lirm of 
Kellogg it Mann grew into one of the largest for- 
warding and commission interests in the west. 
Practically for years they controlled the wheat 
crop of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Mr. Mann once 
more became weaUiiy and in the latter part of the 
'60s, he was by far the wealthiest man in this 
county, and one of the wealthy men of the slate. 
He was elected to represent this county in the 
Stiite Senate in the fall of 1867, and as such was a 
member of the Legislatures of 1868 and 1869. 
About this time the lirm of Kellogg & Maun was 
dissolved, Mr. Mann retiring from the business, 
and purchasing the old Summit Bank in this city, 
he became its President, which position he held 
until 1877. lie owned the entire stock of the 
bank, and at the same time built and erected the 
block in this city known as Mann's Block, and en- 
tered into various other enterprises. -Soon after 
he huiil a large manufacturing i)lant at Manvillc, 
Wis., and invested heavily in the lumbering inter- 
ests. This did not i)rove successful, and in 1877 
Mr. Mann found himself again insolvent, from 
which failure he never actually recovered. 

"As we have said his life is an example of the 
vicissitudes which overtook from time to time 
nearly every business man who entered into an 



active business life in the early history of the state. 
He was ever a public spirited citizen, foremost in 
every enterprise and took ever}- chance that offered 
in the way of business which in his judgment 
might afford a profit. He was a kind and gener- 
ous friend, and in the daj'S of his prosperity, 
shared with his family and friends the wealth his 
energy and business enterprise brought him. 

"He leaves a wife, Mrs. Nancy M. Mann, one 
daughter, Mrs. Fanny Dudley, of Evanston, 111., 
two sons who reside here, Frank Mann and Orville 
K. Mann, and one son, William K. Mann, who is 
actively engaged in mining in British Columbia." 



-^^l 



[B- 



IN^^ 



(Tpr NDREW HILDERBRAND, of Oconomo- 
/ — \ woe, is one of the substantial and well 
known citizens of that pl.ace. He is a 
native of Milwaukee, where his birth occurred 
December 8, 1857. His father, Frederick Hilder- 
brand, a native of Hanover, Germany, was a pio- 
neer of the city of Milwaukee, where he settled 
sometime in the '40s. He was a well known early 
citizen of that place, and one of the earliest bridge 
tenders in the city. His death occurred in Mil- 
waukee in January, 1891. The wife and mother 
also passed awa}- in that city, previous to the 
death of the husband and father. The family of 
Frederick Ililderbrand and wife comprised three 
sons and a daughter. The former are Christian, 
Andrew and Frederick, while the latter, Anna, is 
the wife of .\ndrew Oscn, of Gconomowoc. 

The subject of this record grew to manhood in 
his native city. Associated with his brother, 
Frederick, he carried on an extensive business, 
comprising dairy, contracting and teaming. Tiieir 
business proved a very profitable one, and con- 
tinued through a period of nineteen years, or un- 
til the year 1888. He was married in Milwaukee to 
Miss Anna Nelson, a daughter of Nels Nelson, an 
old settler of Stone Bank, Waukesha County. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ililderbrand have three children: Irma, 
Bessie and Raynard. 

In 1891 .Air. Ililderbrand removed with his 
family to Oconomowoc. having purchased one of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



791 



the most beautiful homes in that city. It is situ- 
ated on tlie soutli shore of Fowler Lake; the 
grounds are ample, with numerous shade .ind orna- 
mental trees, and the laite view is all that could 
be desired. 

. Our subject is an admirer of fine liorses, and is 
fortunately so situated as to be able to indulge his 
passion for this noble animal, of which he possesses 
a number of line specimens. He is ranked with 
the solid and public spirited citizens of Oconomo- 
woc, and takes a livel}' interest in municipal af- 
faire. He is a member of the Board of Aldermen 
(1894) of that city, his term expiring in 1897. 

JOHN MARQr.\RDT is one of the prominent 
and wealthy farmers of the town of JMertou. 
He is a native of Prussia, Germany, his birlli 
occurring on the 13th of August, 1844. He 
grew to manhood in the Fatherland, and there re- 
ceived a good education in his native tongue. 
Reared to farm life he has ever continued to make 
that occupation his life work. On February 1, 
1867, a short time prior to his emigration to the 
United States, his marriage to Miss Amelia Stern, 
also a native of Prussia, was celebrated. Think- 
ing America offered a much better opportunity for 
accumulating wealth than could be enjoyed in 
their country, Mr. and Mrs. Marquardt decided to 
come hither. Kmbarking on board a sailing-vessel 
at Bremen, they in due time arrived at Baltimore, 
from which city they came direct to Wisconsin, 
that being their destination. On corning to Wau- 
kesha County they bought a farm of one hundred 
and twenty-five acres in the town of Alerton. The 
property' at the time It came into their possession 
was not in a very Hourisliing condition, there be- 
ing no fences on it, while the whole estate had an 
air of decline. However, he and his good wife 
set zealously to work to make it a desirable home, 
and the success of their efforts is seen in every di- 
rection. On it stands a comfortable farm resi- 
dence that is surrounded by substantial barns and 
other outbuildings such as are to be found on all 
well regulated farms. The land is under a tine 



state of cultivation, there not being an acre of the 

entire estate but tliat is tillable. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mar<iuardt have three sons and 
three daughters, of whom all of the former and 
two of the latter survive. The sons, Fred, Herman 
and William, aid their father in carrying on tiie 
farm, while the daughters, Kmma and Ida, assist 
with the household duties. Both husband and 
wife are devout members of the German Fvan- 
gelical Association of Merton. Their children are 
all active workers in the Sunday-school and take 
great delight in forwarding the work of the church, 
which is a growing and progressive organization. 

Mr. Marquardt is a stanch Republican and takes 
a lively interest in the successes of his parly. As 
an official in the town of Merton he has been a 
valuable citizen, and is now serving his second 
term as a member of the Board of Supervisors. 
The [)ublic schools as well as all measures that 
promise to advance his community receive his 
hearty support. Among the prosperous and suc- 
cessful agriculturists of his county Mr. Marquardt 
occupies a place and wherever known he is es- 
teemed for his true worth. 



j^-^-'i^lil 



i^^ScT 



THEODORE S. WINTON, one of New Ber- 
lin's most honored pioneers, is a native of 
Morns, Otsego County, N. Y., born on the 
17th of October, 1831. He is a son of Jabez B. and 
Sarah (Tillson) Winton, and a grandson of Abel 
Winton, who was a native of Connecticut, and 
who served as a soldier in the War of the Revolu- 
tion. On the maternal side his grandfather, Ce- 
phas Tillson, came of old Massachusetts stock; his 
wife, who bore the maiden name of Hyde, was a 
native of Massachusetts. The parents of our sub- 
ject were natives of Otsego County, N. Y., and 
spent the last years of their lives in Waukesha. 
The father was born the 3d of October, 1801, and 
died at the advanced age of eight3'-four years. 
The mother's birth occurred on the 17th of Octo- 
ber, 1804, and her death August 12, 1877. 

Jabez B. Winton was a farmer bj' occupation, 
which calling he pursued all his life. Thinking 



792 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lie could better liis fortune in the west, in May of 
1840, with iiis family, he eminrated to tlie terri- 
tory of Wisconsin. The trip was made bj' way of 
tlie Erie Canal to Hiiflfalo, thence on the j^ood sliip, 
".lames Madison," to llie city of Milwaukee. On 
their arrival at the 1,'itter city they were taken 
ashore in boats, makins^ the landing at Walker's 
Point. From Milwaukee Mr. Winton came to 
Prairieville, passing through the town of New 
Berlin over the old Mukwonago road. This was 
nearly eight years before the territory became a 
state. A short time after his arrival. Mr. Winton 
purchased oric hundred and sixty acres of wild 
land on section 21, near the New Berlin line. He 
at once began to improve and develo|) a farm, 
which became one of the finest and l)esl cultivated 
in this section of the country. In connection with 
agriculture he was engaged in stock-raising, and 
in 1815, at the first county fair, exhibited the first 
Berkshire hogs grown in tlii.s i)art of Wisconsin. 
lie was an industrious and thrift\- furmer,as everv- 
thing about his home indicated. In the construc- 
tion of roads and bridges he took an active part, 
being identified with the erection of those in the 
village. The ])ublic schools, then in their infancy, 
received his most hearty support; and whatever 
promised to advance or better their condition, was 
approved by him. On matters pertaining to agri- 
culture, Mr. Winton was considered authority by 
his neighbors. Those of the old pioneers yet liv- 
ing, vvho knew him, speak in terms of highest praise 
of the many good (pialities he possessed. In his 
home he was a kind husband and an indulgent 
father, and in all relations of life honorable and 
upright. 

To Jabez B. Winton and wife six children were 
born. One .son, Charles F.. liorn in Otsego Coun- 
ty, in 183".), died in the thirty-ninth year of his 
age. The living are as follows: Theodore S., sub- 
ject of this article; C.eorge A., Klizabetli K., who 
became the wife of (Jeorgc LeComple, a railroad 
man, and resides in the eastern part of the state of 
W;us|iington; riin'bo .\., who resides in Waukesha; 
and Sarah E., who wedded William Cooper, a busi- 
ness man of the same village, and who was for 
many years the popular landlord of the Winton 
House. 



The gentleman whose name heads this record was 
a lad of nine years when he came with his parents 
to Wisconsin. He was reared on his father's farm, 
receiving his education in the common schools of 
Prairieville. In a log schoolhouse, presided over 
by that much beloved pioneer teacher, Miss Martha 
Hyde, he received his instruction. A rude fire- 
place with a stick chimney served to furnish the 
necessary heat during the winter season, while the 
furnishings were of the most primitive kind, split 
logs serving as benches. Dr. Beebe, well known as 
one of Waukesha's early instructors, also presided 
over the destinies of himself and classmates. When 
twenty-four years of age, Mr. Winton left his fa- 
ther's roof to seek his fortune, going subsequently 
to the town of Ashippun, Dodge County, where 
on section 15 (school section) he purchased eighty 
acres of timbered land. During his residence here, 
he visited the home of his birth, and while in Ot- 
sego County met and wedded Miss Emily A. Till- 
son, their marriage being celebrated on the 19th 
of November, 1855, at Triangle, Broome County, 
N. Y. Mrs. Winton was born in Butternut, Ot- 
sego County, N. Y., October 20, 1834, and is a 
daughter of Steven and Maria (Piatt) Tillson, 
both of whom were natives of Otsego County. 
She is one of nine children, six daughters and three 
sons, seven of whom survive and are named as fol- 
lows: .lane is the widow of Dr. Fox, a ph^'siciau 
of Morris, Otsego County, N. Y.; Mary is the wife 
of E. B. Jackson, station agent at Greene, Che- 
nango Count}"^, N. Y., for the Delaware, Lacka- 
wanna & Western Railroad; Emily A. is the next; 
Plurbe became the wife of J. C. Guthrie, a farmer 
and stock-raiser of Milford, Dickinson T'ouuty, 
Iowa; Arvilla wedded C. R. Graham, a business 
man of Chicago; Laura is the wife of Fred Till- 
son, of Milwaukee; and Cephas S. is in Dallas, Mo. 
The father and mother of this family died in Ot- 
sego County in 1876, their deaths occui ring within 
a few days of each other. 

Soon after his marriage Mr. Winton returned 
with his bride to his home in Dodge County, where 
he continued to reside for ten years. Disposing 
of his property there, he removed to Sheboygan, 
Wis., and engaged in the livery business. How- 
ever, at the end of six months he came to New 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



793 



Berlin Township, and at Prospect Hill purchased 
the general store of lluU well known citizen, Dan- 
iel Church. This iiiveslinent was made in 1866, 
and included a half acre of ground. Soon after 
taking up his residence at Prospect Hill, Mr. Win- 
ton was appointed Postmaster, wliicli position he 
occupied until lii.s resignation, his service extend- 
ing over more tlian a ([uarter of ii century. From 
time to time he added to his landed possessions 
and now owns a neat little farm at that place. 
The old store, located on section 32 on the south 
side of the Mukwon.igo Road, h.is been converted 
into a residence, and is still the property of Jlr. 
Winton. For a nmiilici- of ycirs he was engaged 
in the real estate business and has owned consid- 
erable properly in this section of the country. A 
beautiful summer cottage was erected l)y him on 
the site where his store formerly stood, while his 
present home in Prospect is a fine residence on a 
well stocked farmof some eighty acres. The house 
is situated on the westsideof the Waukesha Road, 
and is i)rovided with all modern conveniences. 15e- 
sides his real estate in lliis country, Mr. Winton 
owns one hundred and sixty acres of line farming 
land in Ihule County, S. Dak. Much credit is due 
him for the progressive spirit manifested in the 
development f>f I'rospect Hill, as few outlying dis- 
tricts aie better known in this part of Wisconsin. 

Mr. Winton is in every sense of the word a self- 
made man. lie received b\it a common sciiool edu- 
cation, but he has, by his own efforts, become a well 
informed man. Through untiring industry and 
perseverance he has accumulated a competence 
which he now enjoys with his Christian wife, wlio 
has so ably aided him in the years that they have 
toiled together. The schools fif his district have 
always found in him an able ally and a wise coun- 
selor. Politically, like his father, he has since the 
inception of the Republican party been a stanch 
advocate of its principles, taking a lively interest 
in the triumphs of the party. However, he never 
sought ollicial honors, rather preferring to devote 
his time to his personal business. 

A family of four children was born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Winton. comprising three sonsaiid one daugh- 
ter. In IH7I death robbed them of their second 
son, Arthur M. Louis S. is the popular Poelmas- 



ter and merchant of Prospect Hill. He seems to 

have inherited that nobility of soul of his ven- 
eiable i)arents, as few men arc more esteemed in 
Prospect. Theodora L.,tl]conl\- daughUM-, became 
the wife of H. M. Youmans, the jjopular editor of 
the Waukesha FrcPinan. .lolm S., tiic youngest, is 
engaged in farming and stock-raising in Dickin- 
son County, Iowa. 



^- 



^^r AMUEL F. LEA\ITT, of Summit Towu- 
^7^ ship, is a son of Samuel C. Leavitt, one of 
the pioneers of Waukesha Count}-. The 
latter was born in Oneida County, X. Y., in 1800. 
his parents being Roger and Lydia Leavitt, who 
were natives of Connecticut, but early settlers of 
Oneida County. Samuel C. Leavitt was reared 
in his native county, and in 1843 was married to 
Frances Fairservice, who was born in 1810 at 
Weston, in the same county, a daughter of Mar- 
shall II. and Mariba (Fiske) Fairservice. In No- 
vember, 1837, they emigrated to Wisconsin and 
the following year settled at what is still the fam- 
ily homestead on section 22 in the town of Sum- 
mit. Mr. Leavitt made a claim of two hundred 
acres, built a log house and at once entered upon 
the improvement of his place. Here he lived the 
life of' a useful citizen till. his death, which oc- 
curred in January, 1872. His wife survived him 
a number of years, passing away at the old home 
in Octolwr, 1886. 

Samuel C. Leavitt was twice married, his first 
wife having been Mary Kilbourn, to whom he was 
married in Oneida County, N. Y., in I82(), and 
who died in 18.'il, leaving two sons, Charles H. 
and Marshall II. The latter was a soldier in the 
War of the Rebellion, and was fatally wounded at 
a battle in front of Petersburg in March, 1865, 
dying at the hospital at Washington on the 6th of 
March following. Ry his second marriage Mr. 
Leavitt had live children, three sons and two 
daughters. Of the sons .Tames is the eldest; Theo- 
dore served in the late war in the Twenty-eighth 
Wisconsin Infantry, and now resides at Sioux 
Falls, S. Dak.; the next and youngest is Samuel F. 



794 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The daughters :iie Miss Adelia andjElla, the latter 
being the wife of .Iiidson V. Redtield, of Cliicago. 

Tlie gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this article is a native of Waultesha 
County, his birth having occurred at the home- 
stead on the 5th of June, 1845. On the breaking 
out of the Civil War he enlisted as a member of 
Company C, Twentv-eigiilh Regiment Wisconsin 
Infantry. He served about two years in the Twen- 
ty-eighth, and was then commissioned First Lieu- 
tenant of Company I, First Wisconsin Heavy Ar- 
tillery. In that capacity he served until the close 
of the war, having been stationed at Arlington 
Heights and at Fl. Farnsworth. His promotion 
from the Twenty-eighth to a Lieutenancy in the 
First Heavy Artillery was brought about in this 
way: Having come home on a furlough from the 
former he engaged in recruiting in Dodge Coun- 
ty, and having raised rpiitc a body of men, through 
the intlueni'c of (Jovernor Kandall, who was a 
warm friend of his father, the promotion was 
brought about, unsolicited by our subject. 

Mr. Leavitt and his sister reside at the old 
homestead, which is pleasantly situated on Gene- 
see Lake, on which a half mile of the farm bor- 
ders. During the warm season they entertain a 
huge number of visitors, using their spacious resi- 
dence as a summer hotel. The scenery is fine and 
the opportunities here alTorded for a pleasant sum- 
mer home are improved each year by a large mini- 
ber of people. 




<rr^ NDRKW AITKKN, of Waukesha, is one 
/ — \ of the earliest of the pioneers of that 
place, lie was born in Kilmarnock, Ayr- 
shire, Scotluiul, March 15, 182(). His father was 
Andrew Aitken, Sr., also a native of Ayrshire, 
born near the hiilhplaoe of the poet, Burns. 

In If^.i.'i the family, consisting of jjarents and 
eight children, emigrated to America and located 
in Rochester, N. Y., where the father resumed 
work at his trade, that of a currier. Our subject, 
who was then fifteen years of age, at once began 



j to learn the trade of blacksmith, at which he served 
J a full apprenticeship. 

In 1840 the family came to Waukesha, or I'rair- 
ieville, as it w.as then known, where the father en- 
tered about seventy acres of land some three miles 
east of the village, in the town of Brookfield. With 
the assistance of his sons Mr. Aitken improved 
this land. The gentleman whose name heads this 
article and his brothers continued to purchase 
land until all of the sons owned a good farm, ex- 
cept the youngest, David, who went to Califor- 
nia, where he still resides. Of the eight children 
who came with their parents to this country all are 
still living, and with this one exception, are resi- 
dents of Waukesha County. The father's death 
occurred in Waukesha. 

Andrew Aitken, of this record, also engaged in 
blacksmith ing in the village, which occupation he 
followed for thirty-five years. He erected in about 
1858 the block where the Waukesha National Bank 
now IS. He was obliged to discontinue work at 
his trade, as the employment produced headache, 
which caused him much trouble. For a time af- 
terward he engaged in selling farm machineiw. 

Mr. Aitkin's first residence was near the block 
spoken of above that he built. This he finally 
sold and erected a fine brick house on the corner 
of Grand Avenue and Carroll Street, which he 
still owns. In 18'.)0 he erected a fine residence, 
also on Grand Avenue, near his brick. 

On the 8th of November, 1848, occurred the 
marriage of Mr. Aitken and Mary H. Nichols, the 
ceremony- being performed by the Rev. M. Miller. 
Mr. and Mrs. Aitken had two children, both 
daughters, Sarah C. and Edith M. The former, 
who was born June 28, 1852, became the wife of 
A. J. Cole, Jr., October 10, 1875, at her father's 
home in Waukesha. They removed to Kansas 
City, where she died the 15th of August, 1877. 
Her husband died just one month later at Hanni- 
bal, Mo. The youngest and only surviving child, 
Edith M., is an artist by profession. She is an ac- 
complished lady and a natural artist. The home 
of her parents is adorned with her beautiful work. 

As has been seen, Mr. Aitken is one of the 
earliest of the pioneers of Waukesha County. 
Coming as he did in 1840, eight years before the" 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



795 



territory was admitted as a state, he has wit- 
nessed tlie growth of Wisconsin to one of the im- 
portant states of the Union. lie began life witli 
but little means, but by industry and good man- 
agement has accumulated valuable propert}-, assur- 
ing him a competence for his declining years. 
He has ever borne the esteem and confidence of 
his fellow-citizens for Ins integrity and upright 
dealing with all. In his i)olitieal faith Mr. Aitken 
is a stanch Republican. 



^ 



■^-^III^T' 



^ 



<rr-r LKXANDER COOK, of Waukesha, is the 
r — % oldest living member of the Waukesha 
County Bar, counting years of continu- 
ous practice. He came to Pralrievilie, now Wau- 
kesha, in August, 1845, and opened a law office, 
where he has since resided, covei'ing a period of 
nearly a iialf centur}-. He was born at Sharon 
Springs, Schoharie County, N. Y., March I, 1820, 
and is a son of .lolin R. and IMarie (Kuntz) Cuok. 
His father was a native of the town of I'alentine, 
Montgomery t'fiunty, N. Y., born .lune II, 1795, 
and was of Swiss ancestry. His death occurred 
January 8, 1878. His mother was born June 11, 
1789, being of German descent. Her father was a 
native of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and had rather 
a remarkable experience. He did not come to 
America voluntarily; when a youth, he was ap- 
prenticed to a master who misused him. To es- 
cape persecution he ran away to the sea coast, 
where he was kidnapped by recruiting oHicers, put 
aboard a vessel with many others, and shipped to 
America as part of the quota of Hessian soldiers 
that were hired by the British to aid in putting 
down the so called rebcllif)n of 1770, in America. 
He was assigned to Burgoyne's army and was cap- 
tured by the Colonial forces at Saratoga. He at 
once joined the American army, with which he 
fought till independence was won. After the 
Revolution was over he married and settled down 
in the Mohawk N'alley, having earned his right to 
citizenship in good earnest. His daughter, Mr. 
Cook's mother, lived to a good old age, dying 



June 9, 1879, five days before her ninetieth birth- 
day. 

When two years of age, Mr. Cook removed with 
his parents to Canajuliarie, Monlgoinery County, 
N. Y., wlu'ie after a few 3'ears he attended school. 
In 18.31 the family moved to the town of Clay, 
Onondaga County, of the same state. Alexander 
pursued his studies at Hamilton College and The 
Liberal Institute of Clinton, N. Y. He read law 
in Syracuse, and was admitted to the Bar in 
the State Courts of New York in the year 1843. 
On the 1st of February, 1842, he w.as married at 
Cooperstown, that state, U) Miss Nancy .Stephens. 
Mrs. Cook was born in the town of Cherry \'al- 
lej-, Otsego County, N. Y. In 184.0 Mr. Cook 
emigrated with his family to Wisconsin, making 
the journey by way of the Great Lakes, and lo- 
cated at Prairieviile, now Waukesha. On coming 
to this place he at once entered upon the practice 
of his profession, which he h.is continued to the 
present time. 

Two children came to bless the home of Mr. and 
Mrs. Cook, a son and a daughter. The latter died 
in infancy, but the sou, Edwin I)., grew to be a 
3outh of eighteen years. He enlisted in the late 
war as a member of Company B, Twenty-eighth 
Wisconsin Infantry, and while on duly contracted 
the typhoid fever and died .laniiary 2."}, 1863. 
Mrs. Cook survived her children many years, her 
death occurring on October !), 18it(i. 

Mr. Cook was reared a Democrat, but enter 
tained anti-slaverj' opinions. In the height of 
the excitement growing out of the slavery (|ues- 
tion, he fraternized with the Free-soil party, and 
when the Republican party was organized, joined 
it, taking an active part in its councils. His oHi- 
cial life began in 1840, when, on the setting off of 
Waukesha County from Milwaukee County, he 
was appointed to the office of District Attorney 
for the former, being the first to hold that office. 
At the fii-st county election he was elected to that 
office, and re-elected at various times. At the or- 
ganization of the United Stales District Court 
for Waukesha County, Mr. Cook was appointed 
Court Commissioner, and was re-appointed several 
times, until the .ludge decided it w.as unnecessary 
to go through the formality, so he has continued 



796 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in that office to the present time, 1894. In 1847, 
he was elected Justice of the Peace, and re-elected 
several limes since, so that it may- be said that he 
has divided his time between that office and that 
of District Attorney. 

Mr. Cook maintained active eonDection with 
the Republican party until 1884, when finding 
himself in full accord with the views of Grover 
Cleveland on the question of tariff reform, he 
gave his supi)ort to his candidacy for President, 
and has since afliliated with the Democracy. Mr. 
Cook IS recognized as a man of earnest thought 
and wide experience in general practice of the 
law, and is looked ni) to as the venerable head of 
the profession in Waukesha County. Only one 
member of the county bar antedated him in prac- 
tice here, the Hon. \'ernon Tichonor, lately de- 
ceased. 

After the death of his wife, Mr. Cook was again 
married; his present wife was Adeline McNaugh- 
ton, a daughter of Finley McNaughton, to whom 
he was united in maniage on the 3d of August, 
1892, in the town of Vernon, Waukesha County. 
Mrs. Cook is of Scotch descent, and is a member 
of the Presbyterian Chureli. 



^^^^ 



1^^ 



PETER R. BLAIR, one of the leading con- 
tractors of Waukesha, is a native of Mum- 
ford, Monroe County, N. Y.,born Novem- 
ber 19, 1852. His parents, Robert and Catharine 
(Smith) Blair, were both natives of Scotland. In 
that country the father learned the trade of ma- 
chinist, which he followed throughout his life. 
When a young man he came to the United States, 
but after a short time returned to Scotland, where 
he was united in marriage to Miss Smith. Mr. 
and Mrs. Blair's wedding trip was a voyage across 
the Atlantic to the new home in America, settling 
in Monroe County, Is'. Y. In 1855 they removed 
to Waukesha, where both died. The father, whose 
birth occurred July 31, 181 1, died December 22, 
1860, while the mother was born in 1826, and 
died on the 23d of November, 1891. The latter 
was a member of the Presbyterian Church and 



lived in harmony with the profession she made- 
Robert Hlair was a brother of William Blair, the 
pioneer banker of Waukesha. Robert and Catha- 
rine lilair were the parents of live children, one of 
whom died in infancy. Maggie, the eldest daugh- 
ter, became the wife of Amos McArthur, and at 
her death, March 21, 1884, left one child. The 
living are: Bryce A., a locomotive engineer; Peter 
R.; and Annie, wife of James Emslie, of Waukesha. 

The gentleman whose name heads this article 
was educated in the schools of Waukesha. When 
seventeen years of age he spent a j'ear in Wyom- 
ing Territory. Returning to Waukesha he served 
three years at the carpenter's trade under Clark R. 
Hartwell, with whom he continued for several 
years. In 1884 Mr. Blair took his first contract. 
Among the many buildings which he has ])lanned 
and contracted, may be mentioned the residences 
of McNair Boyd, H. M. Horning, W. G. Blair, Dr. 
Wigginton, Frank Rogers, Prof. W. L. Rankin, 
Charles Kimball, Mrs. Hiram Adams, Albert Est- 
burg, N. H. Le Clear, Adolph Estburg, Rev. J. 
G. Blue, and H. I). Van Rensselaer. He took 
the contract for the While Rock Avenue School 
House, and superintended the carpenter work 
on the Court House recently completed. 

The marriage of Mr. Blair and Miss Sarah E. 
Soper was solemnized on the 18th of August, 1H71. 
Mrs. IJIair is a native of Waukesha, and a daugh- 
ter of William and Esther (Wiest) Soper. The 
former was born in Montgomery, N. V., June 13, 
1802, being of English descent, his father having 
come from England when a youth of sixteen years 
and located in New York State. Mrs. Soper was 
born in Ulster County, N. Y., on the same day as 
was Queen Victoria, May 24, 1819. Her marriage 
to Mr. Soper was celebrated June 14, 1842. Hav- 
ing prepared himself for the legal profession, Mr. 
Soper made that his life work. While in the state 
of New York he was honored liy election to the 
State Legislature, serving one term. In 1852 be 
came to Waukesha and continued to practice his 
profession until his death, October 25, 18()6. He 
was a Free Mason. His wife died June 3, 1894, 
aged seven t^'-five years, at the home of her daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Blair, who is the only living child, two 
having died in early life. Mis. Blair was born in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



797 



Waukesha. November 17, ISH^. She was reared 
in the f.iitli of the Presbyterian Church, of whicli 
her parents weie nctivc iiicmheis, and to whicli slic 
and her liusliaud belonjj. Mr. and Mrs. Dlair have 
one child, Amy F. Blair, who was born August 1 1, 
1879. 

In political faith .Mr. Blair is a Uepublican. 
Amonj? the contractors of Waukesha he holds the 
foremost place, keeping himself well posted in re- 
gard to all the improvements and advanced 
methods used in the line of his profession. 



JAMlvS STONK, who for more than half a 
century- lias been numbered among the hon- 
ored and respected citizens of Waukesha 
County, now resides on section 84, Lisbon 
Township, where he owns a good farm. He was 
born in .Sussex County. England, February 11, 
181(), and is one of a family of three sons and two 
daughters, whose parents were James and Maria 
(Smith) Stone. Four of the children are yet liv- 
ing: .lames; .Stephen, a prosperous farmer of Lis- 
bon Town.sliip; Martha, widow of Thomas Lee, a 
resident of Milwaukee; and Rhoda, wife of IIon_ 
Richard Weaver, who is represented elsewhere in 
this work. The father was a Sussex farmer, but 
in 1840 crossed the briny deep to America and be- 
came a resident of Lisbon Township, Waukesha 
County, Wis. His life was well spent, and his 
honor and integrity won him universal confidence. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Stone belonged to the Episco- 
pal Church. 

Our subject was reared and educated in Eng- 
land, and at an early age began to earn his own 
livelihood and to aid in the support of the family. 
He remained under the parental roof until his 
marriage, which was celebrated April 18, 1831), 
Miss Frances Sisley becoming his wife. To them 
were born seven children, foiu- sons and three 
daughters, but only two are living. William A., 
born in Ohio, December 11, 1841. was married 
October 13, 1874, to Miss Hannah Bowes, a native 
of New York, born -June 29, 1851. Her parents 
were William and Jane (Thompson) Bowes, the 



: former a native of England and the latter of the 
Empire State. William Stone and his wife have 
one daughter, Effic L., who was graduated from 
the Lisbon schoo's, and has also been well educa- 
ted in music. She is a member of St. Alban's 
Parish. The mother is a member of the Episco- 
pal Church of Sussex. The father is a Democrat 
in politics and in pursuit of fortune followed 
farming. All who know him esteem him highl}' 
for his sterling worth and sli'ict integrity. Eliza- 
beth, the surviving daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
James .Stone, is now the wife of Hirnm Ilindes, a 
farmer of Empire Prairie, Mo. They have six 
children, four sons and two daughters. 

5Ir. Stone was called upon to mourn the loss of 
his wife October 27, 1853. She was laid to rest by 
the side of her four children in Sussex Cemetery, 
and a beautiful monument has been erected to 
their memory. For his second wife, Mr. Stone 
chose JSIrs. Lucy (Fielder) Chester, but she has also 
passed aw.ay. 

When Mr. Stone crossed the Atlantic he sailed 
from London, and after a voyage of about five 
weeks landed in New York, whence he made his 

I way on the Erie Canal to Buffalo. He then pro- 

! ceeded to Cleveland, where his money gave out, 
and he left his family in Ohio, while he continued 
on to Waukesha County. On reaeliing Milwaukee 
he made in<iuiry concerning the Bonham and Wea- 
ver settlement, and there s))enl a few days, after 
which he returned to Cleveland. In 1842, with 
his wife and family, he came b3' the Lakes to Mil- 
waukee, and as there was no pier, Mr. Stone made 
hi; way to land in a little boat. While he was on 
shore a storm aroscand the sailing-vessel was driven 
b.ack almost to Racine, and three days elapsed be- 

; fore it again reached Milwaukee. 

Mr. Stone secured a claim of forty acres of canal 
land in Lisbon Township for twenty shillings per 
acre, and afterwards bought forty acres of (lov- 
ernment land at*1.25. His home wasa two roomed 

j log cabin 18x24 feet in size, with a shake roof and 
a rough stone chimney. Indians visited the neigh- 
borhood frequently, and .Mr. Stone h.as seen as 
many as sixteen deer in his field at one time. In 
his f.-irm work he used ox teams, and in that way 

j hauled his produce to market in Milwaukee. As 



798 



PORTUAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the years liave pasHul, liowever. liis farm of eighty 
acres lisis become a hij^hly cultivaled tract, sup- 
plied with all modern improvements and acces- 
sories. It is pleasantly located a mile and a-lialf 
from Sussex, and is a valuable place. In liisliome 
are two silk embroidered pictures more than one 
hundrud years old, one representing; the infant 
Moses in the bulrushes, and the other Joseph and 
Mary on their llight into Egypt. Mr. Stone for 
some years has served as vestryman in St. Alban's 
Episcopal Church, and lias lived an honorable, up- 
right life well worthy of cniLihilion. He may truly 
be called a self-made man, for his success is due 
entirely to his own effoits, and now in his declin- 
ing years, as the result of his enterprise and indus- 
trv, he has a com])etence which supplies him with 
all the comforts of life. 



_^] 



^+^ 



[=" 



I 



)'•■ 



KTKR WRKiirr. Since 1855 has thissler- 



lina irentleman been a resident of Mer- 
ton Township, Waukesha Count}-, and in 
its growth and prosperity has borne his part. A 
native of Dutchess County, N. Y., he was born 
on the 7th of November, 1822, being the second 
in a family comprising three sons and four daugh- 
ters, of whom two others, both younger than liim- 
self, survive, namely: Mary, who is the wife of 
George AV. Nourse, of II""''and, A\Ms.,and Charles, 
now a resident of the town of Lyndon, Sheboygan 
County, Wis., but formerly of Merton Township. 
His father, Aaron Wright, was also a native of 
Dutchess County, his birth occurring in 171)5, and 
his death December 30, 1888. He was reared to 
the trade of carpenter and joiner and followed 
that occupation for many years. In 18511 he em- 
igrated to Wisconsin, making the trip from Wy- 
oming County, whither he had removed in 1833, 
to Buffalo by canal, thence on a steamer to Mil- 
waukee. Coming to Waukesha County, he loca- 
ted on section 14, in the town ot Merton, where 
lie purchased one hundred and twenty-live acres 
of land lying along Lake Kcesus. There were 
some improvements on the place which he at once 
began to increase, Their log cabin, which stood 



on the banks of the beautiful lake, in time gave 
place to a home in keeping with the surrounding 
advancement. In politics Father Wright was at 
first a member of the Democratic l)arty, but on 
the organization of the Kcpulilican party became 
a stanch supporter of its principles. During his 
residence in the Empire State he was Captain in 
the .State Militia. A man of firm convictions, he 
did not hesitate to prosecute any business under- 
taking that he considered best, irrespective of the 
opinions of others, or to what motive they should 
attribute his .actions, lie and his wife, who bore 
the maiden name of Eleanor Nichols, were mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church. The hitter's birth oc- 
curred in Dutchess County, N. V., in 1802 and her 
death in this county, December 19, 1888. In the 
village cemetery at Merton, husband and wife 
sleep side by side, their last re.-ting place being 
marked by a beautiful stone. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this biography passed the first eleven 
years of his life in his native county, going at 
that age with his parents to Wyoming County, 
which continued to be his home until 1855. Mr. 
Wright is a man of liberal attainments, and for 
some five 3'ears was engaged in the profession of 
teaching. His scholastic training was obtained in 
the public schools and a select sch'jol, but possess- 
ing naturally a studious disposition he took great 
delight in improving his mind, thereby' better 
fitting himself to fill a prominent place in the so- 
cial and business world. During his residence in 
Wyoming County he served as Superintendent of 
Schools in his town, and w.as ever ready to pro- 
mote their efficiency. In W3'oining County Sep- 
tember 29, 1846, Mr. Wright wedded Miss Betsey 
C, daughter of Elder .lames and Betsey (Crawford) 
Reed. Mrs. Wright was born in that county on the 
24th of June, 1826, and was the j'oungest in a fam- 
ily of one son and four daughters. Arvilla, widow 
of UoUin C. Needhara, who resided in Washing- 
ton, D. C.,died in August, 1894. After leaving the 
scliools in her native town Mrs. Wright attended 
a select school in the village of Castile. .She was 
a successful teacher, in which profession she en- 
gaged when but fourteen years of .ige, continuing 
in the same until twenty-one years old. Elder 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



79S> 



James Reed was a surveyor of much skill, and 
a man well known for his integrity and honor. 
Hoth he and his wife died in New York Stale. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wright's family comprised three 
sons, the eldest of whom, Charlie \., who was born 
October 12, 185.'), died on the 3d of .July, 1«74. 
For many years he had been an invalid, sufferiiifi; 
from the ravages of rheumatism, indeed so great 
was his affliction that lie never attended school. 
He possessed naturally a mechanical mind and 
would no doubt have become prominent in that 
line had he but had the physical strength to fol- 
low his inclination. George R., the second son, 
resides in Chicago, where he is engaged in the 
real-estate business. He received a thorough ed- 
ucation, being graduated from the Wayiand -Vcad- 
emy at Beaver Dam and the Cliic.igo University. 
As an orator he possesses more than average abil- 
ity. For a wife he chose Mi.ss Mattie Beliee, a 
native of Beaver Dam, and also a graduate of 
Wayiand Academy, in which institution she was 
an instructor for a time. .She is a lady of rare ac- 
complishments, possessing more than ordinary skill 
and genius as an artist and .is an architect. Frank 
R., the youngest son, is a rising young physician 
and surgeon of North (Greenfield, Wis. He is a 
graduate of Rush Medical College of Cliic-igo and 
gives promise of becoming a leading member of 
his profession, lie married Miss Helen Walsh, a 
daughter of .James Walsh, one of the pioneers of 
Waukesha County. 

In 18.53 .Mr. Wright came to Wisconsin on a 
prospecting tour, and while in the west purchased 
one hundred and twenty acres of iiartially im- 
proved land on i^cction 14, in the town of Merton, 
this county. Returning to his eastern home he 
began making preparations to remove to this 
county, and in \ii;>,') he and his wife came hither 
and established themselves in the cabin, 18x20 
feet in dimensions, that stood upon their property. 
The house was a very primitive affair; through 
the roof, which was made of boards, the stars 
could be seen at night. They well remember the 
Indian scare in 1H62; when the alarm was given 
Mr. Wright hurriedly hitched his horse to the 
buggy and drove to the village of Alerton to see 
what was going to be done, and on arriving there 



found it filled with terror stricken settlers, who 
were hastening on to Pewaukee and Waukesha 
with the hope of reaching a place of safety. 
However it was only a ''scare" and the inhabitants 
were soon at their accustomed places of business, 
again pursuing the even tenor of their ways. By 
additional purchase Mr. Wright increased his farm 
to a (luarter-section of fine land in Merton Town- 
ship. 

His first Presidential ballot was cast in favor of 
Franklin Pierce, the Democratic nominee, but on 
the rise of the Republican party he advocated its 
jirinciples voting for (Jen. .John C. Fremont, as 
he hiis for every candidate since. He is keenly 
alive to the importance of good schools, and in 
the official management of the schools of his town 
has served over twenty years. He and his wife 
are among the leading members of the Baptist 
Church at Merton, in which he has served as Dea- 
con since 18.56. Both are directly interested in 
the Sunday-school, in which he h.is been a teacher 
for many years, and take the greatest of pleasure 
in forwarding the Master's cause. Honorable and 
upright, their lives have ever been replete with 
good deeds. They are now spending their declin- 
ing days in their comfortable home in Merton, 
where they hope to finish a long and useful career. 



I I i n << <«««< 



HON. DANIKL II. Sl'MNER, one of the 
h-ading attorneys of the Waukesha Coun- 
ty Bar, is a native of M.alone, Franklin 
County, N. Y., born on the loth of September IM.'JT. 
His parents, .lohn and Philena (Davenport) .Sum- 
ner, emigrated from Vermont to New York in 
early life, making their home in Franklin Count_\ 
until 1843, which year witnessed their arrival in 
Richland, Kalamazoo County, Mich. At Gales- 
burg his father died in October, 18i)(), while his 
mother still survives. In the district schools and 
at Prairie Seminary, of Richland. I). H. Sumner 
received his scholastic training. Having pre|)ared 
himself for his chosen profession by a course of 
reading at Kalamazoo he w.as admitted to the Bar 
in .June, 18G8, and in the fall of the following 



800 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL Ri<.CORD. 



year opened an otlice in Ocononiowoc, this county. 
In January, 1870, however, he removed to Wau- 
kesha, where he lias since been in active practice. 
Mr. Sumner is recotrnized as a man of superior 
aliilit}', both by iii.s professional brethren and the 
people throughout this section of the state. He 
has been honored with many ollioial positions, 
ranging from Justice of the Peace to Representa- 
tive in Congress. When each town had a Superin- 
tendent of schools, he was called upon to fill that 
position, and was for three years a member of the 
County Board of Supervisors; he was Deputy Clerk 
of the Court and District Attorney from 1875 to 
1877; and in 1882 was chosen by the Democracy 
of the P'ifth Congrc.osional J)istrict of Wisconsin 
as a Representative in the Forty-eighth Congress. 
While in that body he served elliciently on the 
Invalid Pensions and Public Buildings Committees. 
At Reloit. Wis., Mr. Surnner was married on the 
4tli of July, 1877, to Terrie M. Meahl, a native of 
the town of Genesee, Waukesha County, where 
her father, John Meahl, was numbered among the 
early settlers. Both of her parents arc deceased. 
Mr. and Mrs. Sumner are members of tiie Baptist 
Cliurcli, and socially he belongs to the Independ- 
ent Order of Odd Kullows. For about twenty-five 
years Mr. Sumner has been connected with the 
Waukesha Country 15ar, and is therefore numbered 
among its oldest active members. 



< "\ i^ILLlAM l.KROY SANNER. proprietor 
V/ V/' of one of the leading drug stores of 
Waukesha, is a native of Erie, Pa., 
where his birth occurred July 2, 1852. Ills father, 
Jacob Sanner. was born in Alsace, Germany, 
though at that time it belonged to France. In 
early life he came to the United States, locating 
at Erie, Pa., where ho learned the tailor's trade. 
In that city he wedded Miss Mary E. Schleuraff, 
who was born in Switzerland, and when a girl 
came to America. In I85G, the family, consisting 
of parents and three children, emigrated to Wau- 
kesha. The father had visited Wisconsin before, 
and worked a short time at his trade in Racine. 
When he arrived in Waukesha Mr. Sanner had 



only ^i) left, however he opened a tailor shop and 
by untiring industry worked up a good business. 
Having carried on merchant tailoring in Wauke- 
sha for many years, he removed to Wamego. Kan., 
where his death occurred October 13, 1882. His 
estimable wife still survives and makes her home 
in Waukesha. In his politutal views Mr. Sanner 
was a Democrat, though he never gave much atten- 
tion to political affairs. Socially-, he was a mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity. Of the eight chil- 
dren, four sons and four daughters, born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Sanner, three sons and four daughters 
are living, though William L. is the f)nly one 
identified with tiie business interests t)f Waukesha. 

W. L. Sanner, as he is generally known, was but 
four years of age when his parents moved to that 
village. Ilis education was acquired in its public 
schools. AVlien eighteen years of age he entered 
the store of I. M. White to learn the drug busi- 
ness, continuing witli that gentleman for some five 
years. At the expiration of that period be em- 
barked in the drug business on his own account, 
I but five years later sold his stock, and having 
purchased, in connection with his oldest brother, a 
tract of land in Kansas, went thither to establish 
a ranch. This project, however, was abandoned 
and Mr. Sanner returned to his native state. The 
succeeding four years he spent in the office of J. 
E. Patton & Co., wholesale dealers in oils and 
paints in Milwaukee. In 1884 he again came to 
Waukesha and engaged in the drug business, which 
he lias conducted continuously since. At No. 414 
Main Street, Mr. Sanner has a well selected and 
tastily arranged stock; he also owns a fine residence 
at No. 605 Barstow Street. For his success in 
business he has no one to thank but himself, as he 
started empty-handed and without a vigorous 
constitution. Close attention to every detail of 
his business, and courteous and fair treatment of 
his customers are the secrets of his prosperity. 

Mr. Sanner was married in Milwaukee April 26, 
1877, to Miss Esther King, a native of Troy, N. Y., 
and of this union were born three children: Roy, 
who died at the age of five years, Edith and Louise. 
Mrs. Sanner is a consistent member of St. Matthias' 
Episcopal Church of Waukesha. In political 
affairs Mr. Sanner affiliates with the Democratic 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



801 



party. Notwitlistandino^ he has been solicited to 
accept otlicial ii()iiiiii;ili(jns, he hiis always declined, 
preternng to devote his time to his private inter- 
ests. He is a progressive, public-spirited citizen, 
who by intrinsic worth has won an enviable posi- 
tion in the business circles of Waukesha. 

F^ VANDER T. TAYI^OR, an early settler and 
C\ i>rosperoiis fanner resi(lin<j;- on section 21, 
Mukwonago Townshii), was born in the 
town of Wolcoll, Lamoille County, \'t., October 
31, 1821. Gideon M. and Ph<i'be (Walbridge) 
Taylor, his parents, were both boin near Plymouth 
Rock, on which the Pilgrim Fathers landed, 
(u-andfather Taylor was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary War, enlisting for the service in Connec- 
ticut. After that heroic struggle he moved with 
his family in the winter to Vermunt, his faithful 
wife carrying her son, Gideon M., on snow shoes 
a portion of the way. On arriving in the then 
new town of Wolcott everything was wild, and 
for sulisislencc the family depended upon lish, 
moose and bear meat, on which they did not enjoy 
even the luxury of salt. There Grandfather Tay- 
lor spent the remainder of his d.ays. From the 
Hessians in the Revolutionary War he captured a 
flint-lock gun, which descended to E. T. Taylor of 
this sketch, wlu) still ineserves the lock; though 
unfortunately the boys in later days have blown 
the gun to pieces in celebrating on the Ith of 
July the independence for which the old veteran 
fought. 

In Vermont Gideon AF. Taylor wedded Miss 
Walbridge, and in 1829 they moved to the Indian 
Reservation in Genesee County, N. Y., where Ihey 
settled in dense woods, having to cut their own 
path to their home. The husband carried provis- 
ions three miles on his back for his family until 
roads could be made. Indians were plentiful, and' 
bear were often seen. It re(|uired no lillle courage 
for the wives and mothers to remain at home 
while their husbands went forth to make a liveli- 
hood, (iideoii M. Taylor died on the 20th of 
.March, 18-44, at the age of lifty-six years, when he 
29 



should have been in the prime of life, but hard 
work in o|)ening a farm broke him down and 
shortened his days. His wife lived to be sixty- 
seven years old, dying May 14, J 861. Hoth were 
Presbyterians in religious faith, and in politics he 
was a Whig. Iii their family were seven children, 
five sons and two daughters, of whom only four 
are living: Arthur M., residing near Ft. Wayne, 
Ind.; Evander T., of this record; Mrs. Emily Jes- 
seph, of Cattaraugus County, N. Y.; and Daniel, 
who lives on the old homestead. 

E. T. Ta3'lor,as he is commonly known, received 
his education in the old time district schools. 
After reaching manhood he worked for wages for 
a time, and then decided to begin life aright. Ac- 
cordingly he married, in the town of Alabama, 
Genesee County, X. Y., .hinuary 14, 184(), Mi-ss 
Isabelle Irving, a native of Caledonia, Livingston 
County, of the same state, born October 8, 1822. 
She is a daughter of Waller and .lane (Christie) 
Irving, both natives of .Scotland, the former of 
Lowland and the latter of Highland stock, who 
came with their respective parents to the laited 
States when small children. They were married 
in the town of Caledonia. Livingston County, in 
May, I8U). In 1846, in conii)any with his son 
Daniel. Mr. Irving came all the way by wagon to 
this cimiity, where he was soon after joined by 
the other nieinbers of his family-, who came with 
our subject and wife, and settled in Mukwonago 
Township. There he and his wife passed the 
evening of life, his death ociuiring September 26^ 
1877, at the age of eighty-one years, two months 
and one day, and hers. February 27, 1883, at the 
age of eighty-four years, two months and fourteen 
days. Mr. Irving was a temperate man, while bis 
father had the distinction of never having used 
tobacco or strong drink. To y\.\\ and Mrs. Irving 
were born nine children, all of whom save three 
have crossed the river of death. Mrs. Tavlor is 
the eldest of the family, besides whom there are 
three brothers living, Thomas, of Delavan; Walter, 
of Wauk<'sha; and .lolin. a resident of Albany, 
Oregon. 

In .\pril i>f IHlil, Mr. and .Airs. Taylor came 
from Piiffalo on the '"Oregon" to .Milwaukee, 
where they were met by Mr. Irving. After work- 



802 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ing a rented faim for a year. Mr. Taylor bought 
one hundred and sixty acres wliere he now lives, 
for which he paid $1,825. He li:id "uly money 
enough to buy a breaking team and a few other 
necessaries. Sickness had attacked him .soon after 
coming to this county, and a doctor's bill had to be 
paid. In order to make the lir.st payment on this 
land he had to borrow ^iiW, and on the balance 
paid interest at the rate of twelve per cent. lie 
was industrious and tlirifty, meeting payments 
before they came due. Their first home was a 
shake roof log house willi no lloor. luil licfore 
winter good floors were put in, and ere long that 
log cabin became a comfortable and as happy a 
home as they have ever had. The first wheat he 
raised he sold in AVauke.sha for thirty-nine cents 
per bushel, with the proviso that he carry it up 
two flights of stairs. Their first vehicle was a cart, 
the wheels of which were from a cast away cart in 
New York, and iiad been sent out i)y Mr. Taylor, 
he making the rest of the cart. 15y the united 
efforts of himself and wife a competer)ce had been 
made. Thej' have given liberally to churches and 
other benevolences, and have ever been ready to 
do their part in all good woiks. He took $.500 
stock in the old Beloit Railroad, from which he has 
never received a penny's benefit. He has helped 
all his children in beginning for themselves, and 
still owns his fine farm of three hundred and 
fifty-eight acres, on which he has erected a sub- 
stantial farm hou.se and good outbuildings. 

Into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor five 
children came: Arthur I. h.as been a mechanic in 
the railroad service for a number of years; Mary 
Elizabeth, who was educated in Waukesha and at 
Beloit College, wedded Edward Owen, a hardware 
merchant, of Adair, Iowa; Dr. "Warren E. spent 
three years in tlie State University, then took up 
the study of medicine with Dr. Soutlierland, of 
Janesville. In 1878 he graduated from Hahne- 
mann Medical College, of Chicago, the youngest 
in the class of fortj--four, he carrying ofif the 
honors of the class, and the *.5(l greenback prize 
for best scholarship. He located in Monmouth, 
111., where he has arisen to a place in the front 
rank of his profession, being Railroad Surgeon of 
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and the Atchi- 



son, Topcka it Santa Fe Railroads. He also takes 
an active interest in political affairs, being a public 
speaker of .acknowledged ability, and having served 
as Mayor of Monmouth. Homer, who expected to 
take the father's place on the farm, p.assed from 
among the living February 8, 1884, aged twenty- 
three years. Ilattie 1., who also received a good 
education, remains with her parents to comfort 
thcni in their declining years. 

In religions faith Mr. Taylor is a Congregation- 
alist, belonging to the church at Mukwonago. 
Politically he was a Whig, and since the rise of 
the Republican party has been a stanch advocate of 
its princi|iles. He has never been an oflicc seeker; 
though often urged to accept office he would never 
consent to fill official positions, save such as As- 
sessor and Side-Su])ervisor of his town. He and 
his wife are two of the early pioneers of this 
town. Their lives have been worthily spent. 
Since they arrived here, this vicinity has been 
changed from a wilderness to a fine agricultural 
section, and in this transformation they have 
taken an active part. 



"■p3* 



r#- 



JAMES SALMON, wlio successfully carries on 
agricultural pursuits on section 12, Lisbon 
Township, is one of the worthy citizens 
that the Emerald Isle has furnished to Wau- 
kesha County. He has materiality aided in fhe 
development and growth of this locality, and 
well deserves representation in its history. He 
was born in Longford, Ireland, November 25, 
1827, and is a son of Michael and Bridget (Doyle) 
Salmon. Their familj' numbered four sons and 
four daughters, of whom four are yet living: 
Janies, of this sketch; Mary A., widow of Ed New- 
man, of Lisbon Township; Catherine, wife of Mi- 
chael Keating, who was formerly a farmer .and a 
grain buyer for the Pabst Brewing Company', of 
Milwaukee, but is now retired; and Julia. The 
father was born in County Longford in 1779, 
and in 1828 came to the United States in a sail- 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



803 



ing-vessel. He first located in St. Lawrence Coun- 
ty, N. Y., where he remained for sixteen years en- 
gaged in .agricultural pur^iuits. In 1841. by way 
of the St. Lawrence Hiver and the Lakes, he fol- 
lowed the course of emigration, which was stead- 
ily drifting westward, and at lengtli reached Mil- 
waukee. Mr. Salmon purchased one hundred and 
sixty acres of canal land on section 12, Lisbon 
Township, now the home of our subject, and at 
once began its de\elopment, for not a furrow had 
been turned or an improvement made on the place. 
He built a lc)g cabin of two rooms, without a 
floor, and lived in that until he could buy a butler 
home for himself and family. He cut his grain 
with the old-fashioned cradle and threshed it with 
a flad. There was no church or sclioolliouse in 
this vicinity, and the work of civilization seemed 
scarcely begun. The parents were both devout 
members of the Catholic Churth, and were in- 
terred in the Catholic Cemetery in Menomonec 
Township. In his political views Mr. Salmon was 
a Deu)ocrat. 

Our subject was a child about a j'ear old when 
he left the land of his birth, and was a young 
man of seventeen years when he came to Wiscon- 
sin. He acquired his education in the common 
schools and remained with his |)arents until after 
their decease, when the full care and responsi- 
bilit3' of the family devolved upon liim. He has 
been an earnest worker, and his i)ersistent efforts 
and good management have brought him pros- 
perity. 

In 1863 Mr. Salmon wedded Kllen Roche, a 
native of County Wexford, Ireland. To lliem 
were born four sons and a daughter, and with the 
exee|ition of one son all are yet living. Henry, 
who was educated in the I'uion School of Wau- 
kesha, in connection with his brother .lames, who 
is the second child, carries on the home farm; 
Gretta is a teacher of recognized ability, who 
completed her education by three years' attend- 
ance at Cnrroll College; Daniel, who died April 
28, 18',I2, at the age of twenty-one, w.as a bright 
student of the .Seminary of St. Francis, in Milwau- 
kee, and was fitting himself for the i)riesthood. 
His loss IS deeply mourned, not only by the fam- 
ily, but by many friends. Richard is now a stu- 



dent in St. Francis' Academy, of Milwaukee, and 
possesses good intellectual ability. 

For live ^-ears Mi'. Salmon resided in Waukesha, 
but in 1882 returned to the farm where lie now 
makes his home. He owns ofto hundred and sixty 
acres of good laud uniler a high state of cultiva- 
tion and well improved, but has left iLs operation 
to his son, while he is now living retired, enjoy- 
ing the rest which he has truly earned and richly 
deserves. By his ballot he supports the Democ- 
racy on (juestions of national importance, but at 
local elections votes indi pcndciitl.\' of party ties. 
He has been a member of the Town Hoard of Su- 
pervisors for several terms, was Town Treasurer, 
and has Ions; been ofliclally connected with the 
schools of this community, which find in him a 
warm friend. He is an oHicer and a faithful mem- 
ber of St. .lames' Catholic Church, and is a public- 
spiriled and progressive citizen, warmly interested 
in everything pertaining to the welfare of the 
community and its upbuilding. 



»jk^^n>. i»vi«*" ^<i*t* ^yV-' >iV. \ 



\ .--; / -^ ■ ^ ' ^- -^^ . -^K" ^ 1^ 



JOSKPIl llADFIELl). a pioneer of Prairie- 
villc. now Waukesha, located at that village 
in .luly, 18i;5. Chinly, Derb^'shire, England, 
is his native place, his birth having CK'curred 
October IG, 1816. His parents, .John and Ellen 
(Hangely) lladlield. were natives of the same 
shire. His mother, who was a daughter of Aaron 
Rangely. died in her native land, and his fatKer 
in Waukesha, licfore leaving England, .loseph 
lladlield was married in 1843 to Miss Harriet 
.lackson, also of Derbyshire, and the following 
year emigrated to the I'liitcd States. His wile 
was permitted to enjoy her home in Prairieville 
but one year, as her death occurred in September, 
1844, leaving one son, Joseph .1., now deceased, 
who was one of the prominent business men of 
Waukesha County. Li 184.') Mr. Hadfield was 
again married, the lady of his choice being Miss 
.Sarah Harrison, who was born in the same house 
as was his first wife. Of this union there were ten 
children: John (1., bi)rn October 9, 184.J, died 
.September 19, 1873; George A., born April 19, 



804 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



1847, resides in Chicago; Ahiahain H.. horn Janu- 
ary 23, 1849, lives in Gothenburg, Neb.; Sainh .1., 
born January 21, 1851, is the wife of Elon Aitlfen, 
of Waukesha; Isaac H., bom June 29, 1853, makes 
his home in Waukesha; Albeit W., born April 6, 
1855, lives in Chicago; Oscar W., born November 
12, 1857, is a farmer of the town of Genesee; Edwin 
H., born September 20, 18fiO, resides in Minne- 
apolis; Charles II., born June 19, 1863, is the next, 
and Laura 15., born February 11. 1867, is the wife 
of Dr. Albert J. Hodgson, of Palmyra, Wis. 

Upon coming to Waukesha, Mr. Iladfield estab- 
lished himself in the shoe bu.siness, which he car- 
ried on until 1868. His next venture was in 
the stone quarrying business, with which he 
has been prominently idenlilied for years. The 
company of which he is a member owns extensive 
quarries in the town of Menomonec, Waukesha 
County, and a railroad connecting them with 
the St. Paul, Northwestern and Wisconsin Cen- 
tral Railroads, thus giving them a good outlet for 
their product. Besides he has other interests in 
the country, such as farms and village property. 

For years Mr. and Mrs. Iladfield have been act- 
ive workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
In politics he is a Republican. For over half a 
century Mr. Iladfield has been a resident of Wau- 
kesha, and is one of the best known pioneers of 
ihe county. 



HENRY M. FRAME, Cashier of the Wau- 
kesha National ISaiik, is a representative 
of one of the pioneer families of this 
county, being a son of Ma.'cwell and Jane (Ait- 
ken) Frame. He was born in the town of Brook- 
tield, Waukesha County, June 22, 1842, and is the 
older of two brothers who constituted the family 
of Maxwell and Jane Frame, the other being An- 
drew J., president of the above named bank. Hav- 
ing been deprived of his father when he was quite 
j'oung, Mr. Frame of this sketch early learned the 
lesson of self-reliance, and the habit of industry. 
For some three years he worked on a farm for an 
uncle. His opportunities for education vrere such 



as the district schools of that early day afforded. 
The Forest Citj' Bank having been established 
about 1857 by S. A. Bean, M. G. Townsend and 
others, Mr. Frame became an employe of that in- 
stitution, with which he remained two years, or 
until it was closed. Soon after the Farmers' Na- 
tional I'.ank was incorporated, and with that he 
was identified a j'car. In 1H68 he entered the 
Waukesha National Bank, with which he has since 
been continuously connected, having been made 
Cashier in Jul}-, 1880. It will thus be seen that 
Mr. Frame has spent some thirty years in this line 
of business, with every detail of which he is thor- 
oughly conversant. His long experience and in- 
timate acquaintance with the financial standing of 
the people of the county make him a capable and 
valuable ollicial. 

The marriage of Mr. Frame and Miss Adelia 
Pettibonc was celebrated in Waukesha, March 3, 
1870. Mrs. Frame is a native of Cattaraugus 
C'ounty, N. Y., and was a daughter of Sylves- 
ter Pettibonc. When very young she lost her 
parents, and on reaching womanhood came to this 
county in 1868. At her death, October 14, 1879, 
she left two sons, Irving P., a promising youth 
who died March 23, 1890, at the age of seventeen 
years; and Charles H., who passed away Septem- 
ber 13, 1887, aged ten j-ears. Mr. Frame was again 
married on the 3d of May, 1881, in the town 
of Lisbon, this county, to Miss Sarah C. Rich- 
mond, an adf)pted daughter of Thompson Rich- 
mond, one of the prominent farmers of that town. 
Mrs. Frame is a native of England, and when a 
child was brought to the United States. Her 
parents bore the family name of Counsell; her 
mother having died when she was a little girl, she 
went to the home of Mr. Richmond, where she en- 
joyed such educational and home advantages as 
would have been extended to an own daughter. 
Mrs. Frame is an active worker in the Baptist 
Church, with which she has been identified for 
years. 

Politically the subject of this article is a Repub- 
lican, without official aspirations, and socially is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to 
Waukesha Lodge No. 37, A. F. * A. M. Mr. 
Frame has done his part toward building up Wau- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



805 



kesha; besides erecting a stone block on Broadwa}' 
in 1892, on the site of the old home which has 
been in the possession of the family for a half cen- 
tury, he built a good residence at No. 31(! Carroll 
Street. 



^#i#e 



r^ USTAVUS OGDEN AUSTI N was horn on 
\y^ the 14th of August, 18.39, at Massena, St. 
Lawrence County, N. Y. In 1853 he came 
to Chicago and learned the printer's trade, which he 
has followed in various places in the west. At the 
breaking out of the Civil War he was ercployed at 
Edwardsville, 111., where he had attached himself to 
the "Madison County (Juards," a company of 
"tin soldiers," whose services were tendered to 
and accepted by (iov. Richard Yates, and on the 
19th day of April, 1861, were mustered into the 
United States service as Companj- I, Ninth Illi- 
nois Infantry. The command was ordered to 
Cairo, 111., where the company remained for three 
weeks fortifying the place, building barracks and 
doing guard and picket duty. The company was 
mustered out of the service at that place on the 
26th of July, 1861. Having returned to Edwards- 
ville and assisted in raising a company to serve 
for three years, which was completed on the 3d of 
August, 1861, Mr. Austin went with it to Cairo, 
where it was mustered into the United States serv- 
ice on the 1 1th of August as Company K, Ninth 
Illinois Regiment. With his regiraemt he partici- 
pated in the fall and winter cam(iaign in Kentucky 
and Tennessee, which included tiie capture of Ft. 
Henry, Ft. Donelson and the battle of Shiloh, as 
well as the movement on Corinth, Miss., where 
Mr. Austin was attacked by a severe case of mea- 
sles which caused him to be taken to the hospital 
at St. Louis, and mustered out of the service Jul^' 
14, 1862. Having recovered his health he again 
enlisted in the service of his country on the 22d 
of August of the same year, in Company K, Tenth 
Missouri Cavalry, for three years, or during the 
war, and with that regiment served imtil June 22, 
1865. With his regiment he participated in over 
seventy-nine engagements, among the most im- 



portant of which are: Cherokee Valley, Leighton, 
Florence and Selma, Ala.; Town Creek, the two 
battles at Tupelo, luka, Brownsville, Livingston, 
Barker's Creek, Egypt Station, Oxford Court 
Hou.se, Jackson, Hillsborough, Champion Hills, 
Vicksburg, Morton, Canton, and Cuntown, Miss.; 
N:ishville, Tenn.; Macon, Oa., Independence, Mo.; 
Osage, Kan., etc. He also took part in the Red 
River expedition. 

The regiment had the honor of acting as guard 
for .lefferson Davis and his cabinet from Macon to 
Augusta, where they were turned over to the 
United States Navy. In the fall of 1865 Mr. Aus- 
tin came to Wisconsin and located at Eau Claire, 
where he was engaged on the Free Press until the 
fall of 1870, at which time he purchased the Chip- 
pewa Falls Detnocrai, conducting that paper for 
two years. After selling out he returned to Eau 
Claire and started a job printing business, of which 
he disposed in 1874. In November of that year 
was celebrated his marriage to Miss Lydia O. 
Covell, and in April of the following year they 
moved to Waukesha, where their daughter, Florence 
M., was born November 14, 1878. During his resi- 
dence in Waukesha, Mr. Austin has been employed 
on the Democrat. Since coming here he has been 
elected to a number of otticial positions, such as 
Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors, a 
member of the Board of \'illage Trustees and Vil- 
lage Clerk. With the following social orders he 
holds meni'Dcisliip: Grand Army of the Republic, 
Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of Amer- 
ica, and Patriarchal Circle. 



>^T>HOMAS L. MORGAN, who resides on sec- 
I tion 6, in the town of Summit, is a repre- 
sentative of one of the early families of 
this township, his father, Thomas Morgan, having 
settled in 1851 where the son now lives; however 
he had bought the place the previous year. Thomas 
Morgan w:\s a native of Wales, born on the 12th 
of April, 1809. In early life he learned the trade 
of a weaver, hut later woiked in the iron indus- 
tries. In 1830 he came to the United States, beinjr 



806 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



tlie only one of his father's family whoever came 
to this country. Not long after his arrival, Mr. 
Morgan went to Stamford, Conn., where he en- 
gaged at labor in the iron works of that place. 
During his residence here, he was married to Maria 
Roberts, daughter of Samuel Roberts, who was then 
a resident of Stamford, but a native of Wales. 
Mrs. Morgan was also born in Wales, and came 
with her parents to America. 

Mr. Morgan finally became part owner of the 
iron works at Stamford, his partners being his fa- 
ther-in-law, brother-in-law and others. But by an 
unprofitable investment the business proved a fail- 
ure, after which Mr. Morgan engaged in mercan- 
tile life. The latter business, however, for certain 
reasons, did not prove altogether such as he was 
ple.ised with, and in the interests of his family he 
decided to come west and engage in agricultural 
pursuits. In 1850 he came to Waukesha County 
and purchased a location, as already slated, on 
which he settled with his family the following 
year. The land was heavily timbered, hard maple 
predominating, and had but few improvements 
thereon; a log house and stable had been built, and 
a few acres had been broken. Here the family 
settled and began the work of developing a farm. 
On this plfice Mr. and Mrs. Morgan lived until 
death, the former passing away on the 16th of 
April, 1884, and the latter October 10, 1886. 

Thomas Morgan was an industrious and success- 
ful business man, and in his farming methods was 
progressive. For many years he made a specialty 
of raising horses, in which enterprise he was most 
successful. Genial and social in disposition, he 
made many friends, and \vas highly respected as a 
citizen. He and his wife were tlie parents of six 
children, four sons and two daughters, five of 
whom are still living and are named as follows: 
Samuel Kdward, the eldest of the family, is a resi- 
dent of the cit}' of Oconomowoc; William Henry 
resides at Tracy, Minn.; Thomas L., our subject, is 
tlie next in orderof birth; .lennie, the elder daugh- 
ter, is the widow of F. B. Brown, and resides at 
Alta, Iowa. Mr. Brown was formerly Cashier of 
the bank at that place. The youngest of the sur- 
viving members of the family is Mrs. Helen Maria 
J.'icobs, wife of Lewis Jacobs. The youngest son. 



Robert, was accidentally killed by the discharge 
of a gun when in his sixteenth year. 

Thomas L. Morgan, the gentleman whose name 
heads this record, and who now owns and occu- 
pies the homestead farm, was born at Stamford, 
Conn., June 9, 1846. Though but a lad of five 
years he remembers well how the country looked 
in the earl> '50s. Reared on his father's farm, 
he has always resided there, and for his occupation 
chose the life of an agriculturist. November 21, 
188C, Mr. Morgan was united in marriage with 
Miss Ellen Miller, daughter of Frank Miller, now 
a resident of the town of Farmington, Jefferson 
County. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have been blessed 
with three children, namely: Helen M., Llewellyn 
Edward and Frances. 



T 



♦^•j-^* 



HOMAS CAMPBELL, who is numbered 
among the early settlers of Waukesha 
County of 1857, is so well known that he 
needs no sjjecial introduction to our readers. Like 
the blacksmith celebrated in Longfellow's beauti- 
ful poem, he is very popular with his fellow-towns- 
men, and we are pleased to present to them the 
record of his life. He was born in Rosshire, Scot- 
land, November 17, 1829, and is the fourth in a 
family of ten children, four sons and six daugh- 
ters, of whom eight are yet living, namely: Charles, 
a merchant of Milwaukee; Belle, who is residing 
on the old homestead in Scotland; Thomas, of this 
sketch; Ellen, wife of Mr. Murray, a boot and shoe- 
maker of Edinburg, Scotland; William, a black- 
smith of Milwaukee; Catherine, wife of Charles 
Campbell, an agriculturist of Rosshire, Scotland; 
Donald, a horse-trainer of Edinburg; and Jessie, 
wife of Thomas Ingalls, a farmerof Empire Prairie, 
Mo. The parents of this family were Donald and 
Catherine (Ross) Campbell. Tlie father was born 
in Rosshire in 1800, and died about 1875. By 
trade he was a blacksmith. His character w.as that 
of a benevolent and kindly man, and no needy 
one was ever turned from his door emptj'-handed. 
He and his wife were both devout members of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



807 



Scotch Presbyterian Church, and their entire lives 
were spent in their native land. 

With his fatiicr, Thomas Cainpbell learned the 
blacksmith's trade and lias made it his life work. 
t)n the 4th of August, 1854, he boarded a sailing- 
vessel, "Ilindford of (ilasgow," wliieli weighed an- 
chor at Greenock. After six weeks and three days 
they reached Toronto, Canada, and with a cash 
capital of five pounds, Mr. Campbell landed in the 
New World. He began working at his trade in 
Forest, Canada, in the shops of the Grand Trunk 
Railroad for 4>4.") per month, and there spentabout 
three years. 

During thai time Mr. Campbell married Miss 
Louisa Winn, a native of New York, born in Roch- 
ester in 1837, and a daughter of George and La- 
vina Winn. She was left an orphan when quite 
young and was feared b}' an aunt in Canada. On 
the 13lh of June, IS.OG, she became the wife of 
Mr. Campbell, and to them has been bom one son, 
who now aids his father in business. Donald H. 
was born .lunc 2, IHo'J, was educated in the com- 
mon schools, and on the 22dof January, J884, was 
united in marriage with Miss I']lla Simmons, wlio 
was born in Lisbon Township, and for some years 
was a successful teaclier in this county. Her parents 
were Volney and .lane (Kdwards) Simmons. Her 
father is a boot and slioe maker by trade, and now 
resides in Antigo, Wis. To Donald Campbell and 
his wife have been born three daughters, Winifred 
Zoe, Jean Louise and Mildred Ella. Mr. Camp- 
bell cast his first Presidential vote for James A. 
Garfield and is a firm supporter of the Republican 
party. He is a Royal Arch Mason, also belongs to 
Morris Camp No. 1126, M. W. A., of Sussex, of 
which he is Wortliy Advisor, and of the Good 
Templars Lodge of Sussex, in which he is now 
serving as Ix)dge Deputy. He and his wife are 
members of the Kpiscopal Churcii of Sussex and 
are leading young peo|)le of the community who 
occupy an enviable position in social circles. 

On the 18th of .May, 18.')7, Thom.is Campbell 
and his wife arrived in Port Washington, Ozaukee 
County, Wis., where for six years he engaged in 
bhu-ksmithing, doinj? a successful business. In 
March, 18G3, he took up his residence in the pretty 
Utile village of Sussex, and again prosperity has 



attended his efforts, placing him in comfortable 
circumstances. He has followed his trade since 
the age of fourteen and is an expert workman, 
therefore receives a liberal patronage. 

Mr. Campbell not only votes with the Republi- 
can party but also does all in his power to pro- 
mote its growtli and insure its success. He has 
been elected to several official positions, has been 
Treasurer of Lisbon Township, and at this writing 
is serving as Side Supervi-sor. He is a man of good 
judgment devoted to the best interests of the com- 
munity, and the people repose in him tiie utmost 
confidence. Socially he is connected with Lincoln 
Lodge No. 183, A. F. & A. M., of Menomonee 
Falls, Wis. He possesses a kindly, generous spirit 
and is justly- entitled to the high regard in which 
he is universally held. 






JAMKS JOHN.STON, a hard ware merchant of 
the village of Miikwonago, is a native of 
Waukeslia County, his birth having occurred 
in the town of Waukesha on the 7th of March, 
1845. His father, John Johnston, was born in An- 
andale, Dunifrieshire, Scotland, where he learned 
the miller's trade. On reaching his majority he 
decided to try his fortune in the New World, and 
accordingly sailed for the United Stales in 1840, 
coming direct to Rochester, Racine County, Wis. 
However, he soon after came to Waukesha, where 
he was employed as a miller b3' Mr. Harslow, then 
worked in tlie same capacity' for Charles R. Dakin. 
While there he was united in marriage to Miss 
Williams, a Welsh lady, who died when our sub- 
ject was about a year old, leaving two children; 
the other one, Joseph, is now on the police force 
in Milwaukee. Later the father married Ann Me- 
Cullough, a Seotch lady, and by this union had 
one child, .lolin, who is Teller in the Citizens' 
Hank of Palmyra, Wis. After residing in this 
county a few years he removed to Palmyra, where 
he died. 

Until eight years old James Johnston, whose 
name appears at the head of this biography, lived 
with bis mother's people, then went to Palmyra 



808 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and remained with his father, who had in the 
meantime raairied again. He received his schol- 
astic training in the common school. Tiiough but 
a youlli of sixteen when the call for trooi)s to put 
down the Kebelliou w.as sent out, he offered his 
services, and on the 15th of August, 1861, enlisted 
in Company I. Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry. His 
regiment was assigned to tlie Army of the Cumber- 
land, with whicli it served for the most part 
throughout the struggle. With his command Mr. 
Johnston parlicipatol in the second battle of Ft. 
- Donelson and other engagements. Having served 
three years, a number of the Thirteenth Wisconsin 
and the p:iglily-tirLrd Illinois were mounted for 
guerrilla warfare, Mr. .lohnston being among those 
selected from the former regiment. The field for 
their operation was Tennessee, northern tieorgia 
and Alabama. Throughout this dangerous service 
our subject was never wounded or taken prisoner. 
He was sent on the expedition to Texas, and was 
mustered out of the army at San Antonio in De- 
cember, 1865, receiving his honorable discharge at 
Madison, Wis., on the 1st of ..lanuary. 1866, after 
nearly four and a-half years' service. During the 
entire lime that he was out Mr. .lohnston had but 
one furlough, a veteran's, of tliirty days. Toward 
tlie close of his service he was promoted to Second 
Lieutenant, which position he hold at the time of 
his discharge. 

The years succeeding his return from the army 
were spent .as a student at I\Iilton College, after 
which he learned the tinner's trade at Waterford, 
at which he worked until he began on his own re- 
sponsibility. In 1875 he started in business for 
himself at Mukwonago, where he has since been 
engaged, having always conducted the business 
alone. He carries a full line of hardware, paints, 
oils, glass, etc., and by courteous and fair treat- 
ment has secured a large patronage. Mr. Johnston 
was married in Mukwonago on the 22d of De- 
cember, 1873, to Miss Ella Field, daughter of 
Judge Martin Field. Socially .Mr. Johnston be- 
longs to the Masonic order, being a member of 
Laflin Lodge No. 146, of Mukwonago; Waukesha 
Chapter No. 37, Waukesha Coininandery No. 23, 
and Wisconsin Consistory of Milwaukee. In po- 
litical faith he is a Republican, his first vote 



having been cast for General Grant. Besides his 
mercantile interests Mr. Johnston is one of the 
stockholders of the Phantom Lake Inn Company. 
A man of good business judgment, full of push and 
energy, he has achieved a success of which he may 
well be proud. Beginning without capital he has 
by close application and careful attention to all 
the details of business accumulated valuable prop- 
erty, as all that he possesses is the result of his 
own efforts. Almost his entire life has been spent 
in Waukesha County, and in its advancement he 
has taken an .active part, being ever found ready to 
give bis support and aid to all measures that prom- 
ise to be for the good of his town and county. 



HON. MANVILLE S. HODGSON, a resi- 
dent of town of Pewakee, but whose of- 
fice is in Waukesha, is a well known citi- 
zen of the county, and a representative of one of 
its pioneer families. His fathei-, John Hodgson, 
was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1812, and was 
a son of Thomas Hodgson, who died when his 
son was but a lad, as did also the mother. John 
Hodgson was thus left an orphan at a very early 
age, he being the youngest of quite a large fam- 
ily. After the death of his parents he lived with 
an older brother. Endowed naturally- with a math- 
ematical mind, he gave promise, even in early 
3'outh, of excelling in that branch of science. He 
was fortunate, while making his home with his 
brother, in having for a tutor Prof. Charles Gill, 
a superior mathematician, under whose instruc- 
tion he made rapid progress, obtaining a very 
thorough knowledge of both theoretical and prac- 
tical surveying. In 1828, at the .age of sixteen 
years, he came to America with the families of two 
married sisters. On reaching this country, Mr. 
Hodgson went directly to Detroit, Mich., which 
was then regarded as on the frontier of civiliza- 
tion. His knowledge of the art of surveying 
soon became known, and in a short time he found 
emphiyment under (Tovernment Surveyor Sibley, 
and in 1833, as soon as he h.ad attained to the 
age of twenty-one years, was made Deputy Gov- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



809 



einment Surveyor. He followed his favorite branch 
of business until 1840, working in Michigan, Indi- 
ana and the territory of Wisconsin, in the ine.iii- 
tiine surve3ing the state line between Indiiina .and 
Illinois, which had been in dispute. 

In 1840 Mr. Hodgson was married at I'ontiac, 
Midi., to Miss Casandra M. HIakc, daugiiter of 
Capt. Chesley Blake, one of tiie most famous of 
tiie early lake captains. After his marriage he re- 
sided in Oakland County, Mich., for about two 
years, removing in 1842 to Waukesha Count}', 
Wis. On coming to this county, Mr. Hodgson 
settled on a new farm in the town of Pewaukee, 
which he improved. Besides his farming inter- 
ests, he dealt (piite largely in real estate. He 
was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, 
whose death occurred on Ihc .Olh of .lanuary, 
1860. In December, of the same year, he was 
united in marriage with Esther Enos, of (iloveis- 
ville, N. Y. His death occurred in \SC>',) He was 
a man possessed of sterling (|ualities, excellent 
judgment and business ai)ility, and occupied a 
prominent place in the piil)Iic affairs of his town 
and county. He was chosen to represent his dis- 
trict in the State Legislature one term; served as 
Chairman of his town; was Assessor, and held 
various other local olhcial positions. In his po- 
litical views he might be termed an independent 
Republican, and was a strong and outspoken Union 
man during the War of the Rebellion. He was 
liberal, public-spirited, and in all respects a most 
worthy citizen. 

There were six children horn to .lolin Hodgson 
by his first marriage, three sons and three daugh- 
ters, four of whom died in early life. Manville 
8. Hodgson and a sister. Miss Ellen II. Hodgson, a 
resident of Milwaukee, are the only surviving 
members of the fainil}'. Manville 8. Hodgson was 
born in tlie town of Pewaukee, May 3, 1H43. He 
grew to manhood on the homestead farm, and was 
educated in the common schools and at Carroll 
College. I'nder the Instruction of his father he 
received an excellent knowledge of land surveying. 

In February, 1863, Mr. Hodgson enlisted in 
Com|)any K. Seventeenth Michigan Infantry. He 
served with his regiment in the Department of the 
Mississippi under Grant, participating in the siege 



of Vicksburg. After the surrender of that im- 
portant Confederate stronghold, his command re- 
turned to Kentucky and took part in Burnside's 
East Tennessee campaign, including the siege of 
Knoxville. Rieturning from the army in 1864, he 
soon after took a lri|> to the Pacific Coast. After 
spending some time in California, he went to Ne- 
vada, returning to Wisconsin in lK7(i. While 
absent he was engaged in mining and other en- 
ter|)rises. Since his return home he has been upon 
his farm in Pewaukee Township, but has given 
nuicl; attention to surveying. 

.lanuar_v 25, 1871), Mr. Hodgson was married, in 
the town of Pewaukee, to Miss Jessie North, 
daughter of Prof. A. M North. Mrs. Hodgson is 
also a native of that town. Mr. Hodgson is a 
representative citi/.en, and has always taken a 
commendable interest in promoting the public wel- 
fare of his town and county, lie, like his father, 
has served in various official capacities. Ho has 
been Assessor of his town for six years, and in 
1874 and 187.5 represented his district in the State 
Legislature. He is a Republican in politics, and 
is a member of William A. Kent Post, (i. A. !{., 
at <4reeu ville. 



^^>^<U 



S2^i_— 



f)y^ 



©HARLES WILLIAMS, a representative 
farmer residing on section 3, Genesee 
Township, was born June 10, 1844, in Pe- 
waukee, and is a son of John and Mary (Howell) 
Williams, who were natives of South Wales. The 
father was reared as a farmer in the land of his 
nativity, and there married. In 1842, accom- 
panied by his wife and family, he sailed from Liv- 
erpool for the United States, landing in Boston, 
Mass. From there he came to Buffalo, where his 
family remained while he went to Canada on bus 
iness. On his retiu-n they resumed their journey 
to the far west, coming by the lakes to Milwaukee, 
thence to Prairie ville by st.age. Shortly after 
their arrival in this county Mr. Williams bought a 
farm of sixty-four acres htv ^'l.'iO, the only im- 
provements on the place being a log cabin and a 
I few acres of plowed land. Ijiter he bought of the 



810 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Government two liund red acres of land, for which 
he paid *!l.25 per acre. On this purciiase he built 
a pleasant home, good outbuildings and made 
other improvements, developing a fine farm. 

Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Sr., were the parents of 
seven children, comprising four boys and three 
girls, as follows: Marv is the wife of Robert Will- 
iams, a farmer of Delafield Township; Margarette 
is the widow of Charles .Jones; Edward is a suc- 
ce'<sful farmer of the town of Pewaukee; .lohn is a 
farmer m Minnesota; Sarah is the widow of Thomas 
R. Jones; George is a farmer of Pewaukee Town- 
ship; and our subject. The parents and their 
children endured the rigors of pioneer life, being 
deprived of what we consider the common necessi- 
ties of life, to leave all luxuries out of considera- 
tion. As an example, for two years after coming 
to Wisconsin they had no cook stove, and many of 
their articles of furniture were improvised out of 
crude materials, hut for all these inconveniences 
they were happy and contented. Hy careful man- 
agement and thrift Mr. Williams I)ecanic well-to- 
do. He was called from the scenes of this life in 
1860, and his wife, who survived him man}- years, 
passed away in 1886. 

Charles Williams was reared on the old home- 
stead farm, and received a limited education. He 
continued at home until his father's death, when 
he .assumed the management of the estate until 
1880, at which lime he bought his present farm of 
two hundred and seventy -eight .acres, the cost of 
which w.ns ?i;},000. The property was well im- 
proved, having a comfortable residence and good 
outbuildings thereon. He afterward added twelve 
acres to the farm and erected an excellent granary. 
In 1890 his home and outbuildings, with the ex- 
ception of one, were destroyed by fire, including 
his entire crop of that year, also several horses. 
This loss was a severe blow to Mr. Williams as he 
received but a small amount of insurance on what 
was consumed. However, he has since erected 
good outbuildings, and has one of the most beau- 
tiful homes in the town of Genesee. 

.lanuary 28, 1880, Mr. Williams was united in 
marriage with Sarah E. Lane, a native of Manistee, 
Midi., and one of three children, a son and two 
daughters, born to Charles and Sabia (Stanner) 



Lane. Of this union there are the following chil- 
dren: Clarence, Florence Edith, Charles Lester, 
Floyd and Le Roy. The first three named attend 
Brand}' Brook School in Delafield, while the last 
two are at home. 

In political sentiment Mr. Williams is a Demo- 
crat. His first Presidential ballot w.as cast for 
Horace (ireeley. In an ollicial cai)acity he h.as 
served as Assessor of the town of Pewaukee three 
terms, and held the same office one term in the town 
of Genesee. He and his wife are respecters of re- 
ligious teachings, and are in sympathy with all 
measures that promise to be of benefit to their town 
and county. 



4- 



f#^ 



HENRY PAUL, a successful dairyman and 
agriculturist, residing on section 29, in 
the town of Genesee, Waukesha County, 
is a native of that township, born .Tuly 21, 1847. 
His father, Thom.as Paul, was born in England in 
1811, and grew u|) on his father's farm. About 
the time he had reached manhood his parents died, 
after which he rented a farm and worked it for a 
number of years. Deciding to come to this coun- 
try', he sailed from Liverpool to New York, where 
he arrived six weeks later, thence coming to Mil- 
waukee by way of the Hudson River, Erie Canal 
and the (4reat Lakes. At that time Milwaukee 
was but a mere hamlet, cattle often miring on 
what is now East Water Street. His journey was 
continued from that point by team to the town of 
Genesee, where he purchased eighty acres of par- 
tially improved land, for which he paid the sum of 
$500. Among the improvements was a log cabin, 
in which he lived for two 3'ears, and at the end of 
that time traded that property for the farm which 
our subject now owns. The latter contained one 
hundred and sixt}- acres, and in the exchange Mr. 
Paul paid 1600 to boot. 

Thomas Paul married Sophia Biastf)|)lier, a na- 
tive of Bavaria, Germany, born February' 21, 1817. 
Ill the year 184,') she came to this country with 
her brother, locating in Genesee Township. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Paul three children were born, two 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



811 



sons and a daughter. Henry, the subject of this 
article, is the eldest .ind only surviving member of 
the family. (Jeorge was tiie next, and Ann, who 
became the wife of .lames Carver, was the young- 
est; both are deceased. 

Wlien Tliomas Paul came to this country he had 
but $500. My industry, economy and correct 
business methods he acquircci valuable property, 
and at liis deatli left his family well provided for. 
What education he had, had been accjuii'ed (luring 
liis spare moments and by observation. lie was 
a man who enjoyed the esteem of all who knew 
him. 

Ilenr^' Paul, whose name appears at the head of 
this article, grew to manhood on the old home- 
stead, where his life thus far has been spent. At 
his father's death he inherited all of the property, 
with the exception of ^.'^,000, which was willed to 
his other heirs. Hrought up on a farm and made 
familiar with its various lines of work, he has con- 
tinued to follow the occupation of an agricultur- 
ist, in connection with which he has ma(]c a spe- 
cialty of dair3'ing, being quite successful. He is 
interested in the cheese factory and creamery at 
North Prairie, which makes a profitable return for 
the amount invested. 

December 25, 187.'?, at Genesee, Wis., Henry 
Paul wedded Sarah K. Bratley, a native of that 
village, she being the second in a family compris- 
ing a son and two daughters born to Mr. and 
Mrs. John Bratley. Her on l^- brother, John, is a 
farmer in the town of Genesee, while her sister is 
now deceased. Of this union there were two 
children: Thomas J., who is yet a student in the 
district school, aids his father in operating the 
farm; and Klrama Ann, also in school, has received 
special instruction in music. This family was 
called upon to mourn the loss of the mother, who 
died F'ehruary 15. IHH.'l 

In politics Mr. Paul i.s a Democrat, having cast 
his first Presidential ballot for Horace Greeley. 
However, he is not strictly partisan; in national 
affairs he votes with his party, but in local elec- 
tions ho exercises the right to choose whom he 
will support. He has been a Director in the 
School Hoard for a numljcr of years, and is now 
acting in that capacity. He has always been a 



warm friend of the public school, and all other 
educational interests have his good will. Mr. 
Paul and his family are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, to the support of which he 
gives liberally. 

Of the growtli and development of the county 
Mr. Paul lias been ,'i witness, in fact, he grew up 
with it. He has aiiled materially in making many 
improvements, and since coming into possession of 
his |)roperty, has erected a siibstantial residence 
and good outbuildings, his farm being among the 
well ciiltivaled of his town. 



=3: 









HENRY \V. ANSTEY, residing in the vil- 
lage of llartlaiid, is one of the substantial 
men of Merton Township, where he has 
lived since a boy of eleven summers. His father, 
Henry Charles Anstey, was a native of Devonshire, 
England, and there grew to manhood and married 
Miss Mary Jane Dart, who was also born in that 
shire. Mr. Anstey was a carpenter and joiner by 
trade, and for a great many years worked in the 
city of London. In the year 1855 he came with 
his family to America, embarking on board the 
sailing-vessel "Prince Albert" at London. The 
journey was a memorable one; to add to the trials 
and dangers of a sea voyage, that dread disease, 
cholera, broke out among the passengers, some sixty 
of whom were carried off by its ravages. After 
being at sea for forty days the ship reached N^ 
York. Because of the sanitary condition the jias- 
sengers were compelled to remain in quarantine on 
Staten Island for a period of two weeks. At the 
end of that time the passengers were permitted to 
go on their way. Mr. Anstey proceeded to Chicago 
by rail, and from there to Milwaukee came by boat. 
In the latter city he purchased a lot, located on 
what is known as Prospect Avenue, for ^.'JOO, upon 
which he erected a substantial house. IIo contin- 
ued to reside there, being employed at his trade, 
until the siiring of 18()0. At that time he traded 
his home in .Milwaukee, and ^50 in cash, for sixty 
acres of land situated one mile east of Hartland, 
in the town of Delafield. Directly after his father's 



812 



PORTRAIT AJfD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



death, in 1862, Mr. Anstey went to England to 
claim his share of the former's propcrt}-. He re- 
mained ill the land of his nativity some three 
months, then returned to his home in Wisconsin. 
Soon thereafter he bought eighty .icres of land in 
Delafield Township, about all the improvements on 
it being a small log house and a barn. By careful 
management and tliiift Mr. Anstey became well- 
to-do; by additional piu-chases he added to the 
original eighty acres, until his estate comprised 
three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, 
upon which he erected a good home and modern 
outbuildings. In April, 1878, Mr. Anstey passed 
from th(! scenes of this life. Honorable and up- 
right in his dealings he well merited the esteem of 
all who knew him. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Anstey were born live sons and 
four daughters, but two of whom have crossed the 
river. Those who still abide, besides our subject, 
are Kllen Mary, a resident of IJelalield; Mary .lane, 
who is at home with her mother on the old home- 
stead; t'harlcs Samuel, a fanner of the town of 
Delafield; Edward John, and Walter Dart, who 
manage the homestead farm, and Millie AL, who 
became the wife of Cleorge W. Sizor, of Ilarlland. 
The deceased are Charles and an infant daughter. 
Mrs. Anstey, who survives her husband, still lives 
in the old home. Surrounded by children and 
grandchildren, her declining 3ears are being pleas- 
antly spent. 

Henry W. Anstej^ whose name appears at the 
beginning of this biography, is a native of the city 
of London, England, his birth having occurred on 
the 21t\i of .lanuary, 1849. When a child of six 
years he came with his parents to Wisconsin. His 
early boyhood was spent in Milwaukee and on his 
father's farm, whither he went at the age of eleven 
years. His educalicni was obtained in the district 
schools, which were then in their infancy. At the 
early age of twenty he rented a farm of two hun- 
dred acres, and after oi)crating it two years bought 
eighty acres of it, while his father became the pos- 
sessor of the remainder, the purch.ase price being 
%4,000. Upon this he continued to reside until 
1876, when he also bought eighty acres on section 
2. In 1881 he sold the entire tr.act, and his present 
farm of two hundred acres, costing ^12,000, was 



purchased. Mr. Anstey has one of the finest farms 
in this section of the county, under a good state 
of cultivation and well improved. Besides his 
agricultural iuterests he is connected with the 
creamery at Ilartland and is identified with other 
enterprises. 

At Delafield, on the 20th of November, 1S79, 
was celebrated the union of Mr. Anstey and Miss 
Ida, daughter of .lames and Elizabeth (Graham) 
Tinker. The lady was a native of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, and one of a family of seven children. To this 
marriage three children were born: Florence Eliz.a- 
beth, Tracy .James, and one that died in infancy. 
Mrs. Anstey 's death occurred on the 13lli of .June, 
1888, at the age of twenty-eight years. November 
28, 1889, Mr. Anstey was again married, the lady 
to whom he was united having borne the maiden 
name of Mary Josephine .Stocks. Her parents, 
James and Margaret (Doland) Stocrks, had a family 
of six children, four sons and tvvo daughters. Mr. 
and Mrs. Anstey have one son, Donald Henry. 

Mr. Anstey is a true blue Republican, and since 
his first vote was cast for Gen. V. S. Grant, has 
been a stanch supporter of the principles advo- 
cated by that party. He has served as Treasurer 
of the Village I'.oard, and is now filling the office 
of President of the Village Board. He and his 
wife are members of the Episcopal Church of Hart- 
land and live in accordance with the profession 
they make. 

■ ^# P • . 



JOSHUA H. GREEN, Chairman of the Town 
Board of Summit in 1894, resides on section 
35 of that township, his farm comprising 
one hundred and sixty acres located on the 
east half of the section. This place, which is one 
of the many pleasant homes in the town of Sum- 
mit, is situated on the north bank of Henrietta 
Lake, and is known as "Oak Park Homestead," 
from the many stately oaks with which it abounds. 
Mr. Green purchased the same in 1888. He is a 
native of England, where his birth occurred De- 
cember 30, 1845. His parents were Josiah and 
Ann (Power) (ireen; the former was born April 
19, 1814, and the latter in October, of the same 



PORTRAIT AND IJIOGRArHICAL RECORD. 



813 



year. Tlie subject of tliis record was but an in- 
fant when Ills father eniisjratcd with his family to 
tiie United States and settled in Troy, N. Y., where 
he still lives. He and his wife became the parents 
of a numerous family, comprising eight sons and 
three daughters; but four brothers constitute tiie 
living members of the family. Of these, Tiiomas 
is a resident of Ballston Spa, N. Y.; Josiah, Jr., of 
Troy, N. Y.; and Ebenezer is a civil engineer at 
Sault de Ste. Marie, Micii. 

Joshua n. Green grew to manhood in tliecity of 
Troy. He was educated in the public schools of 
that city, and learned the business of making math- 
ematical instruments. During the year 1863, he 
. spent most of his time with the old One Hundred 
and Twenty-fifth New York Infantry on the Ijattle- 
fields of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, 
his chief dut}- being to take care of the mail of 
the regiment. He witnessed many of the import- 
ant actions in that section; and since the close 
of the late war has re-visited some of those historic 
places. For seven years he followed his chosen oc- 
cupation, but his health failing from too close ap- 
plication to his trade, he discontinued that bus- 
iness and engaged in bookkeeping. In 1880 lie be- 
came connected in the capacity of bookkeeper with 
the Holly Manufacturing Company, at their branch 
olHce in Troy, N. Y. A short time after entering 
the service of this company he was made Superin- 
tendent of outside work at that place. Here he 
remained a year and a-lialf. Before the expira- 
tion of this lime he had engaged to enter the ser- 
vice of Capt. John Heckler, of liuffalo, a dredger 
and bridge builder. Not long thereafter Mr. 
Green went to Sault de Ste. Marie, Mich., in the 
interests of Captain Heckler, where he engaged in 
dredging. In 1881 he entered into partnership 
with his emploj-er, but the character of the work 
was such as to again impair Ins health, and he re- 
solved to make another change. The liesirability 
of the lake region of Waukesha County as a pl.ace 
of residence was brought to his notice, and also 
the fact that the beautiful property, which is now 
his home, could be purchased. Acting upon the 
information given him he soon became a resi- 
dent <»f Summit. 

Mr. Green was married in Chicago in 1883, to 



Miss Georgiana Hepburn, a native of that city. 
They have two sons, Hurton Hepburn and Kenneth 
Freinan. The former's birth occurred in Chicago, 
and the hitter's at Sault de Ste. Marie. 

In politics Mr. Green is a Republican, and .as 
stated is Chairman of the Town Roardof Summit. 
He is prominent in Masonic circles, being a Scot- 
tish Rite Mason of the thirty-second degree. 



THOMAS CLARY, for many years an es- 
teemed and respected citizen of Waukesha 
County, and one of the few of his coun- 
trymen now living in the town of Hrookfield. is a 
native of County Sligo, Ireland, Ixnn .\pril 1. 
1827, in the village of Droinorewcst. He is a son 
of Peter and Hndgel ( lUirke) Clary, and is the 
third in a family comprising seven sons: Michael, 
Patrick, Thomas, Joim, William, George and Frank, 
our subject being the only one of the number to 
emigrate t(j America. He was reared on a farm 
and educated in the common schools of the Old 
Country. On the 1st of .lanuary, 1845, he went 
to Liverpool, and there embarked alx)ard the sail- 
ing-vessel "Huguenot" for New York. The vov- 
age consumed forty-live days, and was made un- 
pleasant by many storms. From the city of New 
York Mr. Clary went to Northfield, Mass., arriv- 
ing at that place on the 1 Itli of May, 1X46. There 
he was employed on the Connecticut River Rail- 
road for seventeen years as section boss. 

In Northampton, Mass., February 22, 18.52, Mr. 
Clary was iiiiiteri in marriage with Miss Mary 
Dooly, the ceremony being performed by Rev. 
Father Conlon. Mrs. Clary was born in the city 
of Dublin, Ireland, in 1828, and in early life emi- 
grated to the United States. In 1864 they re- 
moved to Wisconsin and loc^ited on a farm of one 
hundred and twenty acres on sections 5 and 8, in 
the town of Urookfield, Waukesha Countv. A 
frame house, which stood (ui the latter sectiou, has 
teen enlarged and remodeled, thereby making of 
it one of the best homes in the township. 

Mr. and .Mrs. Clary's children were named as 
follows: Mary became the wife of John McLaugh- 



814 



rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



lin, a farmer of Menomonee Township, Waukesha 
County; Kmnia wedded William McLaughlin, a 
farmer of I^isbon; .lolin has been a conductor on 
the Cliicago, Milwaukee Si St. Paul Railroad for 
many years; Ida is the widow of Harney Voss, 
of Hrookfield Township; George is also a conduc- 
tor on the Chicago, Milwaukee it St. Paul Rail- 
road; Frank is foreman of the Iladlield Road and 
resides in Sussex, this county; Fred is deceased; 
and William is a traveling salesman for Carpen- 
ter A- Underwood, of Milwaukee, and resides at 
Marinette. On the 19th of December, 1891, Mr. 
Clary was called upon to mourn the loss of his 
wife. She sleeps beside her son in the cemetery' 
of St. Doniinick's Church, at Hrookfield, wheie a 
monument is erected to her memory. Mrs. Clary 
was a woman who was loved and esteemed for her 
many excellencies of mind and heart. 

Industrious and honorable in all the I'elations of 
life, Mr. Clary enjoys the confidence and good- 
will of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 
He is a man who has been actively eng.aged in 
business uutd the past two years; at that time he 
rented his farm and is now living retired, his 
daughter, Mrs. Voss, having charge of the home- 



]-H-^l 



JOHN B. CHAPIN is one of the early settlers 
of Eagle Townshij), having made that his 
home since 181.5. He was born on the 11th 
of .July 1819, in Windsor, Windsor County, 
Vl., and w.as a son of Calvin and Lucy (Bishop) 
Cliapin, who were also natives of the (ireen Moun- 
tain State. Calvin Chapin was a vePeran of the 
War of 1812. and in recognition of his services 
received from the Government a land warrant. 
By trade he was a mason, which vocation he fol- 
lowed in the east and also after coming to Wis- 
consin. The year 1843 witnessed the arrival of 
himself and wife in this state, and after spending 
some time in Waukesha they removed to Janes- 
ville, where he died of cholera in IHii.'i. After his 
death his widow went to live with her daughter at 
Orion, 111., and there spent her last daj's. She was 
a cousisleut member of the Methodist Episcopal 



Church, and both she and her husband were highly 
esteemed for their excellencies of character. Mr. 
Chapin was a stanch Democrat, though he never 
sought the honors nor the emoluments of office. 
The family of this worthy couple consisted of 
three children, two of whom are living, the gentle- 
man whose name heads this record, and Susan, the 
wife of Henry .Jordon, of Orion, III. 

John B. Chapin grew to manhood in his native 
state, where he received a limited education in the 
district schools. When about fourteen years of 
age he began to work with his, father at the ma- 
sou's trade, at which he was employed for a num- 
ber of years. Before leaving his eastern home he 
was married, October 24, 1843, to Miss Emiliue 
Clark, who was born at Northficld, Vt., April 24, 
1821. The wedding tour of this young couple 
consisted in coining to Wisconsin; going by wagon 
to Whitehall, Vt., they there boarded a boat and 
came by the Erie Canal to Buflfalo, thence by 
steamer to Milwaukee. Coming to Waukesha, Mr. 
Chapin there pursued his trade about two years 
and in 184.5 located on the farm which he has 
since made his liorae. The place was unimproved 
and almost in its i)rimitive state, but by the in- 
dustry and untiring efforts of its owner it has been 
put in a good state of cultivation, adorned with a 
substantial house, barn and other outbuildings. 
About the last job of masonry Mr. Chapin under- 
took was the construction of the basement of his 
barn, which is evidence that he was a skillful 
workman. 

Oil the 15th of April, 1891, Mr. Chapin was 
called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. She 
was a woman of rare worth and much beloved in 
the neighborhood where she had lived for nearly 
a half-century. His family consisted of two daugh- 
ters, of whom one is living, Mary having died 
when about one year old. 

Politically Mr. Chapin has been a Republican 
since the rise of the party. His first Presidential 
vote was cast for Zachary Taylor, the Whig candi- 
date of 1848. Mr. Chapin is one of the oldest 
members of the Masonic order in this section, hav- 
ing been made a Mason in Palmyra in 1856. From 
a financial standpoint he h.as met with fair success, 
having accumulated sullicient property to enable 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



815 



him to spend his declining years in ease and com- 
fort. He began here without any means and bor- 
rowed money at twelve per cent, to pay for lii.s 
first tract of land; in fact he has passed througli 
all the hardships and privations with which only 
the pioneers are acquainted, lie lias witnessed all 
the progress and has assisted in the development 
of Waukesha County, and now only waits for the 
final summons. In a marked degree he has won 
the confidence and respect of his fellow-townsmen 
and will leave l)eliind him a mime devoid of re- 
proach. 

^ P • . 



JOHN J. CONSTANTINE, senior member of 
the firm of Constantine it Fuller, dealers in 
real estate, is a native of Waukesha County, 
his birth liaving occurred in the town of 
Hrookfield, August 25, 1857. His parents, Thomas 
and Mary (Kenney) Constantine, were born in 
Ireland, the former in County Clare, and the lat- 
ter in Roscommon. They were respectively eigh- 
teen and fifteen j'ears of age when they emigrated 
to the I'niled States. Their marriage was cele- 
brated in Troy, N. Y. In 1849 they emigrated 
to Hrookfield Township, this count}', where the 
father purchased eight}' acres of timbered land, 
which he converted into a farm. In 1869 he 
passed from among the living, leaving a wife and 
children to mourn his loss. Mrs. Constantine still 
survives and lives in Waukeska. In religious belief 
Mr. Constantine was a devout Catliolic, as are also 
his widow and children, of whom there are five 
living, six having been called to the spirit world, 
•lolin J. Constantine, whose name heads this ar- 
ticle, was but twelve years of age when he lost his 
father. He therefore at an early age became de- 
pendent upon his own resources. He was reared 
to farm life and received a good education in the 
district schools and at Carroll College. About 
1872 the family removed to the village of Wau- 
kesha, which place has been his home ever since. 
When in his sixteenth year j'oung Constantine en- 
gaged to teach his first school, continuing in that 
profession until he had taught nine terms. As 
this gave him employment only in the winter sea- 



son, he decided to learn the trade of a brick and 
stone mason that he might have some business to 
engage in during the summer. For some fifteen 
years he followed that calling, the Lost five of 
which he also took contracts. The great demand 
for Waukesha propert}' suggested to him the pro- 
priety of going into the real-estate business. Ac- 
cordingly, in 1887 he embarked in tiiat line, and 
four years later took a partner, Frank R. Fuller, 
the firm becoming Constantine A' Fuller, which is 
recognized as one of the leading real-estate firms 
in the village. Besides handling property in which 
they are interested in Waukesha and South Mil- 
waukee, they deal in real estate throughout Wis- 
consin and adjoining states, but make a specialty 
of Waukesha pro|)erty. 

Mr. Constantine is a stanch Democrat in poli- 
tics, though he has never pushed his claims for 
otticial recognition; however, his fellow-town.s- 
men have called upon him to fill several oHiccs. 
For one term he served as Assessor, and two 
terms as a member of the County Board of Super- 
visors. Socially he is a member of the Catholic 
Knights of Wisconsin. Mr. Constantine is a .self- 
made man, both from an educational and financial 
standpoint. By close attention to his business he 
has accumulated some valuable property, and by 
reading and study has become a well informed 
man and a credit to the county of his nativity. 



•?-^ 



=*?**> 



JOSKl'II HEATHCOTK. .Ii!., a representative 
of one of the pioneer families of Waukesha 
County, resides on section 4, in the town of 
Oconomowoc. His father, who w.*xs .Fosepli 
Heathcote, Sr., was born in Derbyshire, England, 
in November, 1802. He learned the trade of shoe- 
maker, and followed it as an occupation for a 
number of years. On attaining to mature years, 
he married Hannah Bailey. In 184.3 he emigra- 
ted with his family to America; the parents and 
six children crossed the Atlantic to the port of 
New York in a sailing-vessel, being five weeks in 
making the passage. The route from New York 
was up the Hudson to Albany, by the Erie Canal 



816 



PORTRAIT AND blOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



to Buffalo, and thence hy the lakes to Milwau- 
kee. The entire journey, <"rom England to Mil- 
w.iiikoe, consumed seven weeks. The f.iinily pro- 
ceeded at once to the town of Eagle, Waukesiia 
County, where they passed their first winter in the 
Inited States. In the spring of 1814, the father 
purchased (lovernnient land in the town of Ocon- 
omowoc, including the farm where the son now 
lives. Of this pl.nce he made a homestead and 
here lived until 1873, when he and his wife re- 
moved to California, where several of their chil- 
dren had already gone. In tiiat state Mr. lleath- 
cote, .Sr., died May 25, 1887, his wife having passed 
away several years previous to that time. lie was 
a well known pioneer of Waukesha County and 
was a man of more than average aliillty. a good 
scholar, and for a number of years was Assessor 
of his township. 

Mr. Heathc()te. Si'., and wife were tlie parents of 
twelve children, five of whom died in early life, 
four in England and one in the town of Ocono- 
mowoc. Of the seven who grew to mature years, 
five are now living, three brothers and two sisters; 
all are residents of California but .loseph. Han- 
nah, the eldest, is tlie wife of James Jones; Ed- 
ward is the next; our subject is next younger; 
Elizabeth became the wife of Edmund Wright; 
and Samuel is the youngest of the family. George, 
the eldest of the family, died in the town of Ocon- 
omowoc in 1872. Mary married Eli Woodard and 
removed to Howard County, Iowa, where she died. 

Joseph lleatlicote, Jr., is a native of England, 
born April 6, 1834, and was a lad about nine3'ears 
of age when he came to Wisconsin with his par- 
ents. He can well remember the pioneer days and 
the appearance of the country more than half a 
century ago. Several years before his parents re- 
moved to California, he purchased the homestead. 
On the ()th of April, 1870, his marriage to Miss 
I'armelia Clemens, daughter of Moses Clemens, 
was solemnized. Mrs. lleatlicote, who was a na- 
tive of Massachusetts, passed to the world beyond 
September 27, 1878. Of this union three chil- 
dren were born, but one onlj' is living. Two of 
the children, Daniel F., aged six years, and Sarah 
L., aged four and a-half years, died the same day, 
January 25, 1877, of scarlet fever. The only sur- 



viving one is Moses Clemens, named for his grand- 
father. 

Mr. lleatlicote is one of the well known citizens 
of his town, of which he has been a resident for 
many years. He is a stanch -Republican, having 
cast his vote for Gen. John C. Fremont. He has 
been elected as Supervisor of the Township. 



'« ? o^ I 



iim 



1^^ 



T. JOHN'S MILITARY ACADEMY, one 
of the leading educational institutions of 
Waukesha County, is situated near the vil- 
lage of Delafield, in the heart of the beautiful 
"Lake Region of Southern Wisconsin." The school 
was established in 1854 by Rev. James De Koven, 
D. D., who five years later was called to the presi- 
dency of Racine College, whither he took the stu- 
dents who had been under him at St. John's. Rev. 
Sidney T. Smythe, M. A., a former pupil of Dr. 
De Koven, decided to re-open, in 1884, St. John's 
as a church military boarding school in order to 
furnish a liberal education for boys. With the 
hearty co-operation and support of the bishops of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church in Wisconsin the 
work has been carried on successfully since. After 
a prosperous career of five j'cars the institution 
was incorporated as St. John's Military Academy, 
with a capital stock of $150,000. The incorpora- 
tors were Francis Bloodgood, Sr., of Milwaukee, J. 
15. Kemper, also of that city, and the present 
President, Sidney T. Smythe. 

When the school passed under its present man- 
agement the main building, a frame structure, 
40x20 feet, was outgrown the first year. Since 
that time two magnificent buildings have been 
erected. De Koven Hall, a memorial to the emi- 
nent Doctor whose name it bears, was completed 
in June, 1890. It is four stories in height, and is 
built of native limestone. Its adaptability as a 
school building is not surpassed in the state. An- 
other of the buildings. Memorial Hall, was com- 
pleted in 1892. Its dimensions are 80x30 feet, 
being built of rough boulders from the surround- 
ing hill-sides, and of native cut stone. Hermitage 
Hall, one of the original buildings of the school, 



PORTRAIT AND BKXJRAPIIICAL RECORD. 



817 



is 70x28 feet. The most modern methods of sup- 
plying heal, li<iht and ventilation are employed in 
all tlic hnilflintr.s. 

Tlie c'ani[)us, which oiijjinally conlaincd hut two 
acres, has been increased by (he addition of live 
acres, tiius giving am|)le room for all kinds of out- 
door exercise. One of the marked fcf.turos of St. 
.lohn's is the attention it gives to physical devel- 
opment, which is provided for hy a well equipped 
gymnasium, a swimming school and various ath- 
letic field sports. It believes thoroughly in the 
old adjige '"mens sanitus in corpo sanito." 

The location of this school, with reference to 
the lakes, makes it unusually attractive. Upper 
and Lower Iseniahbin, U|iper an(] Lf)wer Xasho- 
tah and Crooked Lakes are all within a half hour's 
walk. The surrounding country is rolling and 
well drained, and a more healthful location could 
scarcely be found in the I'nited States. The growth 
of this institution has been I'apid and substantial, 
its attendance having reached a hundred and lifty 
students. The course of study selected is such as 
will give a thorough academic training that will 
enable a boy to enter any of the universities or 
the National military or naval schools. 

To Rev. Sidney T. Smythe and his able corps of 
assistants is the success of this enterprise largely 
due. By their untiring efforts the school that was 
without students in 188-1, has become a well 
known educational factor in the northwest. 



FI). AHKLL, junior member of the (irni of 
Palmetier it Abell, is one of the wide- 
awake business men of Waukesha. Tlie 
lumber yard which they conduct was established 
by Henry .Sherry, and after changing hands a 
number of times came into possession of the above 
company in February, 1892. They do an .active 
business, handling lumber, coal, cement and brick. 
Mr. Abell is the resident member of the firm, his 
partner having been a well known citizen of Lake 
Geneva for many years. 

Mr. Abell was born at Lake Geneva, Wis., .Se|)- 
tember 30, l8o7, His parents, Charles D, and 
30 



Rachel (Clow) Abell, emigrated from the state of 
New York about 18.52. By occupation the father 
was a fanner and carpenter, and under his instruc- 
tion Mr. ('. I'almcticr, the M'liior member of the 
above (irm, learned the carpenter's trade. Charles 
I). Abell died at Lake (ieueva in IH61, aged thir- 
ty-nine yeai's. His wife reached the age of seventy 
years, dying in 189.3. Of their three children the 
.subject f)f this sketch is the only survivor. In the 
high school of his n;itive place he received a good 
practical education. When alioiil twelve years of 
age he began clerking in the store of Mr. Palme- 
tier and three years later became an assistant in a 
lumber yard for the same gentleman. In 1881 Mr. 
Abell went to Chicago, where he was engaged in 
shipping in a wholesale lumber yard. Returning 
in 1882 he became a partner of Mr. Palmetier in the 
lumber business at Lake Geneva, continuing four 
years. When the great boom started at Hurley, 
Wis., in 1886 Mr. Abell went thither and in com- 
pany with others engaged in contracting and 
building. They did much toward building up that 
place. In mid-winter, while the ground was cov- 
ered with four feet of snow, they contracted to 
put up four luiuses in ninety days. While per- 
forming this task they took a contract to erect six 
stores in sixty d.ays. Notwithstanding the severity 
of the weather and the depth of the snow the work 
was completed in due time. To such a height was 
the snow drifted that the workmen stood on the 
drifts and put the (irst courses of shingles on the 
roofs. Our subject and his associates also built 
the Hotel Bardon at that place at a cost of !J!f>0,00n. 
Mr. Abell saw Hurley spring from a forest and 
grow into a city of over three thousand inhabi- 
tants; he also witnessed its almost total destruction 
by fire. 

After an absence of about two years he returned 
to his native town, and during the session of 1889 
was AssisUmt Enrolling Clerk in the Senate. The 
noted robbery of the bank at Hurley caused Mr. 
Abell to return there, he being called to take the 
place of Mr. Perin, who was arretted as one of the 
accomplices in that bold deed. The affairs of the 
bank having been put in order, Mr. Abell went to 
West Superior, Wis., and with a partner engaged 
in buying lots, building houses and then selling 



818 



PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAI'HICAL RECORD 



them. In the sjiring of 1892 lie came to "Wauke- 
sha and engaged in the lumber business, as before 
stated. 

Mr. Abell is a business man of more than ordi- 
nary ability, and b^* push and enterprise has made 
a success of ever}' undertaking with which he has 
been connected. In politics he is a Republican, 
believing strongly in the principles advocated b^- 
that party. 

■ ^ ^ P • , 



WILLIAM W. BROWN, the subject of 
this memoir, is a native of the town of 
Lisbon, Waukesha County, and a scion 
of one of the oldest pioneer families of the county. 
He was born July 22, 1852, and was the third in a 
famdy of five children, two sons and tiiiee daugh- 
ters, whose parents were Robert and Lucretia 
(West) Brown. There are four members of this 
family living at the present lime, tiie other three 
being Robert, a (n'osperous farmer of Lisbon Town- 
ship; Betsey W. and Lucretia M., both of whom 
reside in the village of Waukesha. The}' were 
educated in the public schools, and given instruc- 
tions in music. Father Brown was a native of 
Suffolkshire, England, born in 1821, and died at 
his home in Waukesha County in 1887. His life, 
till his emigration to America, was spent as a 
farmer. He was a man of very limited education, 
but showed remarkable tact and skill in all busi- 
ness relations, being verj' successful. In 1845 he 
emigrated to the United States, setting sail from 
the port of Liverpool, and thirty-six days later 
landed in New York. He at once came to the 
town of Lisbon, Waukesha Count}', then known 
as Milwaukee Count}', and purchased a claim of 
sixty-seven acres from Mr. Nichols, who had taken 
up the original claim, which was included in the 
Canal Grant. The place had some improvements 
made upon it, and formed the nucleus of the large 
estate, comprising some four hundred and twenty- 
five acres, which he owned at the time of his death, 
besides a beautiful residence in the village of Wau- 
kesha. The amount of his capital at the time of 
his coming to Wisconsin was very limited. His 



first home in the territory was a slab shanty of 
a very pinmitive character. 

Otlicially Robert Brown was a man of honor and 
integrity, and discharged the duties devolving 
upon him in a satisfactory manner. The cause of 
education found in him a warm supporter, ofttimes 
giving his personal means to aid in .securing the 
most competent instructors. He and his wife were 
members of the Episcopal Church at Sussex, and 
gave liberally towards its support. He was known 
for his benevolence, and did much to elevate the 
standard of morality and social purity; was large 
hearted and |)ublic-spirited. He and his wife are 
interred in the chiircli}ard cemetery at Sussex, 
where a beautiful monument marks their last rest- 
ing place. 

William W. Brown, the gentleman whose name 
appears at the head of this article, was reared to 
the life of a fanner. His primary education, which 
was acquired in the common schools, was supple- 
mented by an attendance of one year in Carroll 
College, after which he pursued a course of four 
years in the University of Wisconsin. He gradu- 
ated in the Class of '78, as a theoretical and prac- 
tical farmer. Mr. Brown has been twice married, 
his first wife was Miss Nellie Parkhurst, a native 
of the city of St. Louis, and a graduate of the high 
school of that city. They were married on the 
IGth of December, 188t), and to them were born 
four children, of whom the following are living: 
Clara M., Robert P. and Nellie. After the death of 
his wife, Mr. Brown married his present vvife, who 
bore the maiden name of Ele.anor Sedgwick, June 
12, 1888. Mrs. Brown is a native of Waukesha 
County, Wis., and was educated in the Normal at 
Oshkosh, Wis. Of this union there are two chil 
dren, Milo S. and an infant daughter. 

In his political alliliations our subject is a Dem- 
ocrat. His first Presidential ballot was cast in 
favor of Hon. Samuel .1. Tilden, the Democratic 
nominee in 187G. He has taken great interest in 
the measures adopted by his party, and by his fel- 
low-townsmen has been chosen to represent their 
interests in conventions at various times. In 
1884 he was selected as a delegate from Waukesha 
County to attend the State Convention at Madi- 
son, for the purpose of electing delegates who 



PORTRAIT AND HIOORAPIIICAL RKCORD. 



819 



afterward nominated President Cleveland. Mr. 
Brown received his commission from Postmaster- 
General \'il!i.s to be Postmaster of Merton, wliicli 
olliee lie held for ten months, when tlie death of 
his father enused him to send in his resignation. 
He takes a personal interest in the welfare f)f the 
schools of his town, with which he was connected 
for years in an otticial capacity, and advocates the 
employment of only competent teachers, the pay- 
ment of good salaries, and makinj; the school year 
nine months. 

Socially Mr. Brown is a nieinlier of Waukesha 
Lodge No. 37, A. F. it A. M.. and of Wuukehha 
Chapter No. 37, K. A. M. lie and his wife are 
members of the Baptist Church of Merton, he be- 
ing the present Superintendent of the Sunday- 
school, whicli lias an average attendance of about 
sixty-live pupils. Mr. Brown is also an advocate 
of temperance, to which subject he has given not 
a little time and thought. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brown reside on the old home- 
stead of his father, which consists of two hundred 
acres of good land in the town of Lisbon, and 
which they now own. They are representative 
citizens of the county, and are in sympathy with 
all measures that are calculated to benc-nt man- 
kind. 



JOHN EVANS, a well known retired fanner, 
residing in Waukesha, is one of the pio- 
neers of the town of New Berlin, Waukesha 
County, in May, 1816. He h.as been actively 
and prominently identified with the interests of his 
town and county for almost a half century. He 
has occupied a conspicuous place in public affairs, 
having been a member of the County Board as 
many years as any other citizen in the county. 
Mr. Kvans was born in the town of New Lisbon, 
Otsego Count}-, N. Y., July 6, 1819, and is a son of 
John and .Mary (.Martin) Kvans. His father was 
born in Bennington, \t.. and was a son of Barna- 
bas and Elizabeth (Phillips) Evans, the latter hav- 
ing been a native of Boston. Barnabas Evans 
served for seven years as a soldier of the Rev<.)lu- 
tionary War. His wife was present gt the great 



Boston Tea Party of Colonial days, and drove the 
baggage wagon out of Boston for General Lee. 
She lived to the a<lvanced iige of ninety-three 
years. 

Our subject's father iiiarriod in N'ermont, and 
moved to the state of N<;w York in an early day, 
being accompanied thither by his wife and their 
three children. They settled in Otsego County, 
but later removed to Alabama, (Jenesee County. 
Their family comprised live sons and four daugh- 
ters, named as follows: Sidney, the eldest son, was 
a settler of New Berlin town, Waukesha County, 
of .M.ay, 1836. Alonzo, who married Ruth (iardner, 
died March 19, 1881. The eldest daughter, Eliza- 
beth, who was the wife of T. S. Harrington, died 
in the fall of 1S7!». Margaret dieci at the age of 
four years. Barney wedded Julia Brown and both 
husband and wife are deceased. Philena died aged 
sixteen years. John is the subject of this article. 
Mary is the wife of Milton Bardwell,of Ida Grove, 
Ida County, Iowa. Lyman, the youngest, resides 
in the town of New Beiliii, Waukesha Count}-. 

John Kvans w.as reared in his native state, where 
he received such educational advantages as the 
liublic schools of that day afforded. He learned 
the tr.ade of shoemaker in his father's shop, but 
after a few years, on account of his health, was 
compelled to abandon that occupation. He was 
married in Lockport, N. Y., July 3, 18-14, to Miss 
Lucy L. Peekhani, who was born in Norwich, 
Conn., on the -id of April, 1821. Mrs. Evans is a 
daughter of Klislia ;iiid Kunice (Lathrop) Peck- 
ham, the former being a native of Newport, R. l*!, 
and the latter of Bozrah, Conn. They moved 
from Norwich, Conn., to Genesee County, N. Y., 
in 1823, where they passed the remainder of their 
lives. The father's death occurred in April, 1888, 
aged ninety years, and that of the mother in the 
same nionlli the year before, aged eighty-six years. 
Mr. and Jlrs. Peckham had ten children. Lucretia 
was the wife of William Lathrop, who w.as killed 
in the second battle <if Bull Run. Mrs. Kvans is 
the next in order of birth. . William, who wedded 
.Sarah Munger, resides in Broekport, N. Y. An- 
drew L. married Melissa Tiibbs, and is now a resi- 
dent of Howard Count}-, Iowa. Karl is deceased. 
Jane is the widow of Luther Pratt and lives on 



820 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the old honicstond, in the slate of New York. La 
Fayette, who maiiied iMai lh:i Wright, is a resident 
of Cresco, lows. Gordon is a widower now and 
lives on a part of the old homestead in the Empire 
State. Mary hecame the wife of A. F. Clark, and 
resides in the same state. Henry, the youngest, 
wedded Marion .loiies, and lives in Cattaraugus 
County, N. Y. 

Mr. and Mrs. Evans were blessed with four chil- 
dren, named in order of their birth as follows: 
Philena A. is the wife of Milton .Johnson, Presi- 
dent (if a hank in Decatur, III. The second, 
Alonzo JjCe, was twice married; his first wife was 
Libbie Albright. After the death of his wife he 
married Cora Hepp, their home being in Denver, 
Colo. Alva E. is the publisher of the Faulkton 
Republtcan Eecord, of Faulkton, S. Dak. The third 
son, Elbert, J., married Miss Ella M. Lyness and 
resides in Waukesha. 

Mr. Evans first came to Wisconsin in 1844, on 
a visit to his brother, Sidney, who had settled in 
what is now the town of New Berlin, Waukesha 
County, then a part of Milwaukee Countj', in 
1836. Sidney Evans built the first white man's 
habitation in that town, which was erected near 
where Mr. Evans subse(juently built his brick 
residence. The former was born in Pownal, Yt., 
and came to what is now AVaukesha County from 
White Pigeon, Mich. His tirst frame house was 
burned, and the second one, which was sold to his 
brother John, was sided with lumber brought 
from Chautauqua County, N. Y. After visiting a 
short time with his brother and making a tour of 
Racine and AValworth Counties, Mr. Evans re- 
turned to his home in the east. In May, 1846, he 
brought his family to Wisconsin, and settled in 
the town of New Berlin, buying his brother Syd- 
ney's farm of eighty acres, which he improved to 
a high degree. On this farm Mr. Evans erected 
one of the finest houses to be found at that time 
ill New Berlin Township. 

In politics our subject is a Democrat, and at an 
early day took a prominent ])art in town and coun- 
ty |)ul)lic affairs. He was first elected Assessor in 
1848, in which capacity he served six or eight 
years; was Supervisor a number of years, and was 
elected Chairman in 1854; he served through the 



war, doing much to secure New Berlin's splendid 
war record, and as stated above, has been a mem- 
ber of the County Board as long as any other resi- 
dent of the county. He was Chairman of that 
bod_y in 1878 and 1879, his official record being 
above reproach. 

Since 1860 Mr. Evans has been a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, his wife, formerly a 
Baptist, joining liiin in 1868. He takes a lively 
interest in all that relates to pioneer days, and was 
the leading spirit, with A. E. Gilbert, in collecting 
the data for the township history in 1871. Mr. 
and Mrs. Evans have reached a good old age and 
are held in the highest esteem by all who know 
them. From a wilderness with but few homes and 
improvements, they have witnessed the transforma- 
tion that has made of this county one of the finest 
to be found in the state. 






H+*** 



•{•■}••{•"{•?- 



^^y - TEPHEN HEXT, who is classed among the 
!!v^ pioneer settlers of Waukesha County, dates 
his arrival in this county from 1843. He 
was born in Devonshire, England, December 2.0, 
1828, and was the seventh in order of birth in a 
family' of eight children. Of this family three 
besides Mr. Ilext survive, namely: Mary, who be- 
came the wife of Philo Iline. of Menasba, Wis.; 
and Thomas :>iid Hichard, who reside in California. 
The brothers went to the Pacific Slope during the 
excitement following the discover}- of gold, and 
have since made their home in Californin, where 
they engage in agricultural pursuits. His parents, 
Richard and Elizabeth (Luchame) Hext, were born 
and reared in England, the latter being a native 
of Devonshire. Both received a common-school 
education. The husband vvas a farmer, which oc- 
cupation he pursued thioughout life. 

In 1813, thinking he could belter his fortune 
across the sea, Richard Hext, accompanied by his 
wife and their children, emigrated to America, 
sailing from Plymouth, EIngland. Twent^'-eight 
days after embarking they arrived in the harbor 
at Quebec, Canada, coming thence to South Port 
(now Kenosha), Wis. However, they did not re- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



821 



main long there but came to AYaukesha County, 
where Mr. llext purchased a tract of wild land in 
the town of Delafleld, which was their iionie for a 
number of years. Tlie country was in its wild state. 
Indians wandered tliroughthe woods, often coming 
to the homes of the pioneers to ask for food, their 
begging proclivity being their most pronounced 
characteristic. The Ilext home was like those of 
many others, its meagre furnisliings being pro- 
cured for use rather than l)cauty. It was sev- 
eral years after their coming that the first railroad 
in Wisconsin was constructed, all their traveling 
being done on foot or with ox-teams; horses were 
rarely used as they were not suitable for the work 
to be done. But pioneer life was not without its sun- 
shine and pleasure. Those who could appreciate the 
beauties of nature were surrounded by such natural 
scenery as no spot in the west could excel. Those 
who had a liking for the sport of hunting found 
ample opportunity for gratifying it, and at the same 
time of furnishing the table with delicious meat. 
There were none of the restraints of convention- 
ality to circumscribe the action or warp the social 
intercourse of the few unassuming settlers who 
were laying the foundations of future homes. One 
person was as good as another if he behaved as 
well. 

Mr. Ilext's next purchase was of eighty acres of 
land in Waukesha Township, within three-fourths 
of a mile from the present home of our subject. 
When lie came to this country he had but very 
little means, but by liard work and economy be- 
came possessed of much valuable property, at one 
time owning about three hundred and sixty acres 
of land. He was known and esteemed for his in- 
tegrity and honor in all the walks of life. In his 
political sentiments he was a Republican, while in 
religious belief he and his wife were members of 
the Kpiscopal Church. 

Mr. Ilext, of this biography, was a youth of 
fourteen years when he tame to Wisconsin and he 
Las spent his life as an agriculturist and stock- 
raiser. His education was accpiired mainly in the 
schools of his native place, as there was too much 
work to be done after coming to this country to 
spend time in gaining Inxik knowledge. On reach- 
ing manhotid he was united in marriage to Miss 



Martha Oudger, a native of Yorkshire, England, 
October 17, 18.');5, marking the date of that event. 
Of this union fire children have been born: Susan, 
who became the wife of .Joseph Seaborn, a farmer 
of the town of LisiK)ii; Martha, who wedded Albro 
Pope, a farmer of Pewaukee Township; William, 
who is the only son, a prosjierous farmer of the 
same town; Mary, who is the wife of .lohn A. 
Kodgers, a farmer of the town of Lisbon; and 
Ilelene, who completes the family, at home. The 
last three named were students at Carroll Col- 
lege, from which institution Helene and Mary 
were graduated in the Classes of 'H'.i and '9.3, 
respectively-. JMr. and Mrs. Ilext have prepared 
their children to fill useful positions in life by 
giving them a good practical education. 

Mrs. Ilext is a daughter of John and Lydia 
(Wood) Gudger, who were also natives of York- 
shire. In England the father pursued the tailor's 
trade, but after coming to the United States fol- 
lowed the avocation of a farmer. In 1842 they 
emigrated to this country and settled in Waukesha 
County, where the mother, who was born in 1806, 
died February 22, 1874. The father, who was born 
in 1806, still survives, having reached the ad- 
vancd age of eightj'-eight years. Of their ten 
children three sons and seven daughters, seren arc 
living. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ilext came to their present home 
ill 1857. The farm at that time consisted of one 
hundred and sixty acres of partially improved 
land, the price of which was ?4,.500. The lirat 
payment they made was llOO. The first steps Mr. 
Ih'xt took toward paying for this land was by 
raising wheat; he also bought some cows on time, 
paying interest on the money. But before this 
debt was lifted he went in still deeper, increasing 
his acreage bj' an additional quarter-section. It is 
worthy of mention that in 1868, about eleven 
years thereafter, he had paid off the entire indebt- 
edness. He and his wife began life with but little, 
but by industry and economy have made a snug 
fortune for themselves and their children. Their 
estate now comprises three hundred and fifty-six 
acres of highly cultivated land lying within four 
miles of the village of Waukesha, and a like dis- 
tance from I'ewaukee. Upon this has been erecteil 



822 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



a brick residence of modern arciiitectural design, 
which is classed among the beautiful homes in the 
county. 

In politics Mr. Ilext is a Republican, believing 
most sincerely in the principles of the party which 
he supports. He takes a lively Interest in the suc- 
cess of the public school, and he and his wife are 
supporters of all teachings that tend to elevate 
mankind. 



:^#C 



►:l. 



JOHN HODGSON .In., a thrifty business man 
of I'ewaukee Townsliiji, is known through- 
out the community as the "ingenious farmer" 
from the fact that his home, barns, and all ins sur- 
roundings are sui)pli('d with improvements not 
often found upon a fanner's estate. Yorkshire, 
England, is the native place of this gentleman, 
where his birth occurred .lune fi, 1848. His par- 
ents, John and Sarah (.Sellers) Hodgson, had 
twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, of 
whom eight are living. In 18fi7 they emigrated 
from their native Yorkshire to the United States, 
arriving in Waukesha County in June of the same 
year. The voyage across the ocean, which re- 
quired four weeks, and the subsequent journey to 
this county, quite exhausted the means of Mr. 
IIf>dgson; as a conse(iuence he worked out by the 
month, and the children staid at different places 
till a home could be provided for them. Our sub- 
ject was but nine years of age when he arrived in 
this county, and during the next three ^ ears en- 
joyed about all the school advantages he ever had. 
From that time until the present he has been a 
hanl working man. When sixteen years old he 
became impressed with the fact that he needed a 
broailer education, and began a course of priv.ate 
study which he pursued so assiduously that, as he 
has always thought, his mind was overtaxed. For 
the succeeding live years he never looked into a 
book. Possessed of strong determination, Mr. 
Hodgson would never give up what he undertook 
without a heroic struggle. 

In partnership with his brother Thomas our sub- 
ject purchased sixty .icres of land on section 2, 
Pewaukee Township, and worked it together for 



some time, when Mr. Hodgson sold to his brother, 
put the money at interest and worked at whatever 
he could lind to do for some four years. In 1881 
he bought sixty acres which is the present home- 
stead. The house, as well as the barn that then 
stood on it, was but a makeshift, around which 
brush was so thick one could scarcely enter. The 
pLace, which had been rented for years, was badl}- 
run down, and some of Mr. Hodgson's neighbors 
predicted that his effort at farming would end in 
failure, but subsequent events have proved them to 
be false prophets. The marriage of this gentle- 
man to Miss Emily S. Haskins was celebrated 
March 14. 1872. They have two adopted children 
to whom they are giving good opportunities for 
becoming useful citizens. Mrs. Hodgson is a na- 
tive of Waukesha County, where her parents set- 
tled many years .ago. She is still blessed with the 
presence of her mother, a genial lady eighty-three 
years of age. 

The Pepublican party has found a stanch sup- 
porter in the gentleman whose name appears at 
the beginning of this record for man^' years, but 
more recently he has espoused the cause of Prohi- 
bition, in the advocacy of which he is fearless and 
outspoken. Both he and his wife are zealous in 
the work of the Methodist Church. In the church 
at Pewaukee he is a Trustee and Steward, has been 
Class leader for about fifteen years. Superintendent 
of the Sunday-school for some fourteen years, and 
is now Assistant Superintendent; in fact he gener- 
ously supports any measure that has for its object 
the elevation of society. The excellent improve- 
ments on Ins farm have all been put there by its 
present owner, who has done most of the carpenter 
work with his own hands. 

Mr. Hodgson h.as been a student of bee i^ulture 
for twenty years, and on that subject is one of the 
best posted men in this section. The first $5 he 
earned he expended for a swarm of bees, and of 
the gentleman from whom he bought them asked 
if he would sell him another swarm "on tick." 
Mr. Wood, for that was the gentleman's name, 
asked whose boy he w.as, and on learning replied 
"Yes, I will." Yo\ing Hodgson learned to shear 
sheep and in that way soon earned enough to pay 
for the second swarm, which he transferred to his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



823 



bome, a distance of three miles, by tying tliem up 
in a siieet, swinging them on a pole at one end of 
which he tugged while the other end was carried 
bj' a friend. This was the beginning of a business 
that has grown to one of importance with iiim. 
Besides what he has le.-irned from experience and 
reading, he has gained nuicli un the subject at llie 
numerous conventions he has attended. 

Mr. Hodgson has gained quite a distinction as 
an inventor, and among the products of his genius 
may be mentioned the following: A patent honey 
rack witli a portable side; an attacliment to put on 
a broad cast seeder so tliat corn and potatoes can 
be dropped with it; an improvement on the plates 
of the De Laval Baby Separator which is used in 
butter making; an extension [)lalf()rni for cows to 
stand on when at the stanchion, that may be ad- 
justed to any desired length; a stable cleaner and 
carriage, which is a marvelous convenience where 
a barn stands on the side of hill. Mr. Hodgson is 
a man of superior mechanical ability, and by con- 
stant application has achieved a success and repu- 
tation of whicii he li.as no reason to bo ashamed. 




JOHN I). COIMSTOCK (deceased) was one of 
the early settlers of the town of Summit, and 
a soldier in tlie late Civil War. He was born 
in Oneida County, N. Y., February 11, 18;{4, 
and w.as a son of (ieorge and Kliza (I'aine) Com- 
stock. When .lohn 1). Comstock was but a lad, 
the family came from the state of New York and 
settled on section 18, in the town of Summit. This 
farm Mr. Comstock, Sr., imiiroved and owned the 
remainder of his life, his death occiirring in Ocono- 
mowoc in 1«H,H. His wife had preceded hini tu 
the spirit world many years, dying in 18(i0. The3' 
were the parents of eight children, of whom the 
following, besides our subject, are living: Mrs. 
Emit}' Smith, of Algona, Iowa, is the ehlest of the 
surviving members of the family; .I:ini('s is a resi- 
dent of Spokane Kails, Wash.; .Mrs. Kli/.abeth Wesl- 
over, of Madison, Wis., is the next in order of 



birth; and Everett G., of Milwaukee, is the young- 
est. 

John D. Comstock grew to manhood on the home 
farm. He was married on the 4th of April, 18.58, 
to Sarah Nichols, a daughter of Wanton and Edith 
(Hall) Nichols, who were natives of the Empire 
State. In 181.5 Mr. Nichols emigrated to Wiscon- 
sin and settled in the town of Waukesha, Wauke- 
sha County, but in 18r)0 he removed with his fam- 
ily to Summit Township, locating on section 18. 
Here the parents passed the remainder of their 
lives, the father's death occurring March 1.3, 1881, 
and that of the mother in October, 1864. Of 
their live children, four are living, as follows: 
Mary is the wife of Andrew Atkins, of Waukesha; 
Frances became the wife of Hiram .McMillan, of 
Ft. Atkinson, Wis.; Ezra resides at Walnut Grove, 
Redwood County, Minn., and Sarah is the wife of 
our subject. Mrs. Comstock is the youngest of 
the family and now owns the old homestead. Wan- 
ton Nichols, the deceased son, died in California 
several years ago. 

Mr. Comstock enlisted in the late war, becom- 
ing a member of Company H, First Regiment Wis- 
consin Volunteer Cavalry, of which Lewis M. B. 
Smith was Captain, and James M. Comstock, F'irst 
Lieutenant. Mr. Comstock enlisted in March, 
1862, and .accompanied his command to Cape Gir- 
ardeau, Mo., where they arrived May 1st of that 
year. On the Olli of the month the regiment left 
that point and began active service. Mr. Corn- 
stock was made sick b}' the miasma and general 
unheallhfulness of the climate, in connection with 
the severe hardships of the campaign. Mrs. Com- 
stock went to the bedside of her husband at Cape 
(iirardeau, and though he was very sick succeeded 
in getting him home. He died at his father's 
home on the 4lli of December, 1862. Mr. Com- 
stock was a faithful soldier in the cause of the 
Union, and his death was greatly lamented in the 
community in whicli he had lived. He left a wife 
and son; the latter, (ieorge W., was born March 2, 
186 Land was but a 3-ear old when his father en- 
tered the army. The mother, with her son and his 
family, lives at the old Nichols homestead, in the 
town of Summit. 

(ieorge W. Comstock married Miss Minnie Hale, 



824 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



daiiglitei- of Edwin and Susan (Debnam) Hale, of 
the town of Summit. The young couple have 
three boys, John D., Edwin II. and Robert G. Mrs. 
Comstoek resides in tiie old liomestead, where she 
expects to spend her reninining days in peace and 
contentment, surrounded liy her friends and her 
children. 



3^^i 



HKRMAN G. BUSSE. Tliis wortliy German 
is one of the leading and successful farm- 
ers of llie town of Lisbon, whose farm is 
located on section 36. Mr. Husse is a native 
of Prussia, Germany, where his hirth occurred 
March 7, 18,57, being the sixtli in a family of 
seven living children, four sons and three daugh- 
ters, born to Samuel and Beate (Gronis) Busse. 
His parents, who were also natives of Prussia, emi- 
grated to America in 1860. They embarked from 
the port of Hamburg on board a sailing-vessel 
bound for New York. Tlie father brought to this 
country a capital of about |:4,()(I0. Coming direct 
to Waukesha County, he purchased seventy-three 
acres of land in the town of Pewaukee, which was 
his home for some years, then removed to Brook- 
field, and there died in 1891. 

Herman, of this biography, received a common 
school education in both the (icrman and Knglish 
languages. He remained with his parents until 
twenty-five years of age, then began life on his 
own responsibility. Ilis marriage to Miss Mary 
Frye, a native of Milwaukee County, was cele- 
brated January 11, 188:i. Their union has been 
blessed by three children, of wiiom two are living, 
Lillie and Wesley. Alfred, their eldest child, died 
at the age of six years. Mrs. Busse was educated 
in both tlie German and English languages. She has 
been a faithful, loving wife, and a tender mother. 

Mr. Busse commenced life with a capital of 
* 1,900. He went to the town of Lisbon, where he 
bought ninety-four and a-half acres of land, for 
whicii he went in debt *4,0{)0. However, he lias 
cancelled that indebtedness, and now owes no 
man aught but good will. He Is a man who lias 
worked assiduously, and one whose means have 
been carefully expended. Mr. Busse is truly 



classed among the prosperous and energetic young 
farmers of his town, and is bound to succeed in his 
calling. 

Politically our subject is an ardent supporter of 
Republican principles, his first vote having been 
given to the lamented James A. Garfield. He has 
never been an aggressive partisan, though he takes 
a lively interest in the successes of his party. Mr. 
Busse has been connected with the public schools 
of his district as an official for two years, and in 
the spring of 1894, the people of Lisbon Township 
elected him to the office of Side-Supervisor. Mr. 
and Mrs. Busse are members of the (Jerman Evan- 
gelical Church at Waukesha, Wis., of whicli Rev. 
Mr. Speicb is pastor. 

The Busse farm comprises ninety-four and a-half 
acres on section 36 in the town of Lisbon, and the 
brick residence which adorns it is one of the sub- 
stantial homes in the county. The outbuildings 
are commodious and well built to meet the de- 
mands of a farmer and stock-raiser. 



JOHN p. WARD, M. D., is one uf the younger 
physicians of Waukesha, and has been in prac- 
tice in that village since July 10, 1892. Dr. 
Ward is a native of Waukesha County, and 
was born in the town of Lislion, August 15, 1859. 
His fatlier, Bartholomew Ward, was one of the pio- 
neer settlers of this county. He was a native of Kil- 
dare. Ireland, and emigrated to this country in his 
youth, locating on a new farm in Lisbon Town- 
ship, where the remainder of his life was passed. 
His death occurred on the 9tli of .lune, 1875. The 
maiden name of his wife was Mary Dohane^y, who 
was also a native of the Emerald Isle, and like her 
husband came to America in her youth. 

The subject of this sketch is one of a family of 
six children, comprising four brothers and two 
sisters. The eldest. Dr. Thomas Ward, died on the 
Utli of February, 1881. He was a graduate of 
Wisconsin State University and of Chicago Medi- 
cal College. For a number of years he resided at 
Long Lake, Fond du Lac County, where his death 
occurred. He was a successful and well known 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



825 



physician. The second of the family in order of 
birth was Margaret, who became llie wife of Will- 
iam Murphy and died in January, 1890. The 
third in order of birth is Ellen, and the fourth, 
Martin, who resides in Milwaukee. The next is 
John P., while the youngest of the mother's chil- 
dren is Bartholomew, who also claims Milwaukee 
as his home. The mother died when the Doctor 
was but three years of age, after which the father 
re-married. Of the second union four children 
were born, three daughters and a son, namely: 
Mary, Christopher, Ann and Catherine. 

Dr. Ward received his primary education in the 
public schools, which was supplemented by a course 
at Carroll College. For some five years he fol- 
lowed the occupation of teaching, and in the mean- 
time pursued his medical studies, having access to 
his brother's library. He matriculated at Chicago 
Medical College in January, 18H1), graduating in 
the Class of '92. .Soon after his graduation Dr. 
Ward located in Waukesha. He is a well edu- 
cated gentleman and a popular citizen. In his 
profession he has a liberal and increasing practice. 
Hi" pleasant rooms are located at No. 331 Broad- 
way. 

_:=g ^ ■ . 



-< "\ «)ILLIAM TECHTMANN, a well-to-do 

V/ \/ farmer of section 20, Muskego Town- 
ship, has been a resident of Waukesha 
County since 1864. He was born Septemlwr 4, 1831, 
in Epsdorf, province of Hanover, (iermany, and is 
a son of John and Maria (Stern) Teclitinann, both 
natives of the same province. The father's birth 
occurred in August, 1801, at Miltzcn, and the 
mother's in Hanover in 1804. In the Fatherland 
they spent their youth, were married, and there 
their children, four sons and one daughter, were 
born, the latter dying in infancy. The sons were 
named as follows: Henry, a retired farmer, resides 
near West Bend, Washington County, Wis.; Will- 
iam, the next, is the subject of this article; llen- 
riok, as a boy, served an apprenticeship to the 
trade of shoemaker, but later in life engaged In 
farming and stock-raising, and died at his home in 
Vernon Township in 1864; John, a carpenter by 



trade, is an experienced engineer. When Presi- 
dent Lincoln called for volunteers to put down 
the Rebellion, the son last named enlisted in the 
Ninth Wisconsin Infantry at Milwaukee, going 
thence to the front, served three years and was 
honorably discharged. 

In the fall of 1H,54 the parents, accompanied by 
their sons, sailed from I'.riMneii for New York, ar- 
riving in the latter port after a tedious voyage of 
fifty-one days. From that city they came to Wis- 
consin, settling in Washington County, near West 
Bend, where both parents spent the remainder of 
tlieir lives. The father was a farniei' b}' occupa- 
tion, that having been his life work. lie was a 
man of wonderful physical powers, never having 
known a sick day in his life, and passed away July 
18, 1891, at the advanced age of ninety yeai-s, ap- 
parently in the best of health. His wife had pre- 
ceded him to the spirit world, her death having 
occuried in 1862. They enjoyed the esteem and 
high regard of all in the community in which they 
lived. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the head 
of this record pas.sed his early boyhood on his 
father's farm. He received a common school edu- 
cation, and when fifteen years of age was appren- 
ticed to the trade of shoemaker for three and a- 
half years. The terms of the agreement required 
Mr. Techtmann to give his services for that period 
and to pay ¥12 besides. After completing his ap- 
prenticeship he pursued his trade until his emigra- 
tion to the United States, in 1854, and upon his 
arrival in this country resumed work, following 
that occupation for fifteen years. In .Milwaukee 
he was employed at his trade for eight ^'eai**, and 
from that city came to tlie town of Muskego, 
where he purchased twenty .icres of improved 
land. To this he has added from time to time, 
until at this writing he owns a valuable farm of 
eighty-six acres, upon which he has erected a sub- 
stantial dwelling and good barns. 

In ]iolitics Mr. Techtmann is conservative, pre- 
ferrinj; to vt)te for the man rather than the part^". 
By his fellow-townsmen he has been honored by 
election to various ollices; has served as Side Su- 
pervisor, as Overseer of Koads for many yeai-s, 
and for three years has been Clerk of the District 



826 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Scliools. He takes a lively inlercHt in the success 
of the schools, as well as all oilier measures prom- 
ising to be of benefit to his town or count}'. He 
is a bright and intelligent business man, anrl, 
though of German origin, is an enthusiastic advo- 
cate of American measures and means, in ever}' 
sense a true blue American. 

Mr. 'I'echtmann chose for a wife Miss Fredericka 
Christiana, daughter of Tobias aii<l Krdnuind 
(Weber) Ockler, early settlers of this county. 
Their marriage was solemnized in Milwaukee, by 
Mr. IJode, on the 4th of June, 1859. Mrs. Techt- 
mann wiis born May 23, 18.39, in (iessets, a prov- 
ince of Prussia, being the second in a family of 
seven children. Jlr. and Mrs. Techtmann have 
six daugliteis, namely: Louise, born April 11, 1860, 
became the wife of Karl Wilde, a farmer of the 
town of New Berlin, February 22, 188(5; Emma, 
born December 22, 1 HOI, is a professional dress- 
maker of East Troy, Walworth County; Alice, 
born December 22, 1863, died in .July, 1864; Mary, 
born May 12, 1868, resides in K.ncine; Anna, born 
September 5, 1875, is a student in the high school 
at East Troy, a member of the Class of '94; Lydia, 
born .Tanuary 19, 1878, is still at home. This 
family are members of the Evangelical Church at 
Tess Corners, the father having been President of 
the congregation for a number of years. 



-4^ 






y^^ EORGE M.KERHOW, of Lisbon Town- 
^^T[ ship, is one of the best known stock breed- 
ers in Waukesha County, especially in the 
raising of thorough-bred slieep, in which he has 
won more than a local reputation. He is a native 
of this county, born on the 1st of April, 1852, be- 
ing the only child of Gavin and Elizabeth (How- 
ill) McKerrow, both of whom came from Scotland. 
His entire life thus far has been spent in his native 
county, where he was reared to the occupation of 
an agriculturist and stock-raiser. His father, who 
was born in Bonnie Scotland, w.as reared as a far- 
mer boy, and when but a youth he emigrated to 
America, locating first in the slate of New York. 



About 1849 he came to Wisconsin and in the town 
of Lisbon purchased an eighty-acre tract of par- 
tially improved land, his home being the old log 
cabin in which our subject was born. He was not 
an aggressive man in his political views, but al- 
lowed every one the same right he claimed for 
himself, to support such men and measures as his 
judgment approved. lie and his wife were mem- 
bers of the United Presbyterian Church of the 
town of Lisbon. The latter still survives and 
makes her home in Waukesha County. 

Mr. McKerrow lost his father when but an in- 
fant of seven months, and has therefore never 
known a father's love and care. He received a 
liberal education in the public schools and Carroll 
College, after which he taught successfully in the 
schools of Waukesha Count}' for some sixteen 
terms, being employed in the village of Sussex five 
terms. After the death of his father his mother 
became the wife of William Simpson, who was 
born and reared in P^ngland. In that country he 
had been foreman on a stock farm, and his practi- 
cal methods were imbibed by young George, who at 
the early age of sixteen began to cultivate his de- 
sire to become a stock-raiser. His attention was first 
directed to raising fine horses and slieep, and also 
to their importation. His first venture was in the 
line of breeding roadsters, and afterward Perche- 
rons. In 1872 he brouglit the first thorough-bred 
Perchcron horse to Waukesha County. He was 
bred from stock imported from France and bore 
the name of Le Grande Monarch III. That he w.is 
a fine animal his record in the books of the Wau- 
kesha County Agricultural Society fully attests. 
For some twent}' years Mr. McKerrow was engaged 
in handling horses. In the meantime he merged 
into breeding fine sheep; at first Merino, then 
Cotswold, and sul)se(|uenlly Leicestershire; the last 
two varieties he imported. All these, however, 
were discarded for other kinds. In 1881 he began 
to raise the Oxfords, the Shropshires two years 
later, and in 1884, started a fiock of South-Downs. 
The l.'isl three (locks were the first registered sheep 
of their kind in this county, and among the first 
in the state. Of his own raising Mr. McKerrow 
has shipped to almost every stale in the Union, 
from Maine to California, and from the Dakotas 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



827 



to the Gulf; moreover one lot has been sent to 
.British Columbi.i. He early commenced to exhibit 
his sheep at the best state fairs, and has won the 
hifjh distinction of iiaving tai<en more premium 
money than any other exhibitor according to the 
registration in tiie sheep exhibits. He lias taiten 
iiis (locks to tlie state fairs at Des Moines, St. Louis, 
Indianapolis, Peoria and Minneapolis. In the 
great Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 189.3, 
he was the most successful exhibitor, capturing 
three-fourths of tlic proniiuiiis :uid sweepstakes in 
tiie Oxford-Down class, lie lias won three silver 
cups, one of them being tlie clianii)ion cup offered 
by the English Oxford-Down Breeding Association 
for the best exiiihit. He had the ciianipion ram 
at the World's Fair exhibit, "llcytiirope I'rince 
2d," which is the most noted sheep in the world. 
The London Lire-SOick Journal \n speaking f)f tlie 
exhibition on that occasion says: "Mr. McKerrow's 
shearling, 'Heythrope Prince 2d' champion over 
this year's 'Batli' and 'West' was a revelation — 
confessedly the best sheep in the ram classes in the 
yard." Mr. McKerrow refused $750 for this fam- 
ous animal, this sum being offered by John Tread- 
well, one of the leading English breeders of Ox- 
ford-Downs. Our subject has another, "Royal 
Warwick," which stood next to"IIcytlirope Prince 
2d" in competition. He was the champion ram in 
the English and American sheep exhibits in 1892. 
The ewe flock is in keeping with these prize-win- 
ners, having taken more prizes than any other 
flock of Oxford-Downs in the world. His flock of 
South-Downs has also carried away more prizes 
than any other of this kind in the United States, 
and is headed bj' "Avon Beau," the World's Fair 
prize-winner. His entire Hock numbers about three 
hundred registered sheep and is valued al*lU,000. 
The owner of this valuable stock has won an en- 
viable reputation, n()t only in America, but Eng- 
land .as well. 

On the 2()tli of Septeml)er, 1877, Mr. McKerrow 
wedded Miss Belle Rogers, a native of Waukesha 
County, and a descendant of Scotch ancestry. Mr 
and Mrs. McKerrow have four children, three sons 
and a daughter. .lennie Belle is at present a stu- 
dent in. Carroll College, being a member of the 
Class of '96. (Jeorge Rodgers, the second child. 



assists in carrying on the farm. William A. and 
Gavin W. complete the family. The mother of 
this family was liberally educated in the public 
schools and in the high school at Brandon, Wis., 
and a commendable effort is being made to educate 
the children in like manner. 

Politically Mr. McKerrow is now a Prohibition- 
ist, but was formerly a Republican, having cast his 
maiden vote for R. B. Hayes. He has often been 
selected to represent the interests of his peoi)le at 
County and District Conventions, and in 1890 was 
a candidate on the Prohibition ticket for the odice 
of Secretary- of State. On his twenty-first birth- 
day he was elected Town Clerk, serving two terms, 
and has been a meml)er of theScluiol Board almost 
continually since reaching his majority. In the 
improvement of agricultural methods, and in the 
growing of the best live stock he takes the deepest 
interest, consequently he has been honored by 
election to positions in various organizations hav- 
ing these object.-* in view: was a director of the 
Waukesha County Agricultural .Society for two 
terms; Secretary of the Wisconsin Swine Breeding 
Association for several years; a member of the 
Committee on Exhibition of the National Live- 
stock Association ; is President of Waukesha Coun- 
ty Sheep Breeders' Association; one of the Direc- 
tors of the American South-Down Breeders Associ- 
ation; President of the American Oxford-Down 
Association; also for the p.ast five yeai-s has been 
one of the conductors of a series of Kami Insti- 
tutes, and is now Superintendent of the State Far- 
mers' Institutes, under the direction of the State 
University. 

A logical thinker, Mr. McKerrow is a fine con- 
versationalist, and as a writer is versatile and 
pleasing. As a correspondent he contributes to 
the following periodicals: "Breeder's (iazelte," 
"American Sheep Breeder," "National Stockman," 
"Livestock Report," "Farm, Fideand Stockman," 
"Farm, Stock and Home," "Mutton and Wool," 
"Grange Bulletin" and "Wisconsin Farmer." He 
is also a fearless and forcible orator, and as an ex- 
temporaneous speaker is hard to excel. At the 
dedication (jf the beautiful county court house at 
Waukesha, March 29, 1H91, the subject, "To the 
F'armer — the Bone, Muscle and Sinew of all Ma- 



828 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



teiial Prosperity," was assigned Mr. McKerrow, 
and by the request of several his speeeli was print- 
ed in the Wisconsin Free Press. 

Mr. McKerrow owns two hiiiHJred and forty 
acres of valuahle land in tl\e town of Lisbon, sit- 
uated one mile and tliree-fourths from the depot 
of the Chicago, Milwaukee ct St. Paul Railroad at 
Pewaukec, and some three miles from the village 
of Sussex. The pL^ce is finely watered, making of 
it one of the desirable .stock farms of this section, 
while the improvements are of the most modern. 
His capital at the beginning of his career amount- 
ed to about |50(», which he invested in a horse. 
Possessed of good business ability and much en- 
ergy, his progress has been steady and sure. He 
and his wife are mombers of the United Presby- 
terian Church, in which he is an Elder, and for the 
past sixteen years he has been Secretary of the 
Hoard. l'>oth are active workers in the Sabbath 
School, of which he was the able Superintendent 
for a number of years. J'opular and enterprising 
Mr. McKerrow is esteemed for his true worth, his 
course ever being such as to win the confidence 
of all who know him. 



JULIUS MASON, one of the pioneers, became 
a resident of Wisconsin in 1843, locating 
in Troy, Walworth County. His birth oc- 
curred .luly 111, 1798, in the town of Hunter, 
Greene County, N. Y., being a son of Herman and 
Chloc (Roberts) Mason, who were natives of Con- 
necticut. Herman Mason was a blacksmith by 
trade, which occupation he followed during his 
residence in (ilreene County. In 1804, he and his 
family moved to Pompey Township, Onondaga 
County, N. Y., where he resumed work at his trade, 
lit! was born on the -Ith of August, 17G8, and died 
in 1820, at the age of lifly-lwo years. His wife, 
whose birth occurred on the 26th of August, 1771, 
lived to the advanced age of aln.ost eighty years. 
Hoth were interred in the cemetery near their 
home, and their last resting place is suitably 
marked. 

.Julius Mason was reared by his parents, who 



gave him a common-school education. When thir- 
teen years of age he went to reside with an uncle 
who was engaged in the carding and cloth-dress- 
ing biisines.s, with whom he remained some three 
years; then returning to his home, was employed 
at the same occupation for a year. For the suc- 
ceeding three years he worked as a journeyman, 
and in the meantime learned to manufacture card- 
ing iimchines. He next turned his attention to 
the trade of carpenter and joiner, in which occu- 
pation he continued to be employed until his re- 
tirement from active business life. The year 1820 
witnessed his marriage with Miss Mary Stanton, 
daughter of .John and Marj- (Parmer) Stanton, 
who were natives of Rhode Island, she being the 
fifth ill order of birth in a family numltering six 
children. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mason had three sons and four 
daughters: Julius IL, who was honorably dis- 
charged after a service of three years in the late 
Civil War, is a retired carpenter of St. Louis. 
Mary P., who is the widow of Richard Ilibbard, a 
prominent business man, resides in Mukwonago. 
Her son, .John M. Hibbard, wedded Miss Jennie 
Warren, and their eldest daughter, Fleta, became 
the wife of William Ilegleineyer, by whom she has 
a son, Warren Hibbard, who is five generations re- 
moved from Julius Mason. In 1892 a photograph 
was taken which shows a representative from each 
of the five generations, and is probably the only 
such group in the county, and possibly in the 
state of Wisconsin. The third child in Mr. Ma- 
son's family, William, is deceased. Sarah J. is the 
widow of Sewall Andrews, and resides in the vil- 
lage of Mukwonago. Louisa wedded Henry M. 
Whitney, who resides in Kilbourn City, Sauk 
County, Wis. Parmer S. lives in California, where 
he is engaged in agriculture. Ambrosia is the wife 
of John Cropper, of White Water, Wis. 

Though in his ninet3'-seventli year, Mr. Mason 
enjoys the use of both physical and menial pow- 
ers, and a degree of health that warrants his at- 
taining one hundred years. For the past fifteen 
years he has been reading without the use of 
glasses. During the summer of 1894 he has made 
and cared for a large vegetable garden, besides do- 
ing odd jobs of carpentering. He thoroughly be- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



829 



lieves in one usinif liis faculties rather than idly 
folding his hands and sitting down to rust out, 
and is himself a most worthy example of this be- 
lief. Coming to AVisconsin in the prime of life, lie 
has witnessed in tlie more than a half-century that 
this has been his home, the many changes which 
have made of this section of the state one of the 
most desirable places forahome that can be found. 
Not only has he seen the development, but has 
aided in the progress in many ways, always taking 
a lively interest in the success of all that promised 
to advance his county and state. Julius Mason 
has lived to see his immediate famil3' grow to the 
fifth generation, a pleasure and gratification that 
come to but few. His declining years are being 
spent at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Andrews, 
in the village of Mukwonago. In polities he has 
always been a stanch Democrat, casting his last 
Presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. 



JAMKS DAVIS, of Waukesha, is one of the 
earlier settlers of this county. He is a na- 
tive of Newark, N. .1., Iiorn on the 29th of 
August, 1818, and is desceniled from an early 
family of that state, the progenitors of which 
came originally from the little country of Wales. 
His father, John Davis, was also a native of New- 
ark, and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. 
For a wife he chose Miss Mary Horton IJrown, 
and when theirson James was a child of two years 
they removed to the stale of New York, settling 
in the town of (ienoa, Cayuga Count}', but later 
to Henton Township, Yates County. In IS.Tl, af- 
ter a residence of five years in the last named 
county, the family came to Michigan, locating in 
the town of I/ima, Washtenaw County, where 
they were numbered among the pioneers. James 
Davis was a lad of fourteen years when he came 
with his parents to Michigan, and well remembers 
incidents connected with the early pioneer days 
in that state. There his father died at the age of 
sixt3'-two years, while his mother spent her last 
days at the home of her son, .s. li. Davis, in Mil- 
waukee, where her death occurred in 1865. To 



this worthy couple were born three children, two 
sons and a daughter: .Steven H., the oldest, was a 
resident of Milwaukee for many years, being pro- 
prietor of Davis' Omnibus Line, l)v which name it 
is still known, though he died a number of years 
ago; Mary Ann, the second member of this fam- 
ily, became the wife of David Rogers, of Stock- 
bridge, Ingham County, Mich., where both she 
and her husband died. 

As has been shown, .lames Diivis is the youngest 
child in his father's famil\, mikI is now the only 
survivor. He grew to manhood in iMicliigan, and 
near Manchester, that state, on the Itli of .lanuaiy, 
1842, wedded Miss Adeline Kellogg, who was born 
in Sharon, Litchfield County, Conn., May fi, 1825. 
Mrs. Davis is a daughter of Oliver and Alm.acy 
(Rouse) Kellogg, both (>f whom were born in Litch- 
field County, Sharon being the native place of the 
former. Her (irandfatlicr Kellogg w.as born in 
Hartford, Conn., while his father was a native of 
England. On her mother's side of the family 
Mrs. Davis is descended from German ancestry, 
her great-grandfather emigrating from (Jermany 
when a lad of sixteen years. On reaching man- 
hood he married a lioston lady and settled in the 
state of New York. Her grandfather, Nicholas 
Rouse, who was the owner of merchants' vessels, 
wedded a lady of New Haven. Conn., his place 
of residence being Boston, Mass. .Mr. and Mrs. 
Kellogg, with their family, removed from Con- 
necticut to Washtenaw County. Mich , and set- 
tled on a six hundred acre farm that he had 
previously located. However, Mr. Kellogg later 
sold his farm and made his home in Ann Arbor, 
where his death occurred on the 24tli of February, 
1859. He was a prominent politician, and for 
many years was a Judge. His wife died at the 
home of her daughter, Mrs. Davis, on the 19tli of 
December, 1878, in the eighty-lirst year of her .age. 
Of the ten children born to Mr. and .Mrs. Kellogg, 
five are living in 1894. 

In 1854 Mr. and .Mrs. Davis c.^me to Waukesha 
County and settled on a farm in the town of Wau- 
kesha, where they resided for ten years. At the end 
of that period they disposed of that farm and pur- 
ch.osed another in the same town, which continued 
to be their home for some twenty-two years. In 



830 



rORTUAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1885, on account of ill-health, Mr. Davis sold his 
• farm and l>ouglit a lioine in tiie villag:c of Wauke- 
sha, wiiere tliey have since resided. IIis wife has 
been alflicted willi total blindness for twenty-three 
years, though notwillistanding this great affliction 
she has ever retained iier ciieerfiil and sunny dispo- 
sition and led an industrious and useful life, liotii 
huslKind and wife are members of the Presbyterian 
("hurcli, and have ever lived in such n manner as 
to win the esteem and liigli regard of all wlio know 
them. 



♦f^ 




eLAKK S. IIAUTWKLL is one of tlic oldest 
contractors and l)uilders of Waukesha^ 
having engaged in that line of work in 
the village for some forty-three years. Few men 
have done more tiiaii he toward its uiibuilding, 
whether from a material, educational or moral 
standpoint. Mr. llartwell was born in Ticonder- 
o<'a. N. Y., .Inly 15, 182'.). being a son of Moses .S. 
and Mary (Orcutl) llartwell. 

The progenitor of the llartwell family in Amer- 
ica emigrated from Kngland in 1()3(5 and settled 
at Concord, Mass. .Subsequently, the branch of 
the family to which the subject of this article be- 
longs, moved to llillsboro, N. H. There Moses .S. 
llartwell was born, August 24, 1806. In early life 
he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and 
when twenty-one years of age went to Essex 
County, N. Y., |)ursuing his trade lit Salem and 
Ticonderoga. The lirst contract he took was on 
the old brick church at Cambridge, of that state. 
At Ticonderoga he was married in September, 
1828, to Miss Orcutt, whose father, Capt. Ilarve3' 
Orcutl, assisted Ethan Allen in capturing Ft. 
Ticonderoga "in the name of the great Jehovah 
and the Continental Congress." In 18.30 Mr. 
llartwell moved to Washington County, N. Y.. 
where he carried on his chosen occupation until 
his emigration westward. In March, 1836, his 
faithful wife passed from among the living. Two 
years later he wedded Harriet Stout, who was born 
in Washington County, N. Y., November 28, 1812, 



and is still quite active, making her home with 
the subject of this sketch. By John A. Savage, 
who later became President of Carroll College, Mr. 
Hartwell, Sr., was induced to come to Waukesha. 
In 1849 he and his wife made a visit to the vil- 
lage and |>urcliased twenty acres of land adjoining 
It on the east, but did not move here until April, 
1851. That tract has nearl}- all been laid off in 
lots, and extends from College Avenue north to 
Broadway, and from llartwell Avenue east. Soon 
after his arrival in Waukesha Mr. Hartwell, in 
company with his son, Clark .S., engaged in con- 
tracting and building, the partnership lasting till 
1874, when the father retired. The first contract 
they took was to build the Episcopal Church, 
which still stands at the corner of Main .Street and 
East Avenue. Among the other important struc- 
tures on which they took contracts might be men- 
tioned: the completion of the first building for 
Carroll College; the first Fountain Spring Hotel; 
Commercial Block; Carney Opera House; the 
original high school building; .Etna Block; Ait- 
ken Block; the residences of A. J. Frame, Henry 
Frame, K. M. Jameson, Andrew Aitken, Ui-. A. 
Kendrick, Dr. J. A. Savage, William Soperand the 
residence of William White,- Esq., which has since 
been converted into the Park Hotel. 

On the loth of .lanuary, 1883, Moses S. Hart- 
well was called from the scenes of his earthly La- 
bors. To his children he left valuable properly, 
but belter than all he left the good example of a 
Godly life and a name without reproach. As a 
tribute to his memory what had been High Street 
was changed to llartwell Avenue. For nearly 
forty years he was a consistent member and an 
active worker in the Presbyterian Church, and in 
all his labors had the hearty sympathy and cheer- 
ful assistance of his wife. The children of Mr. 
Hartwell were all born of the first marriage, and 
are as follows: Clark S., Adelbert, Henry M., 
Electa B. .ind George. 

The gentleman whose name heads this memoir 
is perhaps better known to the people of Wauke- 
sha County than his father. From boyhood he had 
been accustomed to using cari^enter's tools, and 
when seventeen years old began to devote himself 
in earnest to the trade of carpenter. In the dis- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



831 



trict schools and by private study he had acquired 

sutlicient education to teach, conducting his first 
school when only eighteen. For a number of 
years lie followed that profession during the win- 
ter season and worked at his trade in the summer. 
Mr. Ilartwell accompanied his parents to Wauke- 
sha in 1851 and has made this place his home ever 
since. For two years after his coming here he 
taught school, in fact he was the first teacher after 
the three districts united, constituting the Union 
School, which was the origin of the public school 
sj'stem in Waukesha. In 1852 he returned to 
New York, and in Jackson, Washington County, 
was married in .luly of that year to Miss Isabel K. 
Dobbin, who was a native of that county. Three 
years later the young wife died, without issue, m 
Waukesha. On the 13th of May, 1860, was cele- 
brated the union of Mr. Hartwcll and Mrs. Mary 
J. Baker. Mrs. Hartwcll was born July 4, 1830, 
in Caanan, Pa. Her father, Rev. Willard Calhoun, 
who was a native of Salem, Mass., spent his life in 
the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
At Caanan, Pa., he wedded Miss Persia Kent, a 
native of that place. Later the^' removed to Bing- 
hamton, N. Y., and then went to Calhoun County, 
Mich., where he continued to labor in the Master's 
vineyard until superannuated. His Christian wife 
wascalled to her final rest February 19, 1881, at the 
age of eighty' years, and on October 14, 1882, he 
joined her in the spirit world, having reached the 
advanced age of eighty-nine. Their familj' con- 
sisted of five children, all of whom are living. 

Mrs. Ilartwell w.is educated in Wesieyan Semi- 
nary, at Albion, Mich., and on the 12th of No- 
vember, 1848, was married in Milwaukee to Oscar 
F. Baker, a dry goods merchant of that cit3'. He 
died in St. Louis, Mo., in 1852, leaving two chil- 
dren, Belle, wife of James E. Mills, of Kansas City, 
Mo., and Charles A., who resides in Waukesha. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Hartwcll have been born two 
children, Mary 1., who died when five years old, 
and Willard S., who graduated from Carroll Col- 
lege in the Class of '87, and ha.-* since been in the 
express business in Chicago. 

Upon coining to Waukesha .Mr. Ilartwell, in 
company with his father, began contracliug and 
building, but since 1874 has continued the busi- 



ness alone, erecting some very substantial struc- 
tures, among which are the residences of Captain 
Winans, S. D. James, I. M. White and Dr. Jay T. 
Wardrobe. He superintended the construction of 
the new Court House and tlic National Exchange 
Bank building. 

Mr. Ilartwell has not given all liis time and en- 
ergies to business affairs, on the contrary, he has 
been an earnest worker in the church and in the 
cause of education. Both he and his wife are de- 
voted members of the Presbyterian C'huich. For 
some twenty-five years he was leader of the choir; 
has been Treasurer and a member of the Board of 
Trustees of the church, and Vice-President of the 
Board of Trustees of Carroll College. His fellow- 
townsmen have honored him with the position of 
Assessor two years. Treasurer one year and a mem- 
ber of the County Board of Supervisors some seven 
or eight years. He also held the oftice of Deputy 
Sheriff iwo years. In every official capacity Mr. 
Ilartwell has discharged his duty promptly and 
faithfully, thereby winning the confidence and 
esteem of his fellow-citizens, which he enjoys in a 
marked degree. 



(^ 



^ 



^") 



^' 



=0 



iT> LBERT KENDRICK. M. I)., deceased, was 
/ — \ for nearly tliirty years a practicing physi- 
cian of Waukesha, and during that time 
gained the confidence and high regard, not obI}' 
of the people of the county, but also of his pro- 
fessional brethren throughout the state. I)i-. 
Kendrick sprung from the best of New England 
families, being a cousin of Asaliel C. Kendrick, 
D. 1)., the eminent Greek scholar of the University 
of Rochester, and a nephew of Nathaniel Kendrick, 
I). I)., formerly President of Hamilton Theologi- 
cal Seminary. His maternal grandmother distiii- 
guislied herself during the Revolutionary- War. 
Learning that the British were coming, she mount- 
ed her horse, caught up her two little children, 
and sped toward Bennington, Vl. On the way 
she stopped at a house, which proved to be that of 
a Tory, and asked for bread for her children, but 



832 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



WHS Void liy Uiu mistress that she had none. Spy- 
ing a well filled table that had been prepared for 
the redcoats, tliis lo^al woman seized food for 
her children, again mounted her horse, and hast- 
ened at full speed toward her destination, feeding 
lier little ones as she went. Ruth Marshall, a 
daughter of this heroic woman, became the mother 
of Dr. yVlbert Kendrick. The father of the gen- 
tleman whose name heads this record was Dr. 
Adin Kendrick, a physician of the allopathic 
school, who possessed much good sense, along 
with many of the prejudices which were then com- 
mon to the profession. When his son Albert 
changed from the allopathic to the homeopathic 
system of practice, the father thought that an al- 
most unpardonable offense had been committed; 
however later in life he would say with a smile, 
"Albert, give me some more of your little pills, I 
believe they help me." 

The success of Dr. A. Kendrick, as he was usually 
known, was not so much due to inheritance as it 
was to untiring personal application. He was born 
in I'oultney, Vt., August 1, 1813. When seven 
years of age he met with a serious accident, which 
made it impossible for him to gain a livelihood 
b\- manual labor. Though his right hand was cut 
nearly off, he sufficiently recovered to enable him 
to handle his horses and pursue his vocation with- 
out any great inconvenience. Doubtless this af- 
llii'tion proved at last a blessing, as on that ac- 
count he received a better education than he 
would otherwise have acquired. After leaving 
the common schools, he entered Hamilton -Semi- 
nary (now Madison University), New York, of 
which his uncle was then President. At the .age 
of seventeen he began reading medicine with his 
father, and subsequently took three courses of lec- 
tures, graduating in .lune, 1832, from the Allo- 
pathic Medical College of Woodstock, Vt. Though 
only twenty years of age. he at once entered upon 
the practice of his profession in his native town. 
Three years later he removed to Ticonderoga, 
N. Y., where he also remained three years. About 
1838, Dr. Kendrick established himself at West 
Granville, in the same state, where he continued 
a successful practice until he came to Waukesha 
County. Having become convinced that the ho- 



meopathic system of practice is the best, he took 
it up during an epidemic of dysentery, and so suc- 
cessful, was he that he gained an extensive practice 
and a wide reputation. 

It was in June, 18.5.'), that Dr. Kendrick became 
a resident of Waukesha. His cordial manner and 
pleasing address, combined with his professional 
skill, soon won for him recognition as one of the 
leading physicians of the county, a position he 
never lost during all his residence here. He was 
a Republican in politics, and though well informed 
on political questions, he never sought or accepted 
official distinction. From a financial standpoint 
his life was a success; and while he knew the 
worth of a dollar, gave liberally to all worthy en- 
terprises, especially to the church. Ai the age of 
sixteen he became identified with the Baptist 
Church, and until the close of life lived in har- 
mony with his profession. For a number of years 
he held the office of Deacon. On the 14th of Oc- 
tober, 1884, Dr. Kendrick passed to the spirit world, 
leaving a wife and three children to mourn his 
less. Of the latter, Adin A., who was for twenty 
years the efficient President of Shurtleff College, 
toward the upbuilding of which institution he did 
much, IS a Baptist minister of St. Louis. Albert 
S., the second son, served the Union cause faith- 
fully during the late war, and Justin, the 3'oung- 
est, is prominently identified with the Equitable 
Life Insurance Co., being its manjiger in St. Louis. 
■ Mrs. Kendrick, who in her girlhood bore the name 
of Mary Jackson, still survives, and is an active 
worker in the Baptist Church. Dr. Kendrick was 
previously thrice married; his first wife, Orpha 
Smith, lived but five years. Her sister, Martha, 
subsequently became his wife and sh.ired the joys 
of home with him for twenty-five years. These 
sisters were devoted Christian women, and were 
ever found actively identified with the Master's 
work, both being members of the Baptist Church- 
His third wife, Millicent Olin, lived but a short 
time after their marriage. 

A man of fine social qualities. Dr. Kendrick 
found his chief joys in home life, where his pres- 
ence was perpetual sunshine. Always genial, 
cheerful and full of mirth, years never seemed to 
rest heavily upon him — his spirit never grew old- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



833 



Among the best citizens he had a larj^e circle ot 
friends, whom lie won and iield by the force of 
an exalted character. In the home, in profes- 
sional life, and in business affairs he ever exempli- 
fied the highest type of true Christian manhood. 



!:'S^ 



^@h1 



FREDERICK SCIIMITZ, one of the repre- 
sentative pioneers of Waukesha County, 
who carries on general farming on section 
26, Menomonce Township, was born on the old 
homestead, and is a son of Gottfried and Cather- 
ine (Kcrtznian) Schniitz. In their family were 
three sons and two daughters, and four of this 
number are yet living, as follows: Weinand, a 
farmer of Shelby County ,"111.; Anna Maria, wife 
of Henry Claas, an agriculturist of Menomonee 
Township; Theresa, wife of Peter Reith,a success- 
ful farmer of this community ; and Fred, of this 
sketch. The father of this famil}- was a pioneer 
who became familiar with all the experiences and 
incidents of pioneer life in this locality. He was 
born in Prussia, June 6, 18U9, and died April 12, 
1884, at the ripe age of seventy-five years, his re- 
mains being interred in St. Anthony's Church 
yard. His wife was born in Prussia, December 5, 
1801, and died February 14, ISfiO. They sleep 
side by side, and a monument marks their last 
resting place. The mother was a worthy lad}', 
possessed of many excellent characteristics, and 
her loss was deeply mourned by her many friends. 
Fred Schmitz, whose name heads this record, 
was born in the log cabin home, February 22, 18;'J0. 
and was earlj- inured to the laborious task of de- 
veloping a farm. His education was liegun in a 
district log school house, and he afterwards at- 
tended the parochial schools. His father was in- 
strumental in building the first church in Fuss- 
villc, and also aided largely in laying out the 
roads and developing this section of the county. 
He arrived in Menomonee Township in August, 
184G, and purchased forty acres of timber land on 
which stood a log house. Some years afterward 
he erected a modern residence, which still adorns 
the place. Fred Sdiiuilz aided in opening up this 
31 



farm, for as soon as old enough to handle the plow 
he began work in the fields, and it was not long 
until III! (lepartiiieiits of farm work were familiar 
to him. 

The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. 
Schmitz was in her maidenhood Anna Mary 
Schneider. She was born in Menomonee Town- 
ship, March 4, 1853, and was the fourth in a fam- 
il}' of seven sons and seven daughters, of whom 
twelve are yet living. The parents were Anton 
and Anna Mary (Hilger) Schneider. Mr. and 
Mrs. Schmitz have eight chililren, namely: Anna 
Mary, born February 21, 1877; Anna Rosa, born 
.June 27, 1879, who died .lunc 24, 1888; Gottfried, 
born .luiie 28, 1881; Paul, born November 23, 
1883; Catherine, born June 24, 1887; Mathias, 
born February 7, 1889; Weinand, born October 6, 
1890; and Peter, born October 23, 1893. 

Mr. .Schmitz exeiciscs his right of franchise in 
support of Democracy, and cast his first Presiden- 
tial vote for Horace (ireele^', hut has never sought 
or desired political preferment. He and his fam- 
ily are membeisof St. Anthony's Catholic Church. 
His time and attention are given to agricultural 
pursuits, and upon his farm he has a fine lake, 
stocked with about two thousand German carp 
fish. He posses.scs good business abilit^^ and by 
his well directed efforts has become a prosperous 
citizen. 



F^ LBKHT J. EVANS. Justice of the Peace, 
Cy is a native of Waukesha County, born in 
the town of New Berlin, October 4, 1856. 
He is a .son of John and Lucy (Peckhani) Evans, 
who were pioneers of that township. His father w.as 
born in Otsego County, N. V., and his motlier in 
Norwich, Conn. Both arc living and are residents 
of the village of Waukesha. 

The gentleman whose name heads this article 
was brought up on his father's farm and educated 
in the [jublic schools, his [irimary education being 
supplemented by a couree at Carroll College. Mr. 
Evans began teaching school at the age of twenty 
years, which vocation he followed for seven yeare, 



834 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



being employed in tlie scbool-ioom during the 
winter season, and at farm labor during the sum- 
mer time. 

Mr. Evans was married in Milwaukee on the 
14th of .lune, 1883. to Miss Ella M. Lvncss. Mrs. 
Evans was born in Milwaukee and is a daughter of 
Thomas and Agnes (Mills) Lyness, both of whom 
are now residents of Waukesha. Mr. and Mrs. 
Evans have one child, .John Lyness. lie is a na- 
tive of the village of Waukesha, where his birth 
occurred Noveinl)er 1, 1887. 

Politically Mr. Kvans is an earnest Republican, 
and is Chairman of the Republican Club of the 
town of Waukesha. In the fall of 1886. he was 
elected Clerk of the Court of Waukesha County, 
and re-elected in 1888, serving four years in all. 
In the spring of 18in, he was elected .lustice of the 
Peace for the vill.age of Waukesha, re-elected in 
1893, and is still serving in that olFice. 

Socially our subject is a thirty-second degree 
Mason, lie is the present Master of Waukesha 
I>odge No. 37, A. F. & A. M.; a member of Wau- 
kesha Chapter No. 37, U. A. M., of Waukesha 
Commandery No. 23, K. T.; and of Milwaukee Con- 
sistory. He is also a member of Waukesha Lodge 
No. 16, K. P. 






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e_ 



'ts" 






FRANK W(JRTIIINGTON, a resident of 
Oconomowoc, is the only surviving mem- 
ber of the once numerous family of Theo- 
dore Worth! ngton, who was one of the pioneers 
of Waukesha County. Theodore Worthington 
was born in Northlield, Washington County, Yt., 
in 1817, and was a son of Daniel and Polly (Fisk) 
Worthington. Daniel Wortliington, whose fam- 
ily consisted of four sons and several daughters, 
emigrated at a very early day from Vermont to 
Michigan. The four brothers, whose names were, 
Elijah, David, Daniel and Theodore, came to Wal- 
worth County, Wis., in 1836, and two years later 
the parents followed tlieir sons to the territory of 
Wisconsin. The daughters married and continued 
to reside ia Michigan. Elijah settled on a farm 
in Walworth County. For a number of years he 



was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Daniel never settled in Waukesha Coun- 
ty, but eventuilly located in Chicago, and made a 
purchase of real estate near Union Park in that 
city. He became quite an influential citizen there. 
David became a i)rominent minister in the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, was stationed at Rock 
Island III., and later at Dubuque, and at Mt. 
Pleasant, Iowa, dying while in charge of the work 
in the latter city. All the brothers have passed 
aw.'iy. 

In 1844 Theodore Worthington came to Ocono- 
mowoc, where he nought a claim of one hundred 
and sixty acres of land, all of which now lies with!n 
the corporate limits of that city. For man3' years 
he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and later dealt 
in real estate. He laid out and platted an addi- 
tion to tiie city, which includes that part of it sit- 
uated between Church and Concord Streets, east 
and west, and from the Chicago, Milwaukee A St. 
Paul Railroad track to Lake La Belle, north and 
south. 

Mr. AVorthington was well known and promi- 
nently identilied with the early liistor}' of Ocono- 
mowoc. He was a benevolent man, ever read}' to 
assist those in need. In the Methodist Episcopal 
Church he was a member ard active worker, being 
identified wi.h the first society of that denomina- 
tion in Oconomowoc, and always contributed lib- 
erally to the support of the Gospel. In the early 
days his house was always open for the entertain- 
ment of the traveling ministry, among whom were 
Bishop Thompson, and Presiding Elder Springer, 
who died at their home. Toward the erection of 
the |)resent Methodist Kpiscoi)al Cliurch of that 
citj' he contributed ^oOO, and donated the ground 
upon which the parsonage was built. Ilealsogave 
the site of the Congregational Cliurch, as well as 
that occupied by the present high school building. 
Mr. Worthington was quiet and rather retiring in 
Ins habits, and was known better by what lie act- 
ually was, than by what he claimed to be. His 
death, from consumption, occurred at his home in 
Oconomowoc, April 15, 1875. 

Mr. Worthington was married in that city in 
1845, thirl}' years before his death, to Miss Orilla, 
daughter of Zaddoc and Polly (Muzzy) Williams, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



835 



a native of Oneida County, N. Y., who came to 
Oconomowoc in 1845. Siie was born February 20, 
1818, and survived her liusbaad many years, pass- 
ing away on the 30th of November, 18112. She, 
too, was a devoted Chtisliau, an'l ever did her 
part in advancing the work of the church, and in 
making iier home a home for the ministers who 
always received tiie best the household afforded. 
They became the parents of four children: .lames, 
the eldest, died in infancy; (ieorge, who was born 
August 3, 1847, died in his twenty-first year; 
Henry, who was born February 28, 1849, passed 
away in iiis twentieth year, tlie two brothers dying 
within two weeks of each other. Frank is the 
youngest of the family, and as stated, is the sole 
survivor. He was born in Oconomowoc, August 
14, 1851, and has alw.ays resided in his native 
city. 

To Oconomowoc Frank Worthington has also 
made an addition, which is known as Worthing- 
ton's second addition to that city. He still owns 
considerable valuaijle real estate. October 15, 
1885, he was married to Miss Emma Hrown, a 
daughter of Thomasand Lydia (Ackerman) IJrown 
of Mauston, Wis. Mrs. Worthington was born at 
that place on the 28th of .June, 1863. Their chil- 
dren are Ora Hello, Theodore, George and Cor- 
delia. ' Mr. and Mrs. Worthington are members of 
the Methodist Churcli. Politically he is a Repub- 
lican, and a strong advocate of temperance. 

■OC 4"H"f-i"H"H"H"»- j^ »»»»'i"H^--i-i"»» >C> 

iTp* LHEHT HINKLEV. a farmer of section 12, 
r — \ Eagle Township, was horn April .'!, 1844, 
being a native of the town in which he 
lives. His father, Oramel Hinkley, was born at 
Riuidolph, Vt., November 19, 1812, while his 
mother, Phebe Earle, was born January 14, 1811, 
at Westford, in the same state. In early life both 
emigrated to St. Clair, Jlicli., wlierc they were 
united in marriage on the 23d of May, 1837. 
Three years later thev came to Waukesha County 
and located in tiie town of Eagle. His first pur- 
chase was of forty acres of land on section 10, on 
which, as he supposed, he erected his cabin home; 



however, it turned out tliat he iiad built on land 
that did not belong to him. A neighbor knowing 
this was about to buy the land on which Mr. Hink- 
ley's house stof)d. Learning of his intention the 
latter walked to Jericho, borrowed the money to 
pay for the land, and continued his journey to 
Milwaukee, where he arrived in the morning be- 
fore the land ollice was open. He was the first 
man to get in, and had just made the entry when 
he met his neighbor who, had he been a liule 
sooner, would have saved him that trouble. On 
that farm Mr. Hinkley resided as long as he lived. 
Subsequently he added a third forty, all of which 
he obtained from the (Jovernment. He afterward 
increased his farm to one hundred and sixty acres. 
Heginning poor he made every dollar he possessed, 
and that by tlic hardest labor. For the first cow 
he ever owned he made four thousand rails, walk- 
ing five miles morning and evening to get to and 
from his work. Industrious and energetic he 
overtaxed his physical manhood, and died August 
18. 1855, ere he had reached his forty-third year. 
His wife joined him in the spirit world on the 
27tli of February, 1879. IJoth led consistent 
Christian lives, being identified witii the Congre- 
gational Church. Their family originally consisted 
of nine children, four sons and five daughters, of 
whom six are living. 

The fifth child in the above family is the gen- 
tleman whose name heads tliis biography. He was 
reared on the old homestead, and until fifteen 
years of age attended the district schools during 
the winter season. After that age his time was 
wholly given to farm work. On the 9th of Feb- 
ruary, 1865, Mr. Hinkley enlisted as a member of 
Company E, Forty-sixth \Vis'c(uisin Infantry, and 
for eight months was engaged chietl\' on guard 
duty in Alabama. He w.is mustered out of serv- 
ice at Nashville, Teiin., and lionorably discharged 
at Madison in October, 1865. As a result of his 
service his hearing was greatly impaired, thus de- 
priving him of much pleasure and usefulness in 
life. Returning home he embarked in farming, 
which has been his business ever since. 

His marriage to Miss Anna West was celebrated 
in the town of Mukwtmago, Ai)ril 13, 1872. Mrs. 
Hinklev is a native of that town, born June 13, 



836 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RbCORD. 



1849, and is a daiigliter of William and J^lizabeth 
Mary (Yoiibill) West. Having worked rented 
farms until 187G, Mr. llinkley purcliused -seventy- 
seven acres on section 12, where he still resides, 
and to wliicli he has since added twenty acres. He 
has a well improved farm, and is one of the sub- 
stantial men of liis town. Mr. and Mrs. llinkley 
have only two children. Rose and Oramel. Both 
husband and wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church of North Prairie, of which he is 
one of the Trustees. Mr. Hinkley is an uncom- 
promising Prohibitionist, and votes in accordance 
with his faith. Socially, he is a member of Robert 
Morris Lodge No. 115, A. V. & A. M., of Kagle, 
with which he united in 1868, and of the Grand 
Arm}' Post of Palmyra. By their neighbors among 
whom the^' have lived for so many 3'ears, Mr. and 
Mrs. llinkley are held in high esteem, not for what 
they have, but for what they are. 









^V AMUKL A. FOX, Vice-President of the Na- 
(^y^ tional Exchange Bank of Waukesha, is a 
native of Wroxton, Oxfordshire, England, 
his birth occurring there February !), 1840. His 
parents, Samuel and Jane (Carpenter) Fox, were 
born at Wroxton, the former April 7, 181J,and 
the latter September 25, 1811. In early life the 
father served as coachman to Lord Bute, but 
while in his .service lost the sight of one of his eyes, 
on account of which he was retired from his serv- 
ice and granted a pension, wiiich he is still receiv- 
ing. 

After meeting with this misfortune, he turned 
his attention to farming, which he carried on in a 
small way. In 1853 Samuel Fox, accompanied by 
his wife, only son and three daughters, embarked 
at Liverpool in a small sailing-vessel for New 
York, where they arrived some six weeks later. 
Coming direct to Waukesha, where the father and 
brothers of Mrs. Fox lived, he worked for wages 
until he could pay back the money borrowed to 
assist in bringing him to this country, and accum- 
ulate a small sum with which to start for himself. 



The first real estate he ever owned was twenty 
acres in the southern part of the town of Wauke- 
sha, to which he subsequentl}' added until he owned 
ninety-five acres. After his son had reached his 
majority, they jointly purchased a farm of about 
equal size. Later, the son wishing to get married, 
it was agreed that the father should have a new 
house built on his farm, the son taking the last 
purcha.sed farm with a debt of *700. 

Mr. Fox, Sr., continued to farm until late in life, 
when he retired from active labor. He is now liv- 
ing with his son at the advanced age of eighty 
years. His good wife passed away December lU, 
1878. Their family consisted of four children, of 
whom only two survive, Samuel A., of tiiis sketch, 
and Cymbre Anne, who resides in Detroit, Mich., 
as the widow of William Pratt. The oldest child, 
Mary A., who married William Stilwell, and the 
third, Sarah, who became the wife of .lohii Sleep, 
died leaving large families. 

S. A. Fox, as he is commonly known, had meagre 
chances for obtaining an education, as he left Eng- 
land before he could understand the value of 
schooling, and after coming here there was so 
much work to be done that lillle time could be 
given for study. Mr. Fox was married March 21, 
1866, to Miss Ann Eliza, daughter of Richard 
Smart, one of tiie first settlers in tlie county. Mrs. 
Fox was born on the farm of which a part is oc- 
eu()ied by the Foiintuin Spring Hotel, t)ctober 7, 
1846. Mr. and Mrs. Fox began their domestic life 
on the niortg.aged farm above mentioned, which 
mortgage was soon paid. .Some two years later 
Mr. Fox sold his farm and rented the farm of his 
wife's father. Mr. Fox harvested the last crop, 
barley, raised on the ground where the above 
named hotel stands; on fact he was insliumental in 
securing tiie sale of the land for that purpose in 
July, 1872. The following January Mr. and Mis. 
Fox moved to their present farm of one hundred 
and forty-two acres in sections 35 and 36 of Pe- 
waukee Township, which he still carries on. Other 
business has also claimed his attention. For a 
number of ^ears he h.is dealt in real estate, being 
Secretary and Treasurer of the Kennilwortli Com- 
pan}'. He is also President of the Waukesha Grain 
and Produce Company, and Vice-President of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



837 



National Exchange Bank of Waukesha, to which 
position he was elected to succeed Dr. II. A. You- 
mans in .lanuary, 1894. Since IHOO he has I)een a 
member of the Board of Diieclors. 

Politically Mr. Fox is a reliable Republican, and 
both he and his wife are members of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. Their familj- numbered 
four children, of whom the eldest, Ida J., died 
May 21, 188.'?, at the age of sixteen j-ears; Lucy 
A., Albert W. and Frank E. are still under the pa- 
rental roof. Mr. Fox lias by industry and econ- 
omy accumulated valuable property. What he 
lacked in opportunity in early life, has been coun- 
terbalanced by "hustle" in later years. 



^ 1 ' I I I 1 . ^ • .> 



WILLIAM G. CRAIG, a prosperous 
farmer residing on section 7, Delafield 
Township, Waukesha County, is oneof 
two sons born to David and Mary (Sievwright) 
Craig, who were natives of Perthshire, .Scotland. 
The parents resided in Dundee during all tlieir 
married life, where the father was employed as a 
dock porter for five of the leading mercantile 
firms f)f that cit3'. At the age of fifty-one j'ears 
David Craig and family' came to this country, era- 
barking on board a sailing-vessel at the port of 
Greenock, Scotland; they arrived in New York 
after a voyage of six weeks, August 22, 1850. 
Going to r.uffalo by rail, they came down the 
Lakes to Milwaukee, which was at this time a very 
small place. The largest store in the village was 
that of A. D. Seaman, who conducted a furniture 
business, and the streets were in such a condition 
tliat heavy wagons could not l)e drawn over them. 
From that city the3' came to Delafield by team, 
thence to Johnson's Mills, where tiiey remained 
some six weeks, stopping with .Mr. Uay. The fall 
of his arrival Mr. Craig l)Ought forty acres of 
land for ^32.5, there being about eight acres of it 
plowed. He immediately began the construction 
of a log house and when completed he and his 
family moved in. In 1851 he built oneof the first 
log barns erected in the township, it.s diniensions 
being 22x45 feet. In 1856 Mr. Craig bought fortj' 



acres on section 6, Merton Township, paying for it 
the sum of 1900, and the succeeding spring added 
another forty acres at a cost of 1880. In 18G1 his 
son .lames returned home, and to him he sold the 
fort}' acres of his second ])urcliase, the selling price 
being ^1,000, but a few 3'ears later again became 
the owner of the same at a cost of ^2,000. His 
last investment in real estate was made in 1865, 
when he bought forty acres from Mi-s. Allerdice 
for $1,400. Having disposed of his lands he re- 
moved to Alderley, Dodge County, Wis., where his 
death occurred .Tulj' 4, 1877. His good wifep.assed 
away alx)ut four months later, November 27. 

AVilliam G. Craig, the gentleman whose name 
heads this biography, married Marion Meikle, a 
native of Edinburg, Scotland. Mrs. Craig was a 
daughter of Robert and Nellie (Muirhead) Meikle, 
both born near Edinburg. Her father was rail- 
road contractor and also engaged in canal con- 
struction. In 1850, accompanied by his family, 
Robert Meikle emigrated to the United States. 
The trip was made on a sailing-vessel, the "Lydia," 
which carried nine hundred and ninety-nine other 
p.assengers and consumed six weeks. Landing in 
New York, the family came direct to Waupun, 
Wis., where Mr. Meikle nmted a farm, upon which 
he resided for six 3'ears, then came to Waukesha 
County and located in the town of Delafield. 
Here he purchased one hundred and thirty-nine 
acres of land for 81,800, and on this farm ])assed 

, the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 

I 1887. His estimable wife departed this life in 
188.1, and was laid to rest in the cemetery- at Del- 
afield. They were the |)arents of six children, two 

j sons and four daughters, those besides Mrs. Craig 
being as follows: Hugh is a farmer and resides 
near Waupun, Wis.; Jessie is the widow of Thomas 
Oliver; Margarettc is the wife of John Bryce, a 
hardware merchant of Waupun; James is engaged 
in agricultural pursuits in Allamakee County, 
Iowa; Ellen wedded Henry Nicholson and resides 
in the same county. 

Mr. and Mrs. Craig have one son and two 
daughters, namely: Nellie M., whose primary edu- 
cation was acquired in the district schools, was for 
three years a student in Carroll College, after 

I which she taught in the county schools; she has 



838 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



given special attention to music. David R., the 
only son, manages his father's farm; he was also 
educated in the public schools and Carroll College. 
Clara E., the youngest, is a sludcnl in the school 
at Delafield. 

In 1870 Mr. Craig purchased from his father 
eighty .lures of land on section 6, town of Merton, 
paying *4,00() for it. Here he resided for ten 
years, when he disposed of tlie property for f4,750 
and bought tlie old Seymour farm for which he 
paid 16,500. Since coming into possession of this 
place he has made m.iny improvements on it, and 
in June, 1893, erected a beautiful residence. Be- 
sides his farming interests Mr. Craig engages quite 
extensively in tlie dairy business. 

Mr. Craig cast his lirsl Presidential vote for Gen. 
U. S. Grant, and while taking a lively interest in 
the triumphs of his party is in no sense a poli- 
tician, though lie served as Clerk of the School 
Board in the town of Merton. In religious faith 
he and his wife are members of the Presbj'terian 
Church at Delafield, in which he has itcen Deacon 
for several years. They are active workers in the 
Sunday-school, of which he has been Superin- 
tendent. 



■'S^IIIJIK^*' 



^ 



MRS. ELIZABETH TENANT. All honor 
is due the noble women of our land, who 
have played a conspicuous part in the 
history of the nation. No record is complete 
without mention of those who have taken an act- 
ive part in the advancement of civilization, and 
among the many who have given the best years of 
their lives for the good of the race must be men- 
tioned the women of pioneer times. It is impos- 
sible for us to realize all that life in the wilder- 
ness meant fifty years and more ago. Among the 
number of worthj' women who have helped to 
make Waukesha County one of the most beautiful 
in the state is she whose name heads this article. 
Since the year 1839, Mrs. Tenant has been a resi- 
dent of Waukeslia County. She is a native of 
W.iyne County, N. Y., born March 9, 1818, and 



is the tenth in a family of twelve children, six 
sons and six daughters, of whom but five are 
now living. Her parents, Thomas and Lucy (Rus- 
sell) Ewer, were natives of Massachusetts, the for- 
mer having been reared to farm life. In politics 
Thom.is Ewer was a Republican. 

September 19, 1839, occurred the marriage of 
Thomas Tenant and Elizabeth Ewer, who soon af- 
terward came to the territory of Wisconsin. Mr. 
Tenant was a native of England, born about 1805. 
He was reared to the age of fourteen years in his 
home land, where he received his education, which 
was of the most primitive kind. At that time he 
started out in the world for himself, bade adieu 
to friends and country and came to the LTnited 
States. Without capital, save a pair of willing 
bands, the boy began in a strange land to carve 
out his destiny. 

In the fall of 1839, Mr. and Mrs. Tenant came 
j to Wisconsin, nine years before the territory was 
admitted to statehood. Their first purchase was 
eighty acres of unimproved land in Waukesha 
County, and their first home was a log cabin built 
in the midst of the brush and timber. Indians 
were plentiful and often came to the home of the 
Tenants; wolves and deer were numerous, and 
sometimes not very agreeable neighbors, especially 
the former. An incident may show how common 
wolves were: Her son Williaia, when two years 
old, saw what he thought to be a dog, and, child- 
like, called to the pet, but the dog proved to be a 
wolf. There were no schools in their vicinity until 
1847, when Mr. Tenant was very instrumental in 
locating the first school district in the township. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tenant, four children were 
born, three sons and one daughter, of whom three 
are living. William, the eldest, was the first white 
child born in the village of Prairieville, his birth 
occurring fni the 7th of April, 1841. He w.is edu- 
cated in the early schools, and afterward learned 
the trade of carpenter and joiner. His entire life 
thus far has been spent in Waukesha County. In 
politics he is a Republican and cast his first Presi- 
dential vote for the martyred President, Abraham 
Lincoln. Helen, the only daughter, l>ecainc the 
wife of William McKowen, and now resides in 
North Greenfield. Arthur resides in Michigan, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



839 



where he is engaged in farming aiul fruit growing. 
He married Emma Kelly. 

Mr. Tenant was a Republican in his political 
views, but had no aspiration for ollicial positions, 
preferring to devote his time and attention to his 
personal affairs. As stated above, he took a lively 
interest in the public schools, heartily supporting 
whatever would add to their advancement and 
success. Mr. Tenant's deatii occurred in 1871. He 
was a man esteemed for his true worth, and for his 
honor and integrity in all relations. Mrs. Tenant 
and her son William still reside on the old home- 
stead, which is under a good state of cultivation. 
They are numbered among the oldest settlers of 
Waukesha County, and have witnessed the trans- 
formation of the country from a wilderness to 
one of beautiful homes and highly cultivated 
fields. Cities and thriving towns have replaced 
the forest and wilderness. The Indian, once so 
common, has become a thing of the past, giving 
place to the ev^r progressive white man. 



^hK- 



[^ 



-^} 



HON. OSCAR F. JONES, of Oconomowoc, 
attorney-at-law and Court Commissioner, 
is well known llirt)ughout the state of 
Wisconsin, both as a lawyer and as a publisher. He 
located in that cit^- in the winter of 1881-82, be- 
coming associated in law practice with Joel H. Car- 
penter. The co-partnership of Jones it Carpenter 
was dissolved in 1886, sometime previous to the 
death of the latter. 

Mr. Jones was born in the town of Spafford,on 
the shore of the beautiful Skaneateles Lake, Onon- 
daga County, N. Y., Scpiembci- 2.'5, 1832. His par- 
ents were Hiram S. and IJetse}- Hudson ((irout) 
Jones, natives of Vermont. The father was a 
drummer bc)y in the War t)f 1812. The paternal 
grandfather of the gentleman whose name heads 
this r«cord was John Jones, who was also born in 
Vermont, but after several removals located in 
Rockford, I II., where his last days were spent. The 
maternal grandfather of Mr. Jones was Eben Grout, 
a soldier in the Hevolutionarv War. and an earlv 



settler of Spafford, N. Y., where he lived until 
death, which occurred on the place he redeemed 
from the wilderness. The parents of our subject 
are both deceased. In their family were two sons 
and two (iaughters, of whom but two survive, Os- 
car F. and a sister. The other son, Dr. Erwin 
Leroj' Jones, was a well known physician and sur- 
geon, who during the War of the Rebellion served 
professionally with marked distinction. His death 
occurred several years ago at Fernandina, Fla. 

In 1819, at the ageof seventeen years, Mr. Jones 
of this bi()gra|iliy started westward, and going to 
Freeport, 111., engaged in the study of law. He 
was admitted to the I5ar of the Supreme Court of 
that stale in 1852, having not yet attained to the 
age of twenty-one years. Later in the same year 
he came to Wisconsin and located at Juneau, the 
county seat of Dodge County. There his profes- 
sional career began, that being his home without 
interruption until 18(58. In the meantime Mr. 
Jones had established a reputation as an able and 
successful lawyer. In 1862 he was elected to the 
State Legislature and w.as twice re-elected, serving 
three terms, 18G3, 1864 and 1865, as a Legislator. 
It may be of interest to note the fact that, though 
a Democrat, he was elected to the Legislature dur- 
ing the war period from a close district, and each 
time had a majority of the army vote as well as of 
the home vote. This circumstance shows his pop- 
ularity as a citizen, and his position in regard to 
the prosecution of the war. In the fall of 1865, 
he was nominated for State Senatoi, in a strongly 
Republican district, to succeed William E. Si^jith, 
afterward Governor of the state. His opponent. 
Dr. Stoddard Judd, was elected b^' a very small ma- 
jority. 

In 1868 Mr. JoiSes decided to enter the Held of 
journalism and, in pursuance of that decision, went 
to Hudson, Wis., where he established the Hudson 
Democrat, continuing to publish that paper until 
1875. The next year he became editor-in-chief 
of the Daily Milwaukee News, in whicli position he 
remained until that paper was sold to A. M. 
Thompson. Since that time he has devoted his 
time chiefly to his profession. 

Mr. Jones was married March 29, 1854, to Miss 
Minnie Wadams, of Wadams Grove, 111., and by 



840 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



this union had three children: Ivy Flora, Frank 
Voliiey and Ciiarles Hudson. The first named is the 
wife of Tliomas F. Hn.<i;ill. and resides at Starke, 
Fla. His present wife, wlioin ho manied August 
27, 1884, was Miss Elma Koss, daughter of Rev. 
William C. Ross, a well known .Methodist clergy- 
man. Of this marriage four sons were born: Er- 
win Ross, Oscar Florin, Edwin Llewellyn and Her- 
bert Spencer. Mr. Jones has served as a member 
of the Common Council of Oconomowoc for three 
years, two years of that time being its President, 
and has now entered upon liis second term as 
Court Commissioner. He is also Secretary and 
Treasurer of the Oconomowoc Yacht Club, whose 
members include many prominent citizens of Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee, St. Louis and other cities, and it 
is one of the most successful organizations of its 
kind in the country. 

Mr. Jones is a gentleman of scholarly attain- 
ments and for many years devoted much time to 
reading history and general literature. He is an 
able and interesting writer of both pro.se and 
poetry, some of his productions being highly meri- 
torious. He wrote the Convention Poem of the 
Wisconsin Editorial Association in 1874, a produc- 
tion which is often quoted from for its sentiment, 
imagery or diction, and has been .said to contain 
every form of versification in favor with modern 
poets. He takes much deliglit in the study of the 
sciences and the inductive philosophy, and keeps 
abreast of the advanced thought of the day. 



► H^^{ 



JOHN K. RANDLK, dealer in furniture, and a 
leading undertaker of Waukesha, was born 
in the town of Genesee, this county, Au- 
gust 16, 1846. His parents, Thomas A. and 
Eliza (King) Handle, were natives of Devonshire, 
England, born in lH2f), the latter being three 
days older than her husband. In his native land 
the father followed the trade of currier. In 1843 
the family, consistingof the parents and one child, 
embarked in a sailing-vessel at Plymouth, and af- 
ter six weeks reached the harbor of New York. 



Their objective point was Waukesha County, where 
Mrs. Randle had two brothers. Upon their arri- 
val here, Mr. Randle claimed a (juarter-section in 
the town of (iencsee on which he remained a sliort 
time; he tlien sold his |)ossessions and moved to 
Cincinnati, Ohio, whei-e he learned the trade of tin- 
ner. Some three years later, however, ho returne<l 
to Waukesha County, and purcli.asod another farm 
in Genesee Township on which he spent the rest 
of his life, dying in 18(1.'). He w.as a Republican 
in politics, and an active incinlier in the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. His wife, who assisted him 
in church wf>rk,died in Waukesha in 1884. They 
had but three children: James, whf) is a farmer of 
Eau Claire County, Wis.; John K.; and Elizabeth, 
the wife of T. Ryall. 

Mr. Randle, the subject of this biography, was 
roared to farm life, and in the district schools re- 
ceived a limit(Ml education. Upon the death of 
his father, he and his brother carried on the farm 
together for two j'ears, and then the former con- 
ducted it alone until his removal to Waukesha. 
Mr. Randle was married, in the town of Waukesha, 
October 20, 187."), to Miss Ilattie I)., daughter of 
Isaac Gale. The young wife died on the 8th of 
July following. On the 19th of November, 1879, 
was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Randle and 
Miss Caioline P. Russell, daughter of Andrew Rus- 
sell, a farmer of Jefferson County, Wis.. The lat- 
ter was born near p]dinl)ui-gh, Scotland, and when 
a young man served in the regular army of his 
native country. His wife was also a native of 
Scotland. In 1847 they emigrated to the United 
States, and after working in a woolen factory for 
some time in the east, Mr. Russell came to Wiscon- 
sin and located on a farm in the town of Concord, 
Jefferson County, where he passed his declining 
j'ears. His wife resides at Black River Falls, Wis. 
at the age of eighty-five years. In religious faith, 
Mr. and Mrs. Russell were Congregationalists. 
Their family consisted of nine children, all of 
whom, save one, are living. 

Mr. Randle, of this sketch, continued to farm 
until 1877, when he was chosen day watchman at 
the Industrial School, serving in that capacity for 
three and a-half years. For about six months he 
was employed as baggage agent for the St. Paul 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



811 



Railroad at Waukesha, and was then given eliarge 
of the station at Middlelon, Wis., whicli lie con- 
ducted for two and a-half years. Returning to 
Waukeslia lie engaged in carpentering for about 
two years; was baggage agent for the Wisconsin 
Central for an equal period, tiien time-keeper at 
the Wisconsin Central shops until 1891, the year 
that he embarked in the furniture business. 

Mr. Randle is a member of the Methodist Kpis- 
copal Church, belonging lo the Board of Trustees, 
while his wife afliliates with the Episcopal Church. 
They have one child, Ilarrie R., a lad of thirteen 
years, who is receiving good educational advan- 
tages. Our sultjeet has been a stanch Republican 
since his first vote for President wjis cast for Gen- 
eral Grant. In the town of Genesee he served two 
terms .as Supervisor, and one term as Assessor. 
He also served two terms as Treasurer of Wauke- 
sha. Social!}' he has reached the Council in the 
Masonic order, belonging to Waukesha Lodge 
No. 37, A. F. tt A. J\l.; Waukesha Chapter No. :57, 
R. A. M.; and Waukesha Council. He has twice 
served as Master of the lodge, and has been rep- 
resentative to the Grand Lodge. 



AMIIEL DODD is one of the oldest and best 
known men in Waukesha. . F'or over twenty- 
six years he has been a leading contractor, 
and, therefore, not a little of the growth of Wau- 
kesha has been due to his industry, energy and en- 
terprise. 

Mr. Dodd is a native of Glossop, Derbyshire, 
England, born May 27, 1840. His parents, Tiiomas 
and Sarah (Inchleff) Dodd, were natives respect- 
ively' of Cheshire and Yorkshire. It is remarkable 
that in this branch of the family there are now no 
male descendants. The only brother of Thomas 
Dodd had one son who died without issue; while 
his sisters had dauglit<Ts only in their families. 
To Thomas and Sarah Dodd was born a family 
of nine children, two boys and seven girls. The 
latter gave birth to no male heir, but the brother 
of Mr. Samuel Dodd had two sons, young men of 



exceptional talents and promise, both of whom 
were stricken down by the hand of death in the 
mouth of .(anuary, 1H94. While the sorrowing 
parents were burying one of the boys at liurstall, 
Yorkshire, England, word came that the other was 
dead and buried at Port Elizabeth, Cape Colon}-, 
South Africa. They were the pride of the family 
not only because of their sterling traits of charac- 
ter, but because in them was the hope of perpetu- 
ating the family name. The father mid luotlicr 
f)f Mr. Dodd resided in Derbyshire, England, where 
they reccnlly died at the ripe old age of seventy- 
four and eighty-ono years respectively. 

Having decided to try his fortune in the New 
World, Mr. Dodd shipped at JJverpool, February 
9, 1863, for New York. Coming direct to Wau- 
kesha, he spent the first four years working at his 
trade for wages, and at the expiration of that pe- 
riod began contracting. Among the important 
structures he has erected should be mentioned the 
buildings at Kethcsda Spring, Carroll College, the 
Northwestern passenger depot, the Mansion House, 
which stood on the ground now occu|iied by the 
Spring Cit}' Hotel, the school building for the In- 
dustrial School, Freeman Hlock and Clark's store. 
He also designed and built the residences of Col- 
onel Enos and Mrs. Henrietta Blair, and designed 
that of Captain Enos. Many more might be men- 
tioned, but these will suflice to show that Mr. Dodd 
has taken a front rank in the line of his calling. 

On the 16th of April, 1863, was celebrated in 
Waukesha the marri.age of Mr. Dodd and Miss 
Hannah Iladlield. The wife was born in the same 
town as her husband, and on the same vessel emi- 
grated to the United States. Of this union three 
children have been born, Sara, the oldest, died 
February 8, 1891, at the age of twenty-seven 
years; Nettie died in childhood; and Delceiie is at 
home. 

In political principles Mr. Dodd is a Republican, 
and though he has never sought ofllcial distinc- 
tion, still he has been called upon to serve a num- 
ber of terms both as a inemlmr f>f the Village and 
County Board. 

Mr. Dodd need have no regret that he became 
a citizen of the Fnitcd States and a busine,'»s man 
of Waukesha, for here he lias made many friends 



842 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and met with financial success. Beginning without 
a dollar he has, with the assistance of his estimable 
wife, accuraiilatcfl valuable property. His course 
in life lias been maiked by honest work, fair deal- 
ing and a conscientious regard for the rights of 
others. 



G= 



.^^111^. 



-^"1 



(^ 



=e) 



WARRKN II. SMITH, owner of a livery 
and sale stable .it No. ;?17 South Street, 
Waukcslia, is a native of this county, 
born in the town of V'^ernon, October 23, 1841. His 
father, who was familiarly known as "Uncle Jesse 
Smith," was one of tlie pioneers of Wisconsin. He 
was born in Andover, Winds(u- County, Vt., July 
31, 1804. On reaching manhood he wedded, 
January 18, 1828, IMiss Sylvia Uorlon, who was 
also born at Andover, July 22, 1805. In the 
spring of 1837 Mr. Smith, in company with others, 
came to Waukesha County. On section 33, Ver- 
non Township, he secured a claim which he subse- 
quently developed into a fine farm, and on which 
lie made his home during tlie remainder of his life. 
In tlie fall of the same year Mr. Smith brought 
his family to the log cabin home where thej' en- 
joyed all the freedom and independence of pioneer 
life. Indians were encamped in sight of their 
home, but their friendly relations with the white 
men did not render their presence a cause of fear. 
In 1838 Mr. Smith built the lirst frame barn tiiat 
was erected in that town, and four years later put 
up a frame house which was well knovvn to the 
traveling public, and which was burned in 1847. 
Soon after it was replaced by a large two and a 
half story stone house which became one of the 
most popular places of entertainment in all the 
country around. The commodious old dining 
room, fifty feet in length, was fre(iuently filled 
with guests and it was no uncommon thing for 
him to lodge one hundred persons over night. 
During the busy se.ison from three to four hun- 
dred teams would p.ass e.ach day on their way to 
and from the lead mines in southwest Wisconsin. 
A\. almost every hour during the day and night 
travelers were either arriving or departing, thus j 



giving the place of Mr. Smith the appearance of a 
beehive in which there were no drones. The gen- 
erous landlord and his estimable wife possessed 
the happy faculty of making every one who be- 
came their guest feel perfectly at home. The cool 
bubbling spring situated on the hill back of the 
house furnished a pure and refreshing drink to 
weary man and be.ast. Mr. Smith owned a fine 
farm of four hundred acres on which he kept a 
large Hock of Merino sheep as well as other stock. 

Politically Mr. Smith was an old line Whig un- 
til the rise of the Republican party, with which he 
was after identified. By his fellow-citizens he 
was elected to (ill a number of positions of respon- 
sibility and honor; he was a member of the first 
Town Board of Vernon Township; was a member 
of the County Board from that town for some 
twelve years; and was Representative from his dis- 
trict to the Legislature in 18r)4, 18G6 and 1867. 
In every official position he discharged his duties 
in such a manner as to win the highest confidence 
of his constituents. In religious faith he was a 
Universalist, and socially belonged to the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. Few men were 
more highly esteemed than he and few more char- 
itable or ready to assist the poor. His death oc- 
curred on the old homestead January 25, 1885. 

Of tlie eight children born to this worthy couple, 
five survive: Samuel B. and Carlos P. are fanners 
of Vernon Township; the subject of this sketch is 
the next younger; Loneann is the wife of J. N. 
Crawford, of Mukwonago Township; Josephine II. 
is the wife of M. L. Davis, who resides on the old 
Smith homestead. 

Warren H. Smith remained under the parental 
roof until twenty-two years old. On his father's 
farm he acquired habits of industry and in the 
district schools secured sufficient education for 
all practical purposes. On the 8tli of December, 
18G3, be was united in marriage with Miss Amelia 
C. Hunt, a native of Racine County, and a daugh- 
ter of Alfred and Caroline Hunt. Mrs. Smith's 
father died on the plains on his way to California, 
and her mother resides with her. 

Mr. and Mrs. Smith had five ciiildren, of whom 
Orlie, the third child, died when three years of age. 
The living are: Lora E., wife of John McDonald, of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



843 



Anamosa, Colo.; Minnie ,1. wedded Frank Randall, 
of Milwaukee; Jesse A. is interested with liis father 
in the livery business; and Berton (). is in tiie 
National Exchange Hank, of Waukesha. 

Soon after marriage Mr. Smith began farming 
in Racine County, where he continued until 1885, 
at which time he removed to Waukesha. The 
following year he embarked in the livery business 
in which he has continued since, witii the excep- 
tion of a year spent at Sault de Ste. Marie in keep- 
ing hotel, while the barn, however, remained his 
property. He has a large barn ,50x1 50 feet with a 
basement in which the hoi'ses are kept. The stable 
is well equipped with buggies, hacks, funeral car, 
etc. 

In liis political alliliations our subject is a Re- 
publican though he has never devoted much time 
to affairs of that nature. He is Secretary of the 
Summer Trotting Association, of Waukesha, and 
also of the Waukesha Agricultural Society. 



€^^ii-^"i^ll 



ISAAC R. BAKR, a leading merchant of Me- 
nomonee Falls, is one of the early settlers and 
respected citizens of the county. He claims 
Seneca County, N'. Y., as the place of his birth, 
which occurred March 9, 18.32. With his parents, 
Henry and Mary (Devoe) IJaer, he emigrated to 
the territory of Wisconsin in 1844, locating at 
East Troy, Walworth County. In the Empire 
State his father operated a sawmill, and after 
coming west, became a substantial farmer. In or- 
der to get a start here, he ran sawmills at Janes- 
ville, Oconto and other points. From injuries re- 
ceived in this line of business his life was doubt- 
less shortened. Industrious and full of energj', 
he never seemed to think of danger or. of preserv- 
ing himself. As Wisconsin was in its unimproved 
state when he came here, he took an active part in 
laying out roads, developing the country, erecting 
schdolhousos and establishing churclios. Both he 
and his wife were zealous workers in the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. At the dissolution of the 
Whig party Mr. Baer joined the Republican part^', 



in support of whose principles he ever after exer- 
cised his right of franchise. His death occurred 
some ten years ago, on the old homestead at East 
Troy, where his widow still resides at the age of 
eighty-two yeais. They had only four children, 
of whom one died in infancy, and AUauson passed 
away in the prime of manhood. The other, be- 
sides our subject, is R. F., who carries on the old 
homestead. 

Isaac R. Baer is the second child in the above 
family, and the oldest survivor. When a mere lad 
he commenced to work in his father's sawmill, 
where he was employed mornings and evenings, 
while during the day he attended .school. After 
coming west .school advantages were enjoyed only 
during the winter months as his labor in develop- 
ing a farm was greatly in demand. He has always 
been an industrious worker. In an early day he 
ran breaking teams, turning the stubborn sod and 
destr03-ing the redman's hunting ground; in truth, 
he turned the first fuirow on the school sec- 
tion at East Troy. For a number of years he did 
any work, however laborious, in order to get a 
start in life. 

His marriage to Mi.ss Mary Clason was celebratec^ 
January 31, 1859. Mrs. Baer is a native of Beaver 
Dam, Wis., and is a daughter of Alexander Clason, 
a pioneer of this state. Mr. and Mrs. Baer became 
the parents of seven children: Albert, who was 
educated in Menomonee Falls, is a partner of his 
father in business. He chose for a companion in 
life Miss Jennie, daughter of James C. Greengo, 
one of the prominent farmers of Menomonee Town- 
ship. Frank, who is an engineer by trade, mar- 
ried Sadie Price, and makes his home in Menomo- 
nee Falls. Florence, the eldest daughter, wedded 
George Schaub and makes her home at Lake Beu- 
lah Station. Clara and Clarence are twins; the 
former carries on a millinery store at Mukwonago, 
and the latter is at home. May is a successful 
music and school teacher. Charles, the youngest, 
is being educated. 

On the 23d of September, 1864, Mr. Baer joined 
the lioys in blue, becoming a member of Com- 
pany K, First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. The 
command was sent to the defense of Washington, 
where it did duty until the close of the war. Re- 



814 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tinning lo Milwaukee our subject was honorably 

discharged in July, 1865. At the close of that 
long protracted struggle, Mr. Baer located in Me- 
nomonce Falls, which has since been his home. 
I'nlil he engaged in mercantile pursuits, he fol- 
lowed teaming in Milwaukee, farming, threshing, 
etc. In the Last named employment he has been 
engaged, all told, for about thirty years. In 1886, 
he and his sons embarked in inercliandising. hav- 
ing one of the best stores in Menomonce Falls. 
During Harrison's administration Mr. Baer held 
the position of postmaster. From this it would be 
rightfully inferred that he is an .active worker in 
the ranks of the Republican part^'. Mrs. Baer is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. While her 
husband is looking after the affairs of the store, 
she is busily engaged in conducting a dress-mak- 
ing and millinery establishment, keeping a full line 
of well assorted and tastefully arranged goods. 



^>-^<! 



ol 



IQ;^ 



A. MONROE, one of the esteemed pioneers 
of New Berlin Township, is a native of the 
town in which he resides. His birth oc- 
cuircd on section 21, March 20, 1843, being 
a son to those early settlers so well known to the 
people of Waukesha County, P. V. and Cordelia 
A. (Ratlibone) Monroe. Few men in the county 
knew it better in its primitive state than P. V. 
Monroe. Long before Wisconsin became a slate, 
in 1837, this gentleman made a settlement in New 
lierlin Township, and was prominently identified 
in laying out the higliw.ays extending from that 
little village on the shores of Lake Michigan 
known as Milwaukee lo prospective towns in Wau- 
kesha County. He did not neglect to begin im- 
provments on his claim secured from Waterman 
Field. The cabin home of this pioneer abounded 
in hospitality, and all who entered it felt perfectly 
at home in the presence of its attractive hostess. 
As soon as Mr. Monroe had made some preparation 
for his physical wants, he, with others, took steps 
to provide for the education of the children in the 
community. To this end he generously donated 



the site for a scboolhouse one-quarter of a mile 
east of his residence, where is now situated School 
District No. 1. On that location a log scboolhouse 
was erected in 1841, and on the 5th of April of 
the following year, was there held the first elec- 
tion in New Berlin Township, at which Mr. Mon- 
roe was elected Town Clerk. In course of time a 
village sprang into existence, and in order to 
properly christen it a meeting of the inhabitants 
was called at which different names were proposed. 
Mr. Monroe addressed the assemblage, and in the 
course of his remarks proposed to name the vil- 
lage New Berlin after a place of the same name in 
Chenango County', N. Y., where he was born on 
! the 16th of May, 1814. 

It soon became evident that people must die 
even in this healthful climate, hence a burying 
ground was a necessity. Again the liberality of 
P. V. Monroe manifested itself b}- the donation of 
half an acre of land for that purpose. The gift 
w.as accepted and thus was established the first 
public cemetery in the town of New Berlin. In 
1849, when the gold fever in California was at its 
height, in company with a few of his townsmen he 
made the overland trip to California, which at 
that early day was attended with much privation 
and danger of attack and massacre by the savage 
Sioux and Crow Indians. After spending two 
years on the Pacific Slope he returned bj- wa^' of 
the Isthmus of Panama and New York, to his 
home in Waukesha County. From that time until 
his death, November 5, 1861, he was alive to every 
enterprise that promised to be of benefit to his 
town and county. His good wife, who was a most 
estimable Christian . lady, passed to the spirit 
world in 185.5. 

Mr. Monroe was one of nature's noblemen, in- 
dustrious, honestand kind hearted. Toadd to the 
comfort and pleasure of others was one of his chief 
delights, consequently he was loved at home and 
respected and revered abroad. A family of nine 
children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Monroe, but 
onl3' two are living, the elder of whom, William 
M., was born in the town of New Berlin, F'ebruary 
6, 1842. 

.1. A. Monroe was born and reared on the old 
homestead, around which cluster all the vivid 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



845 



memories of childliood. Under the old system of 
teaching, when "lickin and lainin" were supposed 
to be inseparal)le cuncomilants, he received his 
scliolastic training. Kre he had readied liis ma- 
jority the C'ivil War brcjke out, and iiiic the loyal 
boy tliat lie was, offered his services to sustain tlie 
Union. In the dead of niglit on liie Ifjth of Au- 
gust, 1862, he enrolled his uamcasoneof tiie boys 
of Company li. Twenty-eiglit Wisconsin Infantry, 
of which company Mandevillc Townscnd was 
Captain and (leorge .). \'andorp(iol Scriicanl. The 
coMipany reported at Camp Wasliburn, Milwaukee, 
from wliicli place it was sent to I'orl Washington 
to (piell a draft riot. On the 2()tli of December 
following liis command went to Helena, Ark. In 
the White River Exiiedilion and in tlie Yazoo Pass 
Campaign lie took an active part. On the 4tli of 
July, 1HG;5, the Twenty -eiglith did gallant service 
in repelling the rebel attack near Helena, in which 
a mere handful of Union troops was pitted against 
thousands of the enemy. During his army life 
he unavoidably encountered many hardships; 
among them may be mentioned those incident to 
the trip from New Orleans to Spanish Fort. A 
part of the journey was made by water on the old 
condemned craft "Belvidere," which encountered 
some severe storms during the voyage. Having dis- 
embarked, the troops began their memorable march 
over almost impassable roads and through deep 
s.and, while the penetrating rays of a vertical sun 
added greatly to their discointiture. Many were the 
hardships endured by the brave soldiers, not only 
from the heat of that almost tropical climate, but 
also from the lack of food and potable water. 
During fourteen days the siege against the fort 
wjis [irosecuted with great vigor, and wh.en the 
rebels were finall}- driven out the inarch to Ft. 
HIakely was begun to assist in reducing that place. 
At the former place many a Union soldier boy 
lost his life. After the surrender of Ft. Blakely 
the Twenty-eighth was sent to Texas, and at 
Brownsville, on the 23d of August, 1865, Mr. Mon- 
roe received an honorable discharge. 

Having returned to this county he was married, 
on the 26th of November, 1865, to Miss Lydia 
Killips, daughter of William and Klizabeth (Mor- 
gan) Killips. 



house in the town of New Berlin, August 4, 1844. 
She is an accomplished lady and a true helpmate 
to her husband. Mr. and ^^rs. Monroe have two 
children, Publius Virgil, named after his honored 
gr-indfather, and Floda May. The former, who was 
born February Id, 186!t,isa finely educated young 
man, having attended the White Water Normal 
six terms, the Spencerian Business College of Mil- 
waukee, and the Free Baptist Training School at 
Hillsdale, Mich. The latter, who was born April 
10, 1871, became the wife of .1. R. Fleming, a dealer 
in real estate, and the proprietor of a livery barn 
in North Greenfield. She, like her brother, has 
enjoyed good educational advantages. 

The heme of Mr. and Mrs. Monroe is the abode 
of the old-time cordial hospitality which charac- 
terized the home of his venerated father. They are 
devoted members of the Free Will Baptist Church, 
and are earnest workers in the cause of tem|)erance. 
In his political belief, Mr. Monroe is an ardent 
Prohit)itionist, believing that the destruction of 
the rum trallic means the salvation of thousands of 
the bright young men of our land and the hai)pi- 
ness of myriads of homes. As a citizen, and as a 
veteran of the late war, he h.is made an untarn- 
ished record; he m.ay justly take pride in the fact 
that he offered his services, and if neeil be his life, 
to maintain the independence of the beloved 
country which his paternal grandfather fought in 
the Revolutionary War to secure. 



MALACIII G. FAIJ.ON, 
prietor of the Ocoiionio 



editor and pro- 
lowoc Deimxrat, is 
a sou of John Fallon, who settled in 
Waukesha in 1850. The latter was born in County 
Roscommon, Ireland, May H, 1820. He began to 
learn the blacksmitli's trade with his father, Ed- 
mund Fallon, when he was seventeen years old. 
In 1843 he emigrated to Boston, Mass., where ho 
lived until 18.')0; at that time he removed to Wis- 
consin, locating at Waukesha. In 1870 Mr. F'allon 
nu)ved to Oconoinowoc, where his death occurred 
at his home on February 3, 18'J4. By occupation 
Mrs. Monroe wa;s born in a frame i he was a blacksmith throughout life, and by his 



846 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



industry and inMiiipt attention to the wants of 
his customers, biiill up a business of considerable 
importance. 

Mr. John Fallon was a well known citizen, and 
held a numl)er of ofliccs of public trust; was Coun- 
ty Treasurer one term, and while (Jconomowoc 
was still a village, was President of the Board and 
several times a member of that body. Later he 
was a member of the City Council, and for many 
ycai-s was a memlicr of the Hoard of Supervisors. 
In his political sentiments he was a Democrat. 

Mr. Fallon wa.s married in Waukesha in 1853, 
to Catherine Coyle, a native of Cranston, R. I. 
Mr. and Mrs. P'allon's children are named as fol- 
lows: Winifred wedded John Williams, of Mil- 
waukee; Mary .1. became the wife of Matthew 
Kyan,of Fllsworth, Wis.; Nellie A. married G. R. 
Williams, of the Cream City. The other mem- 
bei-s of the family, Elizabeth, Edmund, Esther, 
Gerald, Malachi G. and Peter J. are yet at home. 
Mrs. Fallon, the wife and mother, still lives at her 
home in Oconomowoc. 

JMalachi (!. Fallon w.asborn in Waukesha on the 
3d of October, 180',). In 1883 he bej^an to learn 
the printing business, and has since been engaged 
in newspaper work. He purchased the Oconomo- 
woc Jjr-mocrat of J. 11. Hector in 1892. 



->— »*F^ 



JAY T. WAKDROBF, M.D., I). D. S., of Wau- 
kesha, has the honor of being the senior 
dentist, in years of practice, in that villiige. 
He began there as a student in 18G9, and excei)t 
at intervals when attending college, has been in 
almost continuous priictice since. Dr. Wardrobe 
is a native of Sheflield, England, born May 10, 
1848, and was but an infant when brought to this 
country. He is a son of Charles and Anne (Ellis) 
Wardrobe. The father, who died in Waukesha, 
April 6, 1891, aged seventy-six, was also a native 
of Sheffield. In his youth he learned the trade of 
silversmith, which occupation he followed for a 
livelihood before coming to the United States. 
In 1849 the family emigrated to America, and 



coming direct to Waukesha, were among the early 
settlers of that place, which has since been their 
home. Charles Wardrobe and wife were the par- 
ents of eight children, four sons and four daugh- 
ters. The former are all living, but three of the 
sisters are deceased. The brothers, in the order of 
their births, are: Frederick, Jay T., Charles E. and 
Walter, all of whom are representative business 
men and useful citizens. The daughters were: 
Eliza, who died in England in infancy; Lucy, the 
second sister, became Mrs. John Ilillier. She died 
many years ago, leaving an infant daughter, who 
i^ now married. Anna, the third, died after hav- 
ing attained to womanhood. The only surviving 
daughter is Elizabeth. 

Dr. Jay T. Wardrobe received his education in 
the public schools and in 1869 became a student 
of dentistry with Dr. A. Holbrook, then of Wau- 
kesha, now of Milwaukee. He continued with Dr. 
Holbrook until he had obtained a fair knowledge 
of the dental profession, when he started out for 
himself. For a time he was located at New Lis- 
bon, iu Juneau County, but in 1873 settled down 
to ])ractice in Waukesha. After practicing for a 
number of years, Dr. Wardrobe determined, in or- 
der to familiarize himself with the more advanced 
methods of dental surgery, to pursue a course of 
study at the Philadelphia Dental College. He ac- 
cordingly entered that institution, where he re- 
ceived a thorough course of instruction, gradua- 
ting in the Class of '76, and receiving the degree 
of D. D. S. Subsequently he conceived the idea of 
pursuing a course of medical study, and gradu- 
ated from Chicago Medical College in 1878. 

In the practice of his profession the Doctor's 
brother has been associated with him since 1873. 
Charles E. Wardrobe, the latter, was educated in 
the public schools of the village. His primary ed- 
ucation has been supplemented by a course of 
study at Rush Medical College, Chicago. 

Dr. Wardrobe was married November 30, 1882, 
to Miss Edna Doorman, a daughter of Benjamin 
Boorm.in, a well known pioneer of Pewaukee. Mrs. 
Wardrobe's death occurred on the 8tli of June, 
1891. There were two children born of this mar- 
riage, a son and a daughter: Frances E. and Jay F. 

Dr. Wardrobe is a gentleman of culture, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



847 



both professionally and as a citizen, is held in high 
esteem. Politically he is a RopuMK'an, and so- 
cially is a prominent mcHibcr of the Masonic or- 
der, holding membership in Waukesha Lodge No. 
37, A. F. & A. M,; Waukesha Chapter No. 37, R. 
A. M., and Waukesha Commaiidery No. 23, K. T., 
of which he is now Eminent Commander. 



^-^+^1 



FRANK R. FILLER, of the real-estate firm 
of Constantine ct Fuller, is a representa- 
tive of one of the pioneer families of 
Waukesha County, being a son of .Joseph and Re- 
becca (Pitcher) Fuller. He was born in the town of 
Pewaukee, March 12, 1859, and grew up on a farm, 
becoming familiar with its various lines of work. 
After attending the district schools he entered Car- 
roll College, graduating from that institution in 
the Class of '79. Thereupon he began teaching in 
the country' schools and continued for four years. 
Hp had decided to retire from that occupation, but 
was induced to take a position in the schools of 
Waukesha, which he agreed to (ill only three 
months; however, the Board of Education pre- 
vailed upon him to continue the work, and for 
five years he was numbered among the efficient 
teachers of that vill.age. In order to look after 
bis real-estate interests more closely, he embarked 
in that line of business in 1891, in company with 
,1. J. Constantine, his present partner. 

Mr. Fuller was married in the town of Wauke- 
sha, fSeptember 12, 1882, to Miss Laura, daughter 
of Julius C. Love; and to them have been born 
five children: Florence istheeldest; Frank R. was 
bom on the same day and month as his father; 
J.ae died when five years old; and Bessie, at the 
age of three years, both passing away within a few 
days of e.ach other; (ieorge completes the family. 
Mrs. Fuller is a native of the town of Waukesha. 

Mr. Fuller is energetic and thorough-going in 
whatever he undertakes. Being a man well ipial- 
ified to fill any position his friends have been very 
liberal in bestowing upon him places of trust and 
responsibility. In the work of the liaplist Church 



he takes a leading part, being Deacon, Chairman 
of the Board of Trustees, Treasurer and a te.acher 
in the Sundji^'-school. He is also Recording .Sec- 
retary and a member of the Board of Directors of 
the Young Men's Christian Association. In the 
Waukesha Count}' Agricultural .Society he holds 
the office of Treasurer. It will not be questioned 
b}' those who know him that Mr. Fuller is a Dem- 
ocrat. While a resident of the town of Pewaukee 
he held a number of school and town offices, and 
is now serving his second year .as I'resident of the 
Board of P^ducalion of Waukesha. In manner he 
is without ostentation, making himself felt by 
force of character rather than by superficial dis- 
play. 



JOHN BOSCH, who is interested in various 
lines of business in the town of Muskego, 
is a son of Bernhard and Elizabeth (Muell- 
cnl)cck) Bosch, and was born on the 28lli of 
May, 1857, being second in order of birth in a 
family comprising five sons and five daughters. 
Mr. Bosch's father was born .luly 8, 1827, at Clevc, 
in the province of Prussia, and his mother, M.ay 
10, 1829, at Till, in the .same section of countrv. 
In 1854 they emigrated to the United States, sail- 
ing from Liverpool, and arriving at New York 
thirty-two days later, thence by the lakes to De- 
troit and Milwaukee, locating in Franklin Towi^- 
ship, Milwaukee County. Of his brothers aud 
sisters there are seven living: Mary niariied Peter 
Meyer, a faimer of Franklin Townshij), Alilwau- 
kee County; Albert is a fanner of Muskego Town- 
ship; Certrude wedded .lolin .Iori.is,of Milwaukee; 
Bernhard al»o resides in the town of Franklin; 
Agnes became the wife of Gerhard Peters, a farmer 
residing near I'nion Grove, R.acine County; .Joseph 
and Katie reside with their parents on the old 
homestead in P'ranklin Township. 

Mr. Bosch was reared and educated in the town 
of PVanklin, Milwaukee County, and there con- 
firmed in the Catholic Church of Franklin on the 
15th of May, 1870. He remained at home assist- 
ing in carrying on the farm until his marriage, 



848 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Febiiiary lt>, 1883, to Miss Magdaleim Sdiafer, 
diiughler of Frank and C'atlieiine (Scliafei) Sdia- 
fer. Mrs. Bosdi was l)orn on llie lltli of April, 
1858, in the town of Muskego, where siie received 
a uoinmon school edncUiou. She was contirmed 
in the same class as was iicr luisljand; their parents 
livinu; near iieighliors they had known cacii other 
since chihliiood. 'Iheir union was solemnized Ijy 
Father Heigle in St. Martin's Catholic Church at 
Franklin. Tliey have four children, tiiree sons 
and one daughter, namely: George, horn August 
4, 1884; Laura, August 11, 1886; Frank, February 
20, 188!l;and Edward, .Inly 11, 1891. 

Mrs. Bosch's parents emigrated to America in 
1H17, from near the River Rhine, IJavaria, Ger- 
many; sailing from Havre, they spent some thirty- 
two days on the ocean. They came direct to this 
c(nuit\' Miul piiiTliascd a faiiii on section 13, in the 
town of Muskego, upon wliich thty still reside. 
Her father was born on the 17th of April, 1817, 
and her mothei, October 26, 1823. Of their nine 
children, live besides Mrs. Bosch, who was the 
sixth in order of birth, survive, and are as follows: 
Henry, a farmer of the town of Muskego; Adam, 
at home; Lucy, the wife of (ieorge Snyder, of New 
lierlin Township; .lolin, a farmer of the town of 
Muskego; and Frank, farming the old homestead. 
In this part of the country few families are better 
known or more highly esteemed than that of Mr. 
Schafer. 

In October, 1884, Mr. lloseh bought a finely im- 
proved farm on section 2."), which he operated un- 
til 1892. In August of that year, in company' 
with his brother-in-law, Adam Schafer, he pur- 
cliased the business interests of Albert A'eenen- 
daal, consisting of a general store and hotel, 
which they continue to carry on. In 1893, they 
erected a new store building, which gives them an 
increased advantage in the successful operation 
of their business. They also own the blacksmith 
shop adjoining, and the cheese factory, erected in 
IHH9, immediately opposite the store, besides twen- 
ty-one and a half acres of land upon a part of 
which these various buildingsstand. Attentive to 
the wants of their customers, and ever obliging, 
they are deservedly popular with a large circle of 
friends and patrons. Upon engaging in mercan- 



tile pursuits Mr. TJosch rented his farm, retaining 
about ten acres for his own use. 

In politics Mr. lioscli votes with the Democratic 
party, but finds his time too completely taken up 
with his personal affairs to give much attention to 
political matters. He and his family are members 
of the German Catholic Church at Franklin, Mil- 
waukee County. 



-^ 



FRANKLIN B. THOMAS, who is a descend- 
ant of one of the pioneer families of Wau- 
kesha County, was horn on the farm his 
father entered from the Government, the date of 
his birth being April 15, 1859. His father, Eben- 
ezer Thomas, was a native of Wales, born in Mer- 
thj'i'-Tydvil, (ilamorganshire, on the Utliof May, 
180C. When young he lost his parents, and there- 
upon went to live with a wealthy gentleman whom 
he served for five or six years. When about six- 
teen years old he crossed the line into F^ngland 
and api)renticed himself to learn the trade of 
blacksmith. He was to serve five years, receiving 
his board besides the necessary instruction. After 
staying some three and a-half years he left his boss, 
who was a drinking man. He was very disagree- 
able and h.'ird to please, and one day when became 
into the shop complaining, as was his habit when 
under the influence of drink, Mr. Thomas said to 
him, "You had bettei- give me in}- time as I can- 
not please you." The repl}- was that he could 
have it for £25, but as he had no money he gave 
it not a second thought. However, a farmer stand- 
ing by at the time offered Mr. Thomas the mone^', 
which he took and handed to his boss. As he 
could earn the money he repaid it. 

In 1829 Mr. Thomas sailed for the United States, 
and after a pas-sage of eleven weeks' duration 
landed in New York. He soon found employment 
in the Empire State, working there and in Penn- 
sylvania. Later coming to Cass County, Mich., he 
there worked at his trade. There, too, he met 
Miss Isabelle Elizabeth DeWolf, who became his 
wife. Mrs. Thomas was a native of Upper Canada, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



849 



born September 22, 1810, and was a daughter of 
Kestiis and Mary C. (Ransom) DeWolf, wlio emi- 
grated from New England to Canada. Tlie De- 
Wolfs were descended from Holland ancestors, and 
the Ransoms from the French. When Mrs. Thomas 
was a ciiild of one and a-half years she emigrated 
with lier parent to Ohio, and in 1829 accompanied 
them to Cass County, Mich., they being numbered 
among the carl}' settlers there. It was there that 
iicr marriage to Mr. Thomas was celebrated. In 
tiie fall of 1836 Mr. Thomas and iiis wife started 
by team for Wisconsin, coming by way of Chic.igo, 
wtiich was then a small village; they arrived in 
Eagle Township, where theirs was the first liouse 
erected in the town. It was a log cabin, with a 
shake roof, puncheon floor and a mud and stick 
chimney. Some three years later he built a frame 
house that forms part of tlie present liome of our 
subject. As provisions iiad to be hauled from 
Milwaukee, and as tliore were only Indian trails, 
Mr. Tliomas helped cut out roads and make otiier 
improvements. With him lie brought three horses 
and a yoke of oxen, having two wagons and a one 
liorse light wagon for family use. 

In the town of Eagle he purchased three hun- 
dred and twenty acres of Government land on sec- 
tion 13, to wliich he gave his time and energy. 
Ho improved his place and made of it a valuable 
farm. In later years he sold one hundred and 
sixty acres, while his son, Franklin B., still holds 
the original patent from the Government for the 
other (piarter-section. In politics Mr. Thomas was 
a Republican, but never aspired to official posi- 
tions. For years he and his wife were members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and active wt)rkers 
in promoting its usefulness. His death occurred 
on the 13th of March, 1882, having reached the 
age of seventy-six years. He was one of tlie 
highly esteemed men of the community. Hisgood 
wife, who still survives, makes her home on the 
old farm. The}' had eleven children, of whom 
two died in infancy. Those living in IHill are 
Daniel, a farmer in Iowa; Ransom, a meroliant of 
Los Angeles, Cat.; Frances, wife of William t'orv, 
a farmer of Eagle Township; Jacob, of Akron, 
Eric County. N. V.; Mary, wifeof Benjamin Hunt- 
ing, of Cresco, Howard County, Iowa; Ebenezer, 
32 



of South Dakota; Orvilla, wife of .Terrj' Angell, of 
the town of Eagle; Isabel le, wife of Charles Fleet- 
wood, of Escondido, San Diego County, Cal., and 
Franklin B. 

The gentleman whose name heads this article 
was educated in the district schools of his native 
town. On reaching man's estate he ' wedded, Oc- 
tober 8, 1880, Miss Estella Sprague, daughter of 
Frederick A. and Lucy (Cummings) Sprague. Mrs. 
Thomas was born in Chickasaw County, Iowa, 
April 12, 1853. They have three children, Ernest 
F., Lee S. and Roxy lona. 

Ill 1885 Mr. Thomas rented his farm and en- 
gaged in the hardware business at Doiisman, re- 
maining there for three years. At the end of that 
time he returned to his farm. In addition to gen- 
eral farming he ships milk. He is a Republican in 
political sentiment, and while at Dousinan served 
as Justice of the Peace, and in 1894 was a candi- 
date for Supervisor of his town, being beaten only 
live votes in a town of thirty-live Democratic ma- 
jority. For fifty-eight years the Thomas famil}' has 
made this county its home, and is one of the most 
highly respected and esteemed families in Wauke- 
sha County. 



•i?t«^ 



=^.* 



-< "\ <ijILLIAM Itl'LL. of the town of Mer- 

V/ V,/ ton, became a resident of \\aukesh% 
Comily in hs^L.-md for a half a cen- 
tury has been ick'iitilied with its progress. He is 
a native of Derbyshire, England, his birthplace 
being but seven miles distant from the famous 
Derby race-course. lie was born December 14, 
1832, and was the eldest of thirteen childien, 
whose parentis were Isaac and Sarah (Burrows) 
Bull. Isaac Bull and wife were both natives of 
Derbyshire, the former's birth occurring in 1802, 
and thai of the latter in IMl.'i. He was reared to 
farm life, and in his youth haii such educational 
advantages as the common schools of his time af- 
forded. Ill August, 1844, he, with his wife and 
eight children, set sail from Liverpool on the 
Rockall, a vessel bound for New York, where they 



850 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ill-lived after a voyage of three weeks and four 
days' duration. Coming direct to Wisconsin heat 
once bought a claim of one hundred and sixty 
acres on section 13, near the present farm of S. L. 
Worth, in what was known as Warren Township, 
named in honor of llir.iin Warren, now deceased, 
an early settler, Milwaukee County. About sixty 
acres of the tract was broken, .nnd a log house had 
been erected on the jjlace. Indians still roamed 
over the country, while deer, wolves and other 
animals iniiabitcd the timber sections. Their first 
"•rain was cut with the cradle, then threshed with 
a flail which was after a time succeeded by the 
threshing-box — the first threshing n^achine used in 
llie town — whicli turned out grain, chafi' and straw 
all together. Their nearest market was Milwau- 
kee, whither they went with ox teams and wagons; 
the roads abounded in mud holes and quagmires, 
which made the trip most tiresome and t»dious. 
Prairieville was the nearest post(.ftice,and of limes 
the early .settlers walked to the office for the few 
letters and papers that came to them. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bull and their family used to drive an ox 
team to church, but as that was about the only 
means of going in those days nothing was thought 
of it. The ladies wore calico dresses and sunbon- 
nets, while the men were attired in homespun, and 
ofttimes barefooted. Mr. Bull aided in erecting 
the first schoolhouse and church in his community, 
and was ever active in promoting the growth of 
his township and county, lie and his wife were 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to 
the su))port of which they contributed. The lat- 
ter's death occurred in 1879, while the former, 
who survived a number of years, died in 188.3. Of 
their family, comprising five sons and eight daugh- 
ters, eight are living: William is the subject of this 
article; Charlotte wedded Frank McBain,of Pewau- 
kee Township; James is living retired in Madison, 
Wis.; John is a farmer of Portland, Iowa; Sarah 
is the wife of W. B. II. Kerr, a grain and stock 
merchant of Ilartland; Harriet married William 
Newman, a farmer, of Michigan; Julia is the wife 
of Thomas Kerr, of Ilartland; Joseph is an agri- 
culturist of the town of Lisbon. 

The gentleman whose name heads this biogra- 
phy was in his twelfth year when he came to Wis- 



consin with his parents. Prior to, and after com- 
ing to America, he attended school, enjoying such 
advantages as the times afforded. On his father's 
farm his boyhood and youth were spent, and on 
reaching the age of eighteen he became an ap- 
prentice to learn the trade of blacksmith. At that 
occuj)atioii he worked in White Water, Waiikau, 
Oraro, Berlin, Wautoma, and Hipoii, Wis., ))assing, 
during that time, over many of the newer por- 
tions of the state. From the last named place he 
returned to his home in Waukesha County. Not 
long thereafter he started out in company with 
Mr. Eugene Kalfineycr, of Merton, a journeyman 
blacksmith, with whom he continued to work for 
four and a-half years. In 1857, Mr. Bull went to 
Dane County, Wis., where he began to learn the 
trade of carpenter and joiner, but in a short time 
returned lo Merton and opened a blacksmith shop 
where he carried on business on his own responsi- 
bility. Disposing of his business to Andrew Mat- 
son he went to Carimona, Minn., and embarked in 
the same line, but a year later removed to Mon- 
clies, Waukesha County. At that place, Novem- 
ber 1, 18G0, Mr. Bull wedded Miss Elizabeth Mc- 
Cormick. She was a native of IMilwaukee, horn 
on the 31st of July, 1842, and a daughter of Fran- 
cis and Wilhelmine (Molster) McCormick, who 
were the parents of three sons and five daughters. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bull's union was blessed with seven 
children, all of whom survive: William, who wed- 
ded Miss Amie Merrick, is engaged in agricultural 
pursuits in the town of Merton; Lillie, who became 
the wife of John Hoye, resides in Chicago; Ma- 
tilda is the wife of Owen Smith, a hardware mer- 
chant of Templeton, this county; Seymour aids in 
operating the home farm; Eunice, who is quite a 
musician, is at home; Nina, who graduated from 
the Merton schools, and Clara, who is still a stu- 
dent, are both under the parental roof. The fam- 
ily circle has been widened to admit six charming 
grandchildren, who are the pride of their grand- 
parents. 

Mr. Bull's first Presidential ballot was cast in 
favor of Franklin Pierce, and afterwards he voted 
for Lincoln both times he was a candidate, and for 
General Hancock. As may be seen he reserves the 
right to vole for the man irrespective of part}'. 



PORTRAIT ANT) HIOGRAPII^CAL RECORD. 



851 



Some ten j'cars ago, however, he chaivged his polit- 
ical affiliations, becoming a ineml)er of wliat is 
now known as tlie Po|)nlist party. Ik' has ever 
refused to accept any otlicial position, thoujjh he 
has been repeatedly asked to .iccept liie nomina- 
tion, preferring tu devote his time and attention 
to his personal affairs. Mrs. lUill is a niemher of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Merton, and 
with her Inishand, gives to its support. When 
they began their wedded life their capital did not 
exceed 6fty dollars, hut b^' indnstiy and enter- 
])rise they have become possessed of a neat farm 
on which they have placed good improvements, 
among them being a fine barn that was erected in 
1894. They first farmed on shares, and in I860 
went to the iron regions of Lake fSuperior, where 
he followed his trade for six months, then returned 
to Merton Township and bargained for one hun- 
dred and eleven acres on section 1 1, going in debt 
some ^2,000. Hut as litigations arose concerning 
that estate, he abandoned it, and for some two or 
three 3'ears worked at the carpenter's trade, at the 
end of that time purchasing his present home- 
stead. In the year 18()8, Mr. Bull with a company 
went across AVisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska by 
wagon, about thirteen hundred miles, on a pros- 
pecting tour, with tlie expectation of locating, 
but again returned to this state. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bull have a con)fortable home, and hope to spend 
their declining years in the community in wliicli 
the}' have lived for so many years. 



"■pl* 



^^ 



T7> DWARD L. NEllS, oneof the leading busi- 
r^ Cy ness men of Menomonee Falls, was born 
near Upper Milfort, Lehigh County, Pa., 
^Lti-cIi l.S, 184 1, being a son of Charles and Mary A. 
(Leiberl) Nehs. The father was born Ma}- 7,1810, 
and was a son of Frederick Nehs, so well known 
to the people of Waukesha County. In Lehigh 
County Charles Nehs wedded Mary A. Leibert, a 
native of that county, born August '22, 1813. In 
1846 they emigrated to this county, coming bj- 
wagon as far as Cleveland, which consumed six 



weeks, and the rest of the way by water. For 
some time Mr. Nehs farmed, and operated a saw- 
mill for Ids father. In 18.'j6 lie burned down the 
old mill and erected in its stead a large four-story 
structure, the lirst two stories being of stone and 
the rest of frame. It was intended to use the lower 
part for a sawmill and the upper portion for a 
woolen mill, but the woolen department wsis never 
utilized. It was u splendid building and stood for 
thirty-seven years, being linaily blown uj) by dyn- 
amite to make way for a lime-kiln. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nehs were prominent members of 
the Evangelical Church, to the supiiort of which 
they gave liberally, and in which he was a Trus- 
tee. They were the life of the camp meeting that 
used to be held near their home. Mr. Nehs was 
formerly a stanch Whig, and latera Republican. On 
the 4th of April, 1879. his home was saddened by 
the death of his wife, lie dicj not long survive, 
his death occurring .July 17, 1883. Two better 
neighbors, friends or Christian parents never lived 
than .Mr. and Mrs. Nehs. To their children they 
left valuable |)roperty and the priceless heritage 
of a good name. They were the jjarents of six 
children, all of whom, save one, still reside in Me- 
nomonee Falls. William is engaged in farmins; 
P^dward L. comes next; Frank is engaged in mer- 
chandising in Waukesha; Wesley is also engaged 
in agricultural pursuits; Mary waS married to Ja- 
cob Schlafer; and Loui.sa is the wife of M. A. 
Schmoyer, a prominent merchant of Menomonee 
Falls. 

The subject of this sketch is the oldest settler 
who hiis lived continuously in the village. There 
his boyhood days were passed and the rudiments 
of an education ac(|uired. He was anxious to ob- 
tain a classical education, and with that end in 
view entered Carroll College. His \oung ambi- 
tion was nipped in the bud, for ere he had at- 
tended six weeks the institution broke up and he 
returned home. Though deprived of good educa- 
tional advantages, Mr. Nehs has become by read- 
ing and observation one of the best informed men 
in the community. He has always been an in- 
dustrious and hard-working man; he would work 
half of the night when a boy in his grandfather's 
sawmill for a shWling. On his twenty-first birth- 



852 



PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



day he charged *1 against his father for the day's I 
work, and for some lime after continued to work 
for him for wages. Later he sawed by the thou- 
sand, and then rented tlie mill for some time. In ' 
1871 he became a partner in the steam sawmill, | 
of which he is now sole owner, lie has besides 
two hundred and sixteen acres, of whicli one hun- 
dred and sixteen lie within the village limits. 
He also owns five residences in the village. From 
these facts it will be seen that Mr. Nehs has met 
witli excellent success in his business undertak- 
ings, as the most of this property has been accu- 
mulated by his own industry and capable man- 
agement. 

The wedding ceremony of Mr. Nehs and Miss 
Klizabeth Kraus was celebrated in Menomonee 
Falls, October 27, 1861. The lady is a native of 
llanheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. Her par- 
ents, John E. and Elizabeth (Ilassinger) Kraus, 
were natives of the same province, but in 1860 
emigrated to the United States and located in 
the town of Menomonee, where both spent their 
last days. By a former marriage Mr. Kraus bad 
two children: Christian, who removed to Texas 
in an early day; and Mrs. l'hiliii)ine Karnes, of 
Menomonee Kails. Of the second marriage there 
were four children : Mrs. Catherine Fuller, of Beaver 
Dam, Wis.; Mrs. Margaret Koch, of ISIonomonee 
Falls; Mrs. Nehs; and Mrs. Christiana Christman, 
of Menomonee Township. The union of Mr. and 
Mrs. Nehs has been blessed by the birtii of five 
children, namely: Delilah died in infancy; Ida 
wedded Clinton Shunk, a farmer of the town of 
Menomonee; Mary, who graduated from the vil- 
lage schools, is a student of Naperviile College; 
Owen Henry is a student in the same institution; 
and Albert Morris is a salesman in the store of 
M. A. Schmoyer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nehs take a deep interest in the 
work of the Evangelical Association. For thirty- 
two years he has been a member of the Board of 
Trustees; has been Exhorter and Class Leader, a 
member of the otlicial board and of the quarterlj' 
conference for a great many years. He has had 
the satisfaction of having cast his maiden vote 
for Abraham Lincoln. He has always been an ac- 
tive worker in the conventions of his party, and 



was the first Supervisor of Menomonee Falls after 
its incorporation. He was a member of the Coun- 
ty Board at the time that the proposition to build 
a new Court House came up, and worked assidu- 
ously for it. In all that pertains to the welfare 
of the community or the county in wliicli he lives, 
Mr. Nehs gives his encouragement and support. 



-C "T fi^ILLIAM .TOSEPII IIILOER, a liighly 
\/\/ respected citizen of Waukesha County, 
who follows farming on section 22, 
Menomonee Township, was born in Olheim.in the 
province of Rhine, Prussia, Germany, November 
1, 1817, and is a son of Peter and Anna Marie 
(Trimborn) llilger. His father was born in the 
same locality October 7, 1779, and having emi- 
grated to America, became a resident of Menomo- 
nee Township in 184,'). lie was one of the hon- 
ored citizens of this community and his sterling 
worth won him many friends. His death occurred 
at the age of sixty-eight years, and he was in- 
terred in the burying ground of St. Antonio's 
Church in Fussville. His wife, who was born in 
1789, s]icnt her girlhood in the same locality in 
which her husband lived. .She died in 1818, three 
years after coming to America. A woman pos- 
sessing many excellencies of character, her loss 
was deeply mourned. In the family were six 
children, two sons and four daughters. Those 
living are Margareta, wife of John AVriglit, a re- 
tired farmer of Fussville; William Joseph, who was 
the third in order of birth; Paulus, who served in 
Company K, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, for 
two 3'ears, is now an inmate of the Stildiers' Home; 
and Anna Marie, widow of Mr. Kramer, a resident 
of Milwaukee. 

Mr. llilger, of this sketch, w.as reared in his par- 
ents' home and acquired a good education in his 
native tongue. Having determined to seek a home 
and fortune in the New World, he sailed from 
Antwerp to New York, and during the voyage of 
fifty-six days encountered some severe storms. 
He lauded on Manh:ittan Island in the fall of 1813 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



853 



and a day later made his way up the Hudson to 
Alhany, and by canal to Uuffalo, and the (ireat 
Lakes to Milwaukee, landing at tlie old pier at 
AVisconsin Street at two o'clock in llic morning. 
A few days later he went to Uichlield, Wasliing- 
ton County, where he secured work. Digging a 
well through seventy feet of gravel, hut just be- 
fore its completion the well caved in and Mr. 
Ililger nearly lost his life. Tlic following June 
he went to Fussville, wliere he secured employ- 
ment with .lohn William Fuss, in whose honor the 
town was named. With him he remained for nearly 
a 3'ear, receiving ^4 per month during the winter 
season and $(> per month during the Mimmer .sea- 
son, lie then received f8 per montii in Muskego, 
where he was emi)Ioyed as a farmhand until .)une, 
1845, when he i)uichased eighty acres of Govern- 
ment land on section 22, Menomonee Township, 
for his father. He was then joined by his parents 
and aided in the development and cultivation of 
a farm. A log house 18x20 feet was erected. It 
had a shingle roof, an oak floor, three windows 
and a door and was built in the midst of the for- 
est. Indians were frequent visitors at their home 
and wild deer furnished many a meal for the set- 
tlers. On one occasion several squaws visited at 
the Ililger cabin and noticing some clothes hooks 
on the wall, hung their ))abies thereon and paid 
no more attention to them until after they had 
partaken of a lunch. 

In the old block church in Fussville, on the l.'Jth 
of May, 1850, was celel>rated the marriage of W. 
J. Hilger and Anna Ullman. She was born in 
Ludendoif, in the province of Rhine, Prussia, in 
1827, and with her parents, Servalius and Char- 
lotte (Trimborn) rilman,came to America in 1845, 
the family settling in Fussville. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hilger had twelve children, of whom ten are yet 
living: fSchlostica, born March 12, 1851, died Au- 
gust 8, 1851, and was buried in Fussville Cem- 
etery; Servatius, born March 12, 1852, follows 
farming on section 20, Menomonee Township; 
Anna Maria, born .September 1, \HitCi. is the wife 
of .lohn Lauer, a farmer of (Jranville Township, 
Appleton Coiint3'; Elizabeth, born March 14, 1857, 
is tlie wife of Bernard Dickman, a farmer of 
Stearns County, Minn.; Anton ,1., born .luly t>, 



1859, is studying for the priesthood in Dubuque, 
Iowa, and will graduate with the Class of '97; 
Carl U., born October 23, 1861, who graduated 
from the White Water Normal School, the Minne- 
sota College of St. Cloud and from Myer's College 
of Milwaukee, now makes his home with his par- 
ents; .lohn A., born October (!, 1803, is a farmer 
of Appleton, Wis.; Margaret, born December 15, 
1865, is the wife of .losepli Sanbrink, a farmer of 
Stearns County, Minn.; Clara and Rosa, twins, 
were born April 21, 1868. The former is a gradu- 
ate of Sauk Centre College, and the latter died 
August 14, 1868; Maria Rosa, born March 20, 
1871; and Frederick W., born .luly 17, 1873, are 
at home. 

The family resides on one of the most valuable 
farms of Menomonee Township, comprising two 
hundred and twenty acres of rich land, all of 
which has been acquired through the earnest and 
industrious efforts of Mr. Ililger, who may truly 
be called a self-made man. In politics he is a 
Democrat and for twenty-four years served as 
Supervisor, while for two years he was Assessor. 
He and his family are members of St. Antonio's 
Catholic Church of Fussville. 



HUGO PHILLER, M. I)., of Waukesha, 
dates his arrival in that village from 
December, 1805, having been engaged in 
the [u-actice of his profession for nearly thirty 
years in that place. Dr. Fhiller was born in the 
province of Silesia, kingdom of Prussia, Gerinany, 
.lanuary 4, 1838. His parents were Gustave and 
Augusta Philler, both of whom died when their 
son was a child, in fact he has no remembrance of 
his mother. The father survived the mother a 
number of ^-ears, passing away when the son was 
a lad of about eight years. 

Dr. Philler was the only son of his parents, how- 
ever he had three sisters, but he is the onlj' one of 
the family who came to the United States. His 
father was for many J'cars a retired gentleman, 
from whom he inherited some property' which his 
guardian used in giving him an education. While 



854 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



yeta Ifid, lie entered the gymnasium at NeissC, 
where lie was a student for eight years. At the 
end of that lime lie passed a successful examina- 
tion for entering upon a university course, and ac- 
cordingly matriculatod at the University of Bres- 
lau, which he entered as a medical student. He 
remained in that institution two years, then trans- 
ferred his studies to the University' at Oreifswald, 
in the province of Pomerania, Germany, from 
whicli he graduated on his twenty-third birthday, 
.lanuary I, 18(;i. Having completed his studies 
and received liis diploma, the question as to where 
he should locate was the next thing to be consid- 
ered. In the same year that he finished his medi- 
cal course, the Civil War began in liie United 
Stales. 1 1 occurred to the young physician, that as 
war creates an increased demand for his profes- 
sion, an opportunity for lioth usefulness and profit 
might await him in the land where two sections of 
the great Republic were arrayed against each other 
in all the horrors of war. 

In August, 1861, he landed in the city of New 
York, at once proceeding to Albany, the capital of 
the Empire State, for the purpose of obtaining a 
commission from Surgeon-General (^uackenbush. 
However, an unforeseen trouble awaited iiim; his 
youthful appearance, and his inal)ility to speak 
the English language were against him, in fact 
totally defeated the object of his visit to the Sur- 
geon-General. He at once returned to the cit^' of 
New York, and .seeing no other recourse, resolved 
to enlist as a jtrivate, which he did, becoming a 
member of Company E, Forty-sixth New York 
Infantry, but was immediately sent to the hospital 
department. The assistant surgeon of tiie regi- 
ment and he soon formed for each otlier a warm 
friendship. The Doctor applied himself so dili- 
gently to the study of the English language that 
in six weeks he was able to read it quite fluently, 
and at the end of six months passed a successful 
examination in the language before a United 
States Commission, and was commissioned First 
Assistant Surgeon of the Forty-fifth New York 
Infantrj-. He served in that capacity until the 
dose of the war and was mustered out of the ser- 
vice at Nashville, Tenn., .Tuly 1, I8()5. 

Uiiriiig all his army service Dr. Pliiller was act- 



ively engaged, being present at many of the most 
memorable events of the war, including Port 
Royal, Siege of Pulaski, campaign of James Island, 
second battle of Manassas or Bull Run, Sharps- 
burg, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville 
and Gettysburg. Soon after the last named battle, 
he went west with the Eleventh Corps, which was 
consolidated with the Twelfth Corps, and there- 
after known as the Twentieth Corps, and as such 
became a part of the Array of the Tennessee. The 
Doctor was present with his command m the im- 
portant battles of Lookout Mountain and Resaca. 
On the last named battlefield he received orders to 
return with the wounded to Kingston, (!u. When 
the Confederate CJeneral, Stuart, made his famous 
raid through that part of C^eorgia. the hospital 
was broken up, and Dr. Philler was .sent to Nash- 
ville and placed on detached duty in the Post 
Hospital. Fcir some time he was pliysician in the 
penitentiary at that ])lace, which was used as a hos- 
pital, and while there the battle of Nashville oc- 
curred, which crowded the prison hospital with 
the wounded from that hard fought field. The 
war ended soon after this battle and the subject 
of this biography was mustered out as stated above. 
Not long after going west with the Kleventh 
Corps, Dr. Philler returned to New York City on 
a furlougli, rejoining his regiment at Lookout 
Mountain; with this exception, he was constantly 
on duty during his long term of service. 

After the close of the war Dr. Philler went to 
Chicago, his object being to find a favorable \Ance 
in which to locate. He was advised by an army 
surgeon, witii whom he was acquainted, Dr. Allen 
S. Barndt, of iMenomonee Falls, Wis., that Wauke- 
sha would prohalily jirove a desirable location for 
him, and acting on the advice of his friend he be- 
came a resident of that village, where he has since 
resided. 

On June 3, 1808, Dr. Philler was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Helen Lorlelierg, a native of Ger- 
many. Mrs. Philler came to this country from 
her native state, Saxony, when an infant, with her 
parents, who were early settlers of Pewaukee. On 
the 20th of February, 1877, the Doctor was bereft 
of his wife l>y death. He has two children, a son 
and a daughter. Frances, the eldest, born July 4, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



855 



1869, is the wife of Leslie Edgerton, of Chicago. 
Otto F'ritz, the son, was born February 27, 1871. 
He served an apprentieesliip in the Wisconsin 
Central Machine Sliops, in Waukesha, and is a 
skillful machinist. 

Dr. Philler is a member of the American Medi- 
cal Association, and of the Wisconsin State Medi- 
cal Society, of which he was elected Vice-President 
in 1893. He is also a member of the Hrainard 
Medical Society of Milwaukee; the National Asso- 
ciation of Railway Surgeons, and of the American 
Public Health Association. He was State Medical 
Examiner in the Order of Knights of Honor for 
ten years, when that office was abolished. He is a 
menaber of many civic societies, including Royal 
Arcanum, Knights of Pythias, (Jrand Arin3' of the 
Republic, and of the Loyal Legion. His certifi- 
cate of membership of the last uained order is 
signed by Oen. Philip H. Sheridan, as Com- 
mander in Chief, and bears the date of February 
17, 1877. Dr. Philler is a man of liberal attain- 
ments, and both professionally- and socially is held 
in high esteem. 



^•{••5-++'? 






e 



PETER PEFFKR was born near the city of 
Landau, Rhenish Bavaria, (leriiiany, Fob- 
■ ruary H, 1H27, to Peter and Catherine 
(Meeal) Petfcr, who were natives of the same pro- 
vince. In his native land the father followed cabi- 
net making and farming on a small scale. In 1835, 
the parents, accompanied by three sons, set sail 
from Havre, France, and sixty-live days later land- 
ed in New York. The family at once located on 
a farm in Erie County, Pa., where the parents 
spent their last days. The father lived to be about 
eighty-seven, and the mother eighly-lhree. Two 
children were born to them on this side of the .\t- 
lantic. The f)ldest f)f the family, Frank, went to 
Canton, China, where he engaged in Ihc bakery 
business, and where he is supposed to have died. 
Peter is the next in order of l)irlh. .laeob and 
Xavier follow carpentering and f.-irining in Erie 
County, I'a. William is a fanner of the same 



place, and Catherine died in Ohio some ten years 
ago. 

Peter Peffer attended school in his native land 
and also to a limited extent after coming to the 
United States. On the death of his father, he be- 
came the main dependence of the family, hence he 
remained at home until two years after his mar- 
riage, which occurred August 2, 1854, Miss Eliza 
Rhumalhart, becoming his wife. The bride wjvs 
born in Erie Countj', Pa., November 30, 1832, 
and is a daughter of Joseph and Frances (Hlenner) 
Rhumalhart, who with their six children emigrated 
from Alsace, Oermany, to Erie County, Pa. Of 
their children, .Joseph, the oldest, died near Rock- 
ford, III.; Mrs. Anna Jordon lives in the state of 
Washington; Mrs. Maiy Jewell resides in Noble 
County', III.; Mrs. Margaret Jewell makes her home 
in Erie County, Pa.; Gregory is m Rockford, III.; 
and Mrs. Peffer completes the family. 

Until he offered his services to his coun<;ry, Mr. 
Peffer was engaged in agricultural pursuits. On 
the 16th of October, 1862, he enlisted in Coinpanj' 
C, One Hundred and Si.xty-nintli Pennsylvania 
Infantry, and served until Jul3' 26, 1863, though 
his term of enlistment was only nine months. 
From disease contracted in the service he has since 
been a constant sufferer. The sight of one eye is 
entirely gone and the other almost destroyed. In 
1869 Mr. Peffer emigrated to Wisconsin and lo- 
cated in Pewaukee, where he has been eng.'iged in 
a variety of employments, sugh as burning lime, 
farming, carpentering, and for the last eight years 
growing small fruits and keeping summer board- 
ers. He has a comfortable residence overhjoking 
the lake and surrounded by twelve and a-lialf 
acres of land. 

Politically Mr. Peffer has always been a stanch 
Republican. The only society to which he be- 
longs is the (ieorge 15. Townsend Post, G. A. R., of 
I'ewaukee. Mr. and Mrs. I'offer had live children: 
Helen, died at the age of twenty-three j'ears; 
Kdward F., who married Emma, daughter of 
(■ieorge Elliott, of the town of Lisbon, is a pros- 
perous lumber dealer of Pewaukee; Emma, who 
lives with her parents, is an artist of more than or- 
dinary ability, us is evinced by the numerous oil 
paintings of her production that adorn the homej 



856 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Julia, who married Dr. K. Kellpv, graduated from 
tiie Chicago Medical College and now practices 
with her liusband in Miiwaui<ee; Joseph is a boot 
and siioe dealer of that city. Tiie iiome of Mr. and 
Mrs. IVffer is one where gooil ciieer and intelli- 
gence abf)und. Their children have grOwn to be 
useful and respected mcnil)ers of society; and life 
to tliem wears tlie golden sunset that bespeaks a 
brighter dawn. 



(®_ 



&HL^T«i 



.OJ 






(@r" 



T^l 



HERMANN KURTZK, who for many years 
has resided on section 15, in the town of 
Muskego, Waukeslia County, is a native 
of Josek,' Merseburg, province of Saxony, (lermany, 
born September 13, 1839. He is a .son of David 
and Rosette (Lether) Kurtze, and is the youngest 
in a family of nine sons and four daughters, of 
whom but three survive. Tlie otlier two are Carl 
and Edward, the first named being a farmer of 
New Berlin Townshiji, and the last follows the 
same occupation in the town, of Greenfield, Mil- 
waukee Count}'. 

The gentleman whose name heads this article 
grew up on his father's farm. His education was 
acquired in the common schools of his native 
country, where on the 2ltli of March, 1853, he 
was confirmed in the Lutheran Cliurcli. The fol- 
lowing spring he accompanied his parents to the 
I'nited .States. Going to Hamburg they boarded a 
sailing-vessel for New Y'ork, where they arrived 
some forty-nine days later. However, this vessel 
with its eleven hundred passengers did not touch 
at New York, but transferred those bound for that 
point to a small steamer off Sandy Hook, by which 
they were carried to their destination, while she 
pursued her course to Brazilian waters. Onlv a 
few days were spent in the city of New York, com- 
ing thence by rail to Chicago, and from there to 
Milwaukee by boat. Prior to their departure for 
that city, they missed several valuable trunks, 
which though they spent a great deal of monev, 



were never recovered. Cholera raged in the Cream 
City and several members of the Kurtze family 
wore smitten with the dread disease; the father 
and his son Lebroet, who w.as an accomplished mu- 
sician, died from the scourge, their deaths occur- 
ring within a few days of each other. At the time 
that their bodies were removed from the house, 
the mother lay unconscious of the great sorrow 
that had fallen upon her; so ill was she that it 
seemed she would soon join them. However she 
recovered and lived to an advanced .age. During 
this time Mr. Kurtze of this sketch was employed 
by Mr. Wirthstein, owner of a large tavern, and 
though he did all he could to alleviate the suffer- 
ing of his family, he was not permitted to leave the 
tavern, all assistance being rendered by messen- 
gers. His fatiier, who was an accomplished musi- 
cian and a line scholar, was a prominent man in 
his native country. His untimely death took him 
off in the prime of life, being at that time but lif- 
ty-four years old. His estimable wife died at the 
age of eight v-seven, at the home of her son Ed- 
ward. Her mother lived to reach the extreme age 
of ninety-nine years. 

Hermann Kurtze was very popular with many of 
the prominent Germans of Milwaukee who spent 
their evenings at the tavern, but because of the 
many sad associations of the first year he desired to 
change his location, and accordingly secured em- 
ployment with Dr. Fessel. a practitioner well known 
in the '5()s to the people of that city, with whom 
he remained for six 3'ears, receiving for his ser- 
vices $6 per nioiith. He afterward rented a farm 
of Dr. Fessel which he operated two years, his 
mother and brother having resided there previous 
to his occupancy. 

During his residence in Milwaukee Mr. Kurtze 
met and wedded Miss Pauline Walter, their mar- 
riage being solemnized on the 24th of November, 
1802. Mrs. Kurtze w.as born A|)ril 27, 1845, in 
Putschlau, province of Prussia, (iermaii}-, and is 
the youngest in a family of eight children, whose 
parents were Christian and Rosine (Knobloch) 
Walter. Her father was a prosperous farmer abr(jad. 
On Mrs. Kurtze 's eleventh birthday, the parents 
and .si. K children named asfolUjws: Henry, William, 
Karl, Christiana, Johanna and Pauline, bade adieu 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



857 



to the Fatherlanrl and turned their faces toward 
the setting sun. On tlie 1st of M.iy they left 
Hretnen, and after a stonily voyajje of sixty-three 
days' duration readied New YorJi. The (Jerman 
vessel "Vom Stein," on which the passage was made, 
sunii on her return trip. Coining direct to this 
county, they located on section 15, in the town of 
Muskego, where the father bought lifty-five acres 
of improved land, and here he and his wife passed 
the remainder of their lives. The former was born 
October 23, 1802, and died on the 18th of Novem- 
ber, 1870, while the latter, whose birth occurred 
September 10, 1803, died on the 23d of October, 
1862. Of the Walter family one brother and two 
sisters survive besides IMrs. Kurtze: Karl, retired, 
lives with his son Albert in Milwaukee; Christi- 
ana, wife of Edward Dittinar, a farmer of Oak 
Creek, Milwaukee County, is the mother of ten 
children; .lohanua. widow of John l>luemel, of 
Jlilwaukee, has four children. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kurtze's children were born as fol- 
lows: Emma, May 2(!, 1802, is the wife of Herman 
Karbatsch, a general merchant of Newton, Mani- 
towoc County, Wis.; Bcrtlia, February 26, 1864, be- 
came the wife of Frank Hoffman, a farmer of 
Greenfield Township, Milwaukee County; Ida, 
.January 28, 1866, wedded Joseph Wolf, of Milwau- 
kee; Selma, April 26, 1868, married Arnold Horn, 
the miller of Hale's Corners; Ella, April 25, 1870; 
Ada, June 8, 1872; Ainanda. November 3, 1874; 
Karl, February 25, 1876; Fiances, August 20, 1878, 
and Albert, January 20, 1881, are at home. The 
family, like that of their mother, is quite mu.sical, 
the young ladies, Ada and Frances, being accom- 
plished performers on the piano-forte. 

In politics Mr. Kurtze votes with the Repub- 
lican part}', and is a stanch supporter of the [niii- 
ciples advocated by it. I5y his fellow-townsmen 
he has been elected to (ill various ollices; has served 
as Town Treasurer, has lieeii Sciiool Clerk, and also 
a member of the Town Board, in all of which po- 
sitions he ha.-' discharged the duties devolving upon 
him in a faithful manner. 

The Kurtze estate comprises one hundred and 
forty-five .acres of fine land, adorned with good 
buildings and under a high stale of cultivation. 
Their borne was erected in 1886, and is numbered 



among the best in the town of Muskego. It is sit- 
uated twelve miles from the corporation line of 
Milwaukee and ten miles from the village of Wau- 
k.aslia. Beginning in this country without means, 
Mr. Kurtze has, by carefel attention to his business 
interests, ac<i 11 i red a competence upctii wliicli he 
may depend iii old age. 



^+^ 



c= 



"^ 



JOHN BURDEN, deceased, one of the highly 
respected and honored citizens of Eagle 
Township, w.-is born in Jacobstow, Cornwall, 
England, August 20, 1816. His chances for edu- 
cation were very meager; as his father was a La- 
borer, his children had to work to assist in their 
support as soon as old enough. .lolin Burden, 
when a mere lad, began to work out for wages, 
continuing to be thus engaged until his emigra- 
tion to America. On leaciiing manhood he mar- 
ried in 1841, Miss Mary Ann Metters, who was bom 
in Devonshire, England, in 1818. Having lived in 
llieir native land till 1H57, they with their seven 
children sailed from I'lymouth, England, and after 
seven weeks of storm and calm landed at Quebec. 
On this trii) they were .accompanied by Mrs. I'.ur- 
den's brother. On reaching Milwaukee Mr. I'.iii- 
den ran out of money, and in order to proceed 
farther he was comiielled to borrow |15. Leaving 
his family in Milwaukee he went to I'alm^-ra, Jef- 
ferson County, and there made a settlement. Sub- 
sequently he brought his family out, and b^- the 
united efforts of himself and wife, he working for 
wages and she w.ashing for others, they earned 
enough to buy a little furniture. As their daugh- 
ter humorously remarked they commenced house- 
keeping in this country with a stone and a kettle 
which they used in warming food for the twins. 
As their oldest child was but thirteen years old, it 
may be siip|)osed that they had hard times. For 
two years they worked the farm i>f Edward .lolleff 
on shares, but on the 12tli of March, lh6l, moved 
to the town of Waukesha, where they bought 
eighty acres for #1.(mm), paying <<50 down, which 
left them but twentv-fivc cents. Not a cabin or 



858 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



other building was on it, but with characteristic 
energ3' he devoted himself to its care and cultiva- 
tion. I'ntil a house could be erected the familv 
lived in one owned by Mr. Lyons. From time to 
time Mr. Burden added to his purchase until he 
owned tliree hun<lred and twelve acres, upon 
whicii lie erected a good house and other necessary 
buildings. Having resided tiiere for nine years, 
lie traded that farm for three hundred and twelve 
acres in the town of Eagle, giving a mortgage on 
the same for !j>7,700. The members of his family 
were all indusliious, the girls liel|)ing in the har- 
vest field, and elsewhere. As fast as the payments 
became due he was ready to meet them. Later he 
bought one hundred and twenty-eight acres more, 
besides a fine brick house in Eagle. 

Mr. Burden was one of the most successful busi- 
men in his township, 'riiongh not an educated 
man he was very hard to beat in a transaction. 
Ill all his dealings he was upright and honorable, 
his word being as good as his bond. Both he and 
his wife early became Christians, he belonging to 
the Episcopal Church, and she to the Baptist. 
After coming to the United States they joined the 
Bible Christians Class, and later the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. On the 15th of June, 1883, 
Mr. lUirden was called from tlie toils of earth. In 
his dcatii the community lost one of its best citi- 
zens, among whom he was widely 'known and 
highly respected. Politically he was a Democrat, 
though in local atTairs he voted for the man best 
fitted to discharge the duties of the oilice. 

To this worthy couple were born eight chil- 
dren, all of whom, with the exception of the 
youngest, were natives of England. Their eldest, 
.loliii 'I'., born .lune 25, I H I. T, who is a farmer of 
Eagle Township, married Harriet Wilton by whom 
he had seven children, four of whom are living, 
two .sons and two daughters. Samuel, born April 
7, 1845, is a prosperous farmer of Arcadia, Trem- 
pealeau County, Wis. For a wife he chose Salina 
Oreen, and by this union had five children, of 
whom two sons and a daughter survive. Mary 
Ann, born December 10, 1849, became the wife of 
Henry Burnell, a wealthy farmer of Eagle Town- 
ship. She has two children, a son and a daughter. 
Grace, born April 20, 1851, wedded Henry Ongon, 



an agriculturist of the same town, and has two 
daughters. Edward, born February 25, 1852, mar- 
ried Ada Sprague and has three boys. He is also 
a farmer of the town of Eagle. William II., horn 
February 15, 1858, has been twice married, his 
first wife, by whom he had a daughter, being 
Emma Green. After her death he wedded Mamie 
Stewart, and by this marriage has a son. Susan- 
nah, twin sister of William IL, died about eleven 
months after they came to this couiitj-. Celia, 
born March 22, 1860, is the wife of George W. 
Harker, who is also a farmer of Eagle Township. 
Mrs. Harker is the youngest iu her father's family, 
and by her marriage has become the mother of 
three sons and a daughter. 

Mother Burden still lives on the old homestead, 
and though she has reached the age of seventy-five 
years she is well ])reserved in body and mind. 
Her life has been one of toil and self-sacrifice, but 
in the afternoon of life she is surrounded by 
children and grandchildren, who make bright the 
remainder of her days. 



^.'■^ ^If^ ^V'<^ 



r ^^ ^^ vW^f&^f^'^ltC C^ C3!u w!^ 



MICHAEL THOMPSON, deceased, is num- 
bered among the earliest settlers of Wau- 
kesha County. He was born in Greene 
County, N. Y., March 19, 1804, there grew to man- 
hood, and on the 26th of December, 1826, was 
united in marriage to Miss Catharine Burger. Mrs. 
Thompson, who was descended from Dutch stock, 
was a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., born 
August 3, 1803. By trade Mr. Thompson was a 
stone-cutter, which occu))ation he followed until 
his removal to the west. In 1838 he, with his wife 
and four children, came by way of the Erie Canal 
and the lakes to Milwaukee. There being no pier, 
the steamboat was anchored out in the lake and 
unloaded with a "lighter." After spending six 
weeks in Milwaukee, the subject of this sketcli was 
induced to come to Prairicville (now Waukesha) 
to hoard the hands who were working on the mill 
at that place, but had no place to get food and 
lodging. As provisions were very scarce in Mil- 
waukee, and none were to be had in Waukesha, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



859 



Mr. Thompson went to Chicago and brought them 
out with a team. He also boarded tlie first teacher, 
John Weils, who kept school in a little log house. 
After the mill was completed, our subject put 
through the first logs that were sawed. In 1867 
Mrs. Thompson passed from among the living, and 
two years hater her husband joined her in the land 
wiience no traveler returns. IJotii were consis- 
tent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and were much beloved for their many excellent 
traits of character. In politics Mr. Thompson was 
an old lime Democrat. To this worthy couple were 
born four children: Albertine A. became the wife 
of .lames Markle, deceased; fuither mention of her 
will be made hereafter; Almira married Fred New- 
all and died in Waukesha; Mary, who wedded Syl- 
vester Ournee, also died in that village, as did the 
only brother, .lames, who was the eldest of the 
family. 

It will thus be seen that Mrs. Markle is the only 
surviving member of this pioneer farail_v. She was 
born in Greene County, N. Y., .June 30, 1831. 
Though onl}' seven j'ears old when her parents 
came to the county, she can well remember the 
hardships through which the first settlers had to 
pass. At that time Indians were more numerous 
than white settlers, and all kinds of wild animals 
roamed at will over this part of the state. Her ed- 
ucation was acquired in the primitive log school- 
house with its puncheon floor, slab seats and im- 
mense fireplace. On the 13th of December, 1853, 
her marriage to .James Markle was solemnized by 
Rev. M. L. Leghi. Mr. Markle was born in Gene- 
see Countj', N. Y., .July 30, 182 1, and was of Dutch 
extraction. When a young man he went to Law- 
ton, Mich., with his ])arentj<, and there learned the 
trade of wagon-maker, to pursue which he came in 
1837 to Kenosha, then called Southport. Subse- 
fpicntly he went to (irafton. Ozaukee County, 
wlicre he engaged in wagon-making on his own 
account. In 1859 he removed to Michigan and a 
year later came to Waukesha, which he made his 
home until his death, December 13, 188(). For 
twenty-five years he was engaged in the manufac- 
ture of wagons in the village. In politics Mr. 
Markle was a thorough Republican, Ix'ing a warm 
supporterof the principles advocated by that party. 



Mr. and Mrs. Markle became the parents of eight 
children, of whom four died in early life. The liv- 
ing are Frank A., Louis W., Minnie and Emma. 
Frank was educated in the public schools of Wau- 
kesha, and when thirteen years old began to learn 
the printer's trade in the Democrat ollice. For a 
number of years he was on the reportorial staff of 
leading ncws|)apcrs, and for the past seven j'ears 
hiis been in Washington, D. C, serving as Private 
Secretary to Congressman In.aac Van Scaux and 
.Senator John Mitchell. Louis, who was also edu- 
cated in the public schools, resides in Waukesha, 
being a brakeman on the St. Paul Railroad. Min- 
nie graduated from the Union School of that vil- 
lage, in which for some six years she has been an 
efficient teacher. Emma, who also graduated from 
the Union School, superintends the home. 

Mrs. Markle is one of the very few surviving 
pioneers, among whom she is well known, in as 
much as she has spent over half a century in the 
country, sharing with them the hardships and pri- 
vations incident to home making in a new country. 



oc^ 



?l^ii-§-'"i^l^ 



cy> 



iT^ NTLE STONE, or Captain Stone, as he is 
/ — \ known^ by virtue of the fact that he fol- 
lowed the lakes as a sailor for many 
years, is a well known citizen of the town of Sum- 
mit. His home and farm are on section 16, where 
he settled in 1864; however, he came to the terrU 
tory of Wisconsin in 1847. lie was born at Pil- 
lar Point, Jefferson County, N. Y., May 1, 1826, 
and was a son of Jesse and Hetsey (Homer) Stone, 
the former being a native of Massachusetts. ,Iesse 
Stone was a teacher and a weaver by occupation, 
and settled where the subject of this sketch was 
born, soon after the close of the War of 1812. He 
was three times married and became the father of 
eight sons and four daughters by his first and sec- 
ond marriages. Five of the sons and all of the 
daughters are still living. 

Captain .Stone was reared to the f)Cciipation of 
farming, or at least liveil on a farm till sixteen 
years of age, when he began sailing on the lakes, 



860 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



whifli he continued until 18fi4. In 1847 he came 
U) Milwaukee, and .sailed from that port and also 
from Chicago. He was maiiied at Princeton, 111., 
Deccmlier 28, 1852, to Miss Mary .1. Lamb. Cap- 
tain iStone and wife have two children, a son and 
a daughter. The latter, Ida May, is the wife of 
Daniel McDonald, of the town of Summit. The 
son, Walter Alva Leon Stone, operates the home- 
Stead farm. 

.lesse Stone, the father of the subject of this .ar- 
ticle, w.as horn on the Isl of March, 18U1, and 
died July 4, 1887, at the advanced age of ninety- 
six years. On his tombstone, at his request, is the 
following statement: '-This row of graves is oc- 
cupied by the Stone family, descendants of Simon 
Stone, who emigrated to this country from Eng- 
land in KiSo." So it appears that Captain Stone 
is descended from one of the earliest families of 
Colonial days. IIonoral)le and upright in the 
relations of life he commands the respect and es- 
teem of all who know him. He is a sound Repub- 
lican in politics and has always been an admirer 
of those principles. 



Cpr LBEUT VEENEND.\AL, for many years 
/ — \ a prominent man in the town of Muskego, 
Waukesha County, and one of the well 
known and esteemed citizens, is a native of Utrecht 
a village not far distant from Rotterdam, Holland, 
where his birth occurred on the 6th of July, 18,35. 
lie is a son of William and Elizabeth (Sonnen- I 
berg) Veenendaal, being the eldest in a family of ! 
eight children, of whom three others survive and 
are as follows: Margaret, who was born January 
IG, 1839, is the widow of John Daveler, of Sioux 
City, Iowa; (!arret, who was born Decembei 4 
184 1, is a business man and Postmaster at Union 
Chinch, Wis.; Tunis, wlu) was born December 21, 
1845, is a carpenter by trade and resides in Mil- 
waukee. The father of this family, William Veen- 
endaal, was a native of Holland, his birth having 
occurred on the 14th of July, 17!)6, and his death 
on July It), 18G2, in Milwaukee County. His wife, 



Elizabeth (Sonnenberg) Veenendaal, was born in 
Holland, February 22, IHOG, and died in this state 
on the 31st of December, 1886. This pioneer cou- 
ple came to America in 1845, sailing from Rotter- 
dam to New York, where they arrived after a voy- 
age of fort3'-two days. The passage was made very 
disagreeable by storms, but the good ship weathered 
the rough seas, and landed her precious freight in 
safety. Proceeding to Rockland County, N. Y., 
they located and there resided for ten years. At 
the expiration of that time they again turned their 
faces toward the west, coming by rail to Milwaukee, 
thence to Howard's Prairie, Milwaukee County, 
near which place they pmcha.sed twenty-four acres 
of land. Here the father passed the last years of 
Ins life; he was an industrious, hard-working man 
and one whose death was much regretted in the 
community where he lived. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this biograph3', left his father's home 
in 1863, going to Milwaukee, where he engaged in 
blacksmithing, which trade he had learned in the 
state of New York. He resided in Milwaukee some 
five years, and while there was married, .Septem- 
ber 13, 1806, to Miss Mary Commers, a native of 
Holland, born January 16, 1844, and who.se death 
occurred February 1), 1872. Of this union five 
children were born, as follows: Elizabeth, born 
July 3, 1865, is at home; Margaret, born August 
18, 1867, became the wife of William Caesar, a 
farmer of the town of Muskego; Jennie, born P'eb- 
ruary 14, 1869, resides in Milwaukee; Nellie, born 
October 13, 1870, lives in the same city; Isaac, 
born February 3. 1872, is a blacksmith at Howard's 
Prairie. October 9, 1883, Mr. Veenendaal was 
again married, his second wife being Miss Hendrika 
J. G. Lammers, also a native of Holland, where her 
birth occurred in 1852. She passed to the spirit 
world on the 25tli of March, 1887, and was laid 
to rest at Howard's Prairie. 

Mr. Veenendaal removed to Muskego Townshij) 
in 1867, where he erected a blacksmith shop and a 
residence, the latter now being owned by John 
Bosch. It w.as in this shop that he hammered out 
the major part of his possessions. He is a thrift3' 
and energetic man, who by his unflagging zeal 
and strict honest^' has won, not alone the esteem 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



861 



of his fellownien and iieiglibors, liiil of all with 
wlioiii 1r' lias business or social relations. In Jul}', 
1881, he began raeruhandising, anri in the same year 
was appointed Postmaster, succeeding his brother 
who had held that position. In August, 18',)3, af- 
ter successfully engaging in mercantile pursuits, 
Mr. Veenendaal sold his interests to Mr. Bosch, 
who now operates the business. Politically he 
supports the measures of the Hepublican party, 
but has never sought otHcial positions, preferring 
to devt)te his time and attention to personal mat- 
ters. 

In 1880 Mr, Veenendaal purchased twenty acres 
of partially improved land in section 24, and is 
now engaged in farming. As blacksmith. Post- 
master, liusiness raan and farmer he has always 
shown that progressive spirit that characterizes 
prosperit3'. He with his family belongs to the 
Dutch Reformed Church of Howard's Prairie, Mil- 
waukee County. 



iT^ RRAHAM KERN, (deceased) was a self- 
/ — \ made man and one of New Berlin's most 
lion(»rcd pioneers, having resided in that 
town for almost fifty-one 3'ears. He was born in 
Sprendlingen, province of Hesse-Darmstadt, (!cr- 
many, June 2. 181',!, and died at his home in Wau- 
kesha County, January 25, 1894. He was reared 
and educated m his native land, pursuing his 
studies in the common schools. Iteing brought up 
on a farm he chose that occupation as his life work. 
When twenty-four years of age he accompanied 
his |)arenls. Lorcnz and Kathrina (Wfeifenbach) 
Kern, to America, sailing from Bremen to New 
York. Upon their arrival at the latter port they 
continued their journey westward to Milwaukee, 
coming from Buffalo by way of the lakes, thence 
to the town of New Berlin, reaching that place in 
July, 1843. Here the father purchased a farm; 
the country was almost an unbroken wdderness; 
straggling bands of Indians often stopped at their 
cabin ti> beg for food. It was here that the labor 
of a lifetime began: acre after acre of the iieavy 



timber was felled by Abraham Kern, and when a 
cc)nifortable home was assured for his parents he 
turned his attention to the making of a home for 
himself. On the 12th of February, 1849, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Louise Matilda Wilde, 
a daughter of Karl H. and I>(niise (Frank) Wilde, 
who resided on section 14, in the town of New 
Berlin. In 18.52 Mr. Kern lK)ught forty acres of 
wild land upon which he erected a log house and 
began the work of developing a farm. By thrift 
and hard work he soon replaced this primitive 
home with a brick residence and made of his land 
one of the most desirable farms in this section of 
the country. 

Mr. Kern was a leading spirit in the organiza- 
tion of the German Reformed Church, which was 
perfected in 185tj, his colleagues in the undertak- 
ing being Jacob Wagner, Daniel Sifhiey and Philip 
Streadcr. The same year a modest brick structure 
was erected at a cost of * 1,400, a sum of no small 
consequence in those days. September 7. 18(54, 
this societ\' was incorporated and throughout its 
entire existence, from its inception to the time of 
his death, Mr. Kern was an important factor in 
promoting its success, taking great |)ride in its pros- 
perity. When the first missionary minister came 
he found in him a devout and valuable assistant 
and friend in prosecuting the work of the church, 
and to the succeeding ministers he hasstood alw.iys 
in a like relation. He was a man who lived in 
harmony with the Christian profession he made, 
and one whose life is worthy of emulation. When 
the last sad rites were performed in the church for 
which he had labored so faithfully, it was with the 
greatest effort that his beloved pastor. Rev. Richard 
D. Ilanisch, mastered the emotion which bespoke 
the warm personal friendship that existed between 
them. He had lived beyond the three-score and 
ten years allotted to man, his long life ever being 
a busy, useful one. A great friend of the church 
and school Mr. Kern found time from the duties 
of his farm to fill the oflicesof town Treasurer, Su- 
pervisor, and for a number of years was an ollicer 
of the New Berlin Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance 
Company. In political faith he was a stanch Dem- 
ocrat. 

His good wife, who walked by bis side through 



862 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



so many years of lull and (.art', sliU survives. Shu 
wa.s horn October 20, 1H23, in Baerwalde, province 
of Hrandenhurg, (icrrnany, and emigrated to New 
FSerlin, with her parents, in 1848. She is one of a 
family of three cliildren, being the second in order 
of birth. Augu.st Wilde, iicr eldest brother, resides 
in a beautiful home on section 14 and is one of 
New rserlin's prosperous and highly esteemed citi- 
zens. Karl, the youngest, is engaged in farming 
and stock raising in Cuming County, Neb. Mrs. 
Kern received a good education in her native 
country, and has in her possession her confirmation 
diploma received from the church of her nativity, 
bearing the date April 8, 1838. She also treasures 
with pride an old bible given her by her parents 
nearly half a century ago. Her life is made brighter 
by the presence and companionship of her niece, 
.Minnie, daughter of Abraham Kern, .Ir. 

Abraham Kern"s parents spent the last ^ears of 
their lives in Waukesha County, the father dying 
in 18G9, while the motiier passed away at the .age 
ninety-three years. Of his brothers and sisters 
Anna Maria died abroad; Jacob, a pioneer of the 
town of New Berlin, died July 28, 1872; William, 
also deceased, was for many years a resident of the 
same township; Simon and Catherine, twins, com- 
plete the family. The former is a merchant of St. 
Paul, where he has lived for many years; tiie lat- 
ter became the wife of .lohn Kramer, a well-to-do 
farmer and stockman of N'crnon Townsiiip, Wau- 
kesha County'. 



V®. 



^ 



1AMKS MOYKS, who is numbered among the 
honored pioneers of Waukesha County, 
where since 1842 he has made his home, now 

resides on section 27, Lisbon Township. He 
h.as witnessed the development and progress which 
have taken place during the half-century since his 
arrival, and has ever borne his part in the work of 
advancement. A native of Scotland, Mr. Mo3'es 
was born in Perthshire, May 21, 1837, and is a son 



of John and Elizabeth (Rodgers) Moyes. The fa- 
ther was born in Perthshire, in 1810, was educated 
in the common schools and became a weaver of 
linen and woolen goods. In 1841, he crossed the 
ocean, went first to Buffalo, N. Y., and thence to 
Canada, locating about thirty miles from Hamil- 
ton, where for six mcmths he engaged in teaching 
school. In July, 1842, he arrived in Milwaukee, 
and came thence to Lisbon, where his death oc- 
curred in 1852. His wife also passed away in this 
county, and they were interred in the Presbyter- 
ian Cemetery on section 21. It had been the inten- 
tion of the family to .have sailed from Dundee, 
Scotland, but the smallpox broke out at that place 
and tliej' were detained for some weeks in conse- 
quence thereof. At length they sailed from Glas- 
gow, and after a voyage of fifty-three days reached 
New York. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moyes were mem- 
bers of the Congregational Church. In their fam- 
ily were two sons and four daughters, of whom 
James was the fifth in order of birth. Five are 
yet living, Janet, wife of William Dopp, an agri- 
culturist of Portage County, Wis.; Margaret, of 
Monterey, Wis.; Elizabeth, twin sister of Margaret 
and widow of Edward Smith, of Portage County; 
James of this sketch, and Mar^-, wife of Amos B. 
Dopp, a farmer of Monterey. 

James Moyes was a child of only five summers, 
when with his parents he came to the territory of 
Wisconsin. He was reared to the occupation of 
farming, and during his earlier years followed 
teaching for a number of terras, but during the 
greater part of his life has carried on agricultural 
pursuits. On the death of the father the care of 
the family devolved upon John and James, then 
youths of fifteen and tenj'ears respectively. Later 
he resolved to learn l)lacksmitliing, and worked at 
that trade for five months, but at the end of that 
time returned to the farm. When he started out 
in life for himself he had a capital of only 1300, 
but he possessed the sturdy perseverance of his 
race, and his industry and enterprise have brought 
him success. 

Mr. Moyes married Miss Mary Sophia Weaver. 
Their marriage was celebrated August 28, 1862, 
and their union was blessed with two children, but 
Alice M., who engaged in dress making, died at 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



863 



the age of twenty-eight; Eva J. is the wife of Jo- 
seph Marsden, a native of Dane County, Wis., now 
residing in Lisbon Tovvnshi|). Mrs. Moyes was 
born in Augusta, Oneida County, N. Y., July 16, 
1841, and is a daiisjliter of Stcpiien and Piicube 
(Mavon) Weaver. I lor fatlicr, who was a native 
of England, and a blacksniitli by trade, was born 
.June 25, 1810, and died August (>, 1891, aged 
eighty-four years. Her mother was born in Delhi, 
Delaware County, N. Y., March 18, 1818, and died 
April 10, 1885. Her great-grandfather was a sol- 
dier in the Wai of the Revolution, and died at the 
advanced age of one hundred and one. In the 
familj^ of Stephen and Phaibe Weaver were eight 
children, of whom four are yet living. Martin, 
who is married and has three children, is a fanner 
and wagon maker of C'l.iy County, Iowa; Allison, 
who is married and has five children, is an agri- 
culturist of Hrandon, Wis.; Mrs. Moyes is the next 
younger; James is a carpenter and joiner of Pe- 
waukee. He married Maria Pratt, a native of Ha- 
tavia, N. Y. She displays great talent in the use of 
a pen, and has produced some ver^- fine pieces of 
penmanship, one of which is in the home of Mrs. 
Moyes. 

During the late war, Mr. Moyes responded to 
the country's call, enlisting August 21, 18G2, in 
Company F, 'rweuty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry, 
under Capt. C. C. White and Colonel Lewis. The}' 
were ordered to Port Washington to quell the 
draft riot, and after a week returned to Milwau- 
kee, taking with them about eighty prisoners. A 
week later tliey were ordered to report to Colum- 
bus, Ky., and thence went to llickinan, where they 
captured a few pieces of artillery and destroyed 
some of the fortifications. Then returning to Col- 
umbus, they were next ordered to Helena, Ark., 
where they went into camp. They marched against 
vSl. Charles, but the rebels had evacuated it. They 
took part in the battle of Helena, where Company 
F, of the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin was stationed 
on the very extreme right in the very thickest of 
the fight. After discharging different duties they 
were sent to support the Twent^'-ninth Iowa, and 
at Ft. Curtis were detailed to carry cannon balls, 
grape shot and cannister to the troops in order 
that they might shell the enemy. During that en- 



gagement they captured many prisoners, and did 
very effective and valiant service. After that en- 
gagement Mr. Moyes was taken ill, and forced to 
remain in the hospital for a time, was not present 
at the battle of Little Rock. He participated in 
the battles of .Mt. Kiba, Saline River, and Longview. 
Two Lieutenants with fifty men of the Fiftli Kan- 
sas and First Indiana Regiments captured thirty- 
three wagons and caissons, cut away a pontoon 
bridge and succeeded in making prisoners of about 
three hundred and twenty rebel soldiers. Some- 
time after this the regiment was ordered to Al- 
giers, op|)Oslte New Orleans, and after cios-'ing the 
Gulf of Mexico participated in the siege and cap- 
lure of Spanish Fort, where they were under fire 
for thirteen days. They then went to reinforce 
the troops at Ft. HIakely, and after remaining 
there a day marched b^' night to lielle Rose Land- 
ing, where they went aboard a transport and pro- 
ceeded to the west side of Mobile Hay, south of 
the city of Mobile. Having camped there over 
night they made a displ.iy inarcii through tiie city 
with flags and banners fiying, going to a point 
northwest of Mobile on the Mobile & Ohio Rail- 
road. Afterward they went up the Tonibigbee 
River to F't. Mcintosh, where Gen. Dick Taylor 
surrendered. Mr. Moyes was present at the terri- 
ble explosion of the magazine in Mobile. Ala., in 
1865. The troops were afterward sent to Santi- 
ago, Tex., and thence marched to the month of 
Rio (irande River, where they remained a time 
preventing smuggling and guarding stores, doing 
Provost Guard duty. At Brownsville, Tex., they 
were mustered out August 25. 1865, and in .Aladi- 
son. Wis., on the 22d of Septemlier, our subject 
was honorably discharged. 

in early life Mr. Moyes was a Free .Soiler and 

I Abolitionist, but his first Presidential vole was 
cast for .Vbiaham Lincoln, and he has since Ijcen a 
stalwart Republican. He belongs to Sussex Lodge 

I No. 224, l.O. (). F.,and toTownsend Post No. 192, 

i G. A. R., of which he has served .as Vice-Com- 
mander. He still has in his [jossession the old 
deed to his homestead, dated November 1. 1816, 
and signed by Gov. Henry Dodge. It conveyed 
to his father eight}- acres of land, entirely uniin- 

) proved. The firel half-acre of laud was broken 



864 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



with a spade. The first home was a log cabin with 
tiie chimney built of stone, uiud and stocks. Tlie 
door was hung upon wooden hinges and the furni- 
ture wa-s very primitive. Mr. and Mrs. Moyes 
passed Uirough all the iiardships and trials inci- 
dent to pioneer life, but are now conifortaMy situ- 
ated, and a good propel ty now yields to them the 
necessities and niany of the luxuries of life. 



m>^-<^^- 



-t T SiILLIAM MINTKN, a native of the 
\/\/ town of Menomonee, is a son of An- 
ton and Theresa (Fuss) Minten, who 
were early settlers of Waukesha County. Anton 
Minten was born in Kein, Rhenish Prussia, Ger- 
many, .Inly 5, 1821(, and died at his homestead in 
Menomonee Township, on the 18tti of .lanuary, 
18'.»0. When still a young man he crossed the At- 
lantic to uiake his home among strangers in a new 
country. Coming to Wisconsin in 184.5 he located 
in the town of Menomonee, where he purchased 
one hundred anci sixty acres of timber land on 
which he ever afterward made his home. Active 
and energetic lie look a prominent jiart in devel- 
oping this portion of the county, being a leatHng 
spirit in all the affairs of the town. Numbered 
among llie oldest settlers he was closely identiiied 
with the moral and material growtti of his com- 
munity from its earliest infancy. He was deserv- 
edly popular and enjoyed the respect and esteem 
of a large circle of friends. His wife, who was 
also a native of Prussia, was born on the l.'Jth of 
June, 1828, and died in Menomonee Township, 
January 16, 1874. Both lie in St. Anthony's 
Church Cemetery at Kussville, where their graves 
are marked by a monument erected, sacred to the 
memory of a Christian father and mother whose 
example of right living is worthy of emulation. 
Anton JMintoii and wife were the parents of ten 
children, comprising three sons and seven daugh- 
ters, of whom seven are living, as follows: Ag- 
ues resides in Milwaukee; Mary is the widow of 
William Flanagan, a farmer of Menomonee Town- 
ship; Sibylla is the wife of Ben Umhoefer, a mer- 



chant of Fenwood, Marathon Coanty, Wis.; Will- 
iam is the next; Lizzie resides with her sister Si- 
bylla; Maggie became the wife of C. I'mhoefer, of 
Marathon County; and Anna weiidcd Anthony 
Schneider, of Milwaukee. 

William Minten, the subject of this article, was 
born February 11*, ISIJO, in Menomonee Township, 
being the fourth in the above family. Me grew 
to manhood on the old homestead, and in the pub- 
lic and parochial schools received a goo<l educa- 
tion. In November, 1887, he oi)ened a public 
house at Menomonee Falls, in which he did busi- 
ness for a number of years. On the 8tli of July, 

1892, he threw open the doors of his present fine 
brick hotel building which he had erected, .■ind in 
which he does a good business. 

November 26, 1886, was celebrated the marriage 
of Mr. Minten and Miss Mary Martin, daughter of 
Michael and Sophia (Kron) Martin. Mrs. Minten 
was born in Menomonee Flails on the 4th of Feb- 
ruary, 1864, and there spent her girlhood and 
youth. Mr. and Mrs. Minten became the parents 
of four children, born as follows: Arthur P., Oc- 
tober 26, 1888; Benedict, September 7, 1890; 
Clara, May 21, 1892; and Lizzie, December 16, 

1893. Their eldest died on the 17th of October, 
1H87. 

Mr. Minten has spent his entire life in the vi- 
cinity of Menomonee and during that time has 
become (juite generally known. 



_--ffl) 



"^^ 



\>^<^ 



4- 



DR. ALBERT M. WARNER, homeopathic 
physician of Waukesha, is the oldest phy- 
sician as to years of practice, in the 
county. The time of his arrival in Waukesha was 
August 6, 1845, and since that time he has been en- 
gaged in the practice of his profession in Wauke- 
sha County. The greater part of the time he has 
been located in the village, but for a number of 
years resided in Genesee. He was born at And- 
over, Windsor County, Vt.. February II, 1816, 
and was a son of Martin and Polly (Taylor) War- 
ner, who were also natives of the Green Moun- 
tain State. When Dr. Warner was a child, his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



865 



parents removeil to Uiitlnnd in liis native state. 
They followed their son to Wisconsin in 1846, 
.ind here spent the reniuinder of their lives. The 
mother passed away in 1862, at the age of seventy 
ye.irs, and the father in 1882, havin>^ reached the 
advanced .nge of ninety-one .>e:irs. They were 
the parents of five children, three sons and two 
daughters, all of whom, witli the exception of one 
daughter, are still living. 

Dr. Warner was reared and educated in his 
eastern home. In 1842 he graduated from the 
Vermont Medical College at Woodstock, and soon 
after entered upon the [iractiee of his profession, 
selecting New York for his field of work. lie was 
educated in the allopatliic system of medicine, 
which he practiced for some twent_v years, at the 
end of that time adopting the homeopatliic sys- 
tem, in accordance with which he has since prac- 
ticed. 

On the 4th of .January, 1843, Dr. Warner was 
married in Syracuse, N. Y., to Miss Caroline M. 
Cheney, a native of that city. Dr. and Mrs. War- 
ner lost their only child, Mary, at the age of four 
years. 

As has been seen, Dr. Warner has been a resi- 
dent of Waukesha County for nearly fifty years. 
He IS widely known throughout the count}' as a 
pioneer pliysician and a worthy citizen. His life 
has heen such as to command the respect and es- 
teem of all with wliom he h.as come in contact. 



ROHKRT IlKNRY TUU.NKH, a successful [ 
and prominent farmer residing on section 
7, in the town of Kagle, was born on iiis 
[irescnt farm August 15, 184.'), being a son of 
Thom.ns P. and Anna Maria ( Lovibond) Turner. 
Thomas P. Turner w.as burn in London, England, 
in 1816, while his wife's birth occurred in Somer- 
setshire some four years later. He received a good 
education, pursuing an academic course with 
Charles Dickens. His father ran a bakery in Lon- 
don, in the operation of which he aided. When 
twenty-one j-eare old he went to .Somersetshire and 
33 



engaged in farming. It was there that he met 
and married Miss Lovibond. In 1845 with two 
children the}- sailed from Southampton to New 
York, spending some forty days on the Atlantic. 
Coming on to Milwaukee they took an ox-team 
there for Waukesha County, and in Eagle Town 
ship made their first purchase of real estate, buying 
the same from the pioneer, D. F. Melendy. The 
land was openings, and to its cultivation and im- 
provement Mr. Turner gave his lime and atten- 
tion. To the original tract he added from time to 
time until he became the owner of twj hundred 
and forty acres of valuable laud. He was very 
fond of hunting and in those early da^'S often 
supplied his table with game. During the earlier 
years of his residence in this country' he gave his 
support to the I{epublican party, but later advo- 
cated the princi|)les of the Democratic party. He 
and Ins wife belonged to the Episcopal Church for 
many years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Turner became the parents of six 
children, of whom four are living, namely: Charles, 
who is a hardvvare and implement merchant of El- 
dorado, Kan.; Eliza .1., wife of W. D. Ki|)p, a ranch- 
man of Washington; Robert IL, of this record; 
Emma, 'who is the wife of A. J. Hopper also a 
ranchman of Washington; George, who died in 
1851, aged about two years, and Anna M. in 1853, 
at the age of one year. The mother of this family 
passed away in 1852. Later Mr. Turner married 
Mrs. Miranda C. Parks. About 1878 they moved 
to Healdsburg, Cal., with the intention of mak- 
ing that their future home. # 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this biography was reared on the farm 
he now owns. Mis i)riinary educatif)ii was acquired 
in the district schools, which was supplemented by 
a term in Milton College. On the IClh of Septem- 
ber, 1878, occurred his marriage to Mi.ss Louise 
Carlin, who was a native of this county, and a 
daughter of William and Emma (Hinton) Carlin. 
Her father was born near Hull, England, and her 
mother in London. They came to the United 
States in 1846, and were among the early settlers 
of Waukesha County. .Mrs. Turner died in 1883, 
leaving two children, (leorge C. who attends 
school in Palmyra, and Robert L. A|>ril 5, 18t)3, 



866 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mr. Turner married Miss Eldora C. Jaquitli, a na- 
tive of Jefferson County, Wis., and a daughter of 
Charles and Mary (Stratton) Jaquitli, wlioare also 
of Knglish extraction. By tliis marriage be lias 
one child, KIdoia J. 

Mr. Turner has lived on iiis farm, which is the 
original two hundred and forty acres owned by 
his fatlier all his life. Jn connection with general 
farming he is engaged in stock-raising, having one 
of the best stock farms in tins part of the country. 
In political views he is a Republican, and voted 
first for General Grant. IIis first wife was a mem- 
ber of the Episcopal Church, while the present Mrs. 
Turner is identified with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Air. 'i'urner is one of the leading farmers 
of his town, and by his own efforts has made a 
good share of all he possesses. This county, thus 
far, has been his home all his life; he has seen its 
growth and development, and aided in its material 
progress. He can well renieiuber- when Indians 
camped near his home, and when all the country 
was a wilderness. 



<X!*'5"{'**+********+**+****++++X> 



t,^ V AVID PUGH,a prominent farmer residing 
I I on section 13, (Jenesee Township, is a na- 
tive of Wales, born February 7, 1824. His 
parents, Evan and Mary (Evans) Pugh, were both 
born in Cardiganshire, Wales, where the father fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits, farming rented lands. 
In their family there were eight children, five of 
whom died in infancy. Those living to attain matur- 
ity were David, John and Margarette, but of these 
only the first survives. Evan Pugh died when 
our subject was but two years old, and about a 
year 'ifter his death his widow was compelled to 
move to a small tract of land on which a little 
thatched cottage stood. Being very poor she was 
forced to make a living for herself and children, 
which she did by raising garden stuff and selling 
butter. 

At the early age of nine years David was em- 
plo^'ed as a herder, in which occupation he contin- 
ued until his fifteenth year, then hired out as a 



farm hand, working for several different ones un- 
til his emigration to the United States. At the 
age of twenty-four, Mr. Pugh married Margarette 
Jones, a native of Cardiganshire, and four days af- 
ter the wedding this sturdy' young Welsh couple 
embarked on board a sailing-vessel at Liverpool, 
England, for this country. The voyage, of seven 
weeks' duration, was a very tr3ing one, inado so by 
the numerous storms encountered. Mr. Pugh says 
that during the severest gales, the Irish emigrants 
on board prayed to, swore at and cursed their God 
in one breath. Landing at New York, our subject 
and his young wife took a steamer for Albany, 
thence by tlie Erie Canal and down the Great Lakes 
to Milwaukee, which was at that time a very small 
village, iiaving but two or three streets. From that 
port they came liy team to Waukesha, where both 
liusbaiid and wife engaged to work for Samuel 
Cook for about two months. For tlieir services 
the former received >!10 per month, and the latter 
4*1 per week. At the end of the second month, 
Mr. Pugh rented a log cabin and they commenced 
housekeeping. He made their bedstead out of 
poplar limbs, borrowing the tools with which to 
shape it, while his wife had to borrow the pans in 
which to bake the bread they ate. During the 
next three years he and his wife hired out and 
did whatever work they could find to do. They 
tlien bought forty acres of land for which *200 was 
paid, the only improvements on the place being a 
partially finished log cabin. Two years later Mr. 
Pugh added an adjoining forty-acre tract to the 
original purchase, paying for this *350. He now 
moved his cabin to the site of his present home, 
and ten years thereafter bought an additional one 
hundred acres adjoining his farm, the selling price 
of the same being 13,000. A few years later he 
erected substantial outbuildings, and h.as since 
built his present home. Mr. Pugh went in debt 
for all the land he bought, but by the careful man- 
agement and thrift of himself and wife the liebt 
has been wii)ed out, and he can say to-day that he 
owes no man a dollar. 

On the 28tli of November, 18.09, Mr. Pugh was 
called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who had 
so faithfully aided and assisted in making a home 
for themselves and their children. She left three 



PORTRAIT AKD BlOG RAl'iUCAL RECORD. 



867 



sons and five dauglitei-s, namely: Kvan, a carpen- 
pcnter and joiner, resides in Miiinesula; 'I'lionias, 
the next, manages his father's farm; Elizabetii, 
wife of David E. Davis, resides in Lai<e Crystal, 
Jlinn.; .Mary, deceased, is tlie next; Ann married 
Andrew .lolinson, a contractor of Milwaukee; John 
Is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Minnesota; 
Margarette died when a bahy, and the youngest is 
an infant. 

In politics Mr. Pugli is a Democrat, having cast 
his first Presidential vote for .lames Buchanan. 
He and his family are respecters of all religious and 
moral teachinjrs. 






■C "\ «)II.M.\M lU'TLER. Sr., one of the old- 

\/ \ / est settlers of Lisbon Township, now 
residing on section I, m.ay well be 
numbered among the founders of the county, for 
his name is inseparably connecteil with the history 
of development and progress iu this locality. A 
native of Yorkshire, England, he was born ,Iuly 2. 
182G, and is the third in the family- of five sons 
and six daughters. The father was born in York- 
shire about 17i»l, ac(|uired a good education and 
became an agriculturist. On tiie 1st of M.iv, 1844, 
accompanied by his family, he saile<1 from Liver- 
pool on the "Black Ball" and landed at New York 
on the 31st of May. lie continued his journe}' to 
the then far west by way of the Hudson River to 
Albany, Erie Canal to Buffalo, and the (Ireat Lakes 
to .Milwaukee, where he arrived on the 2()th of 
June. After prospecting for a short time he 
secured three forty-acre tracts of land in Lisbon 
Township, Waukesha County, and thereon made 
his home until his death. He first lived in a block 
hou.sc in primitive style and there the town meet- 
ings were held. A school-house had not as yet been 
built and the work of progress and civilization 
seemed scarcely begun. Both Mr. and Mrs. But- 
ler were members of the Episcopal Church of .Sus- 
sex. His death occurred in 18.56, and his wife, 
who was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1800, 
passed away in 1881. They were interred in the 



Episcopal Cemetery of Sussex, where a monument 
marks their last resting place. 

The members of the Butler family \et living are: 
William, of this sketch; Thomas, a veteran of the 
late war, now following farming in Delafield 
Township; Elizabeth, widow of .Samuel Jarvis, of 
Vermiliim County, 111.; Martha, widow of Ered 
Bolirman, of Lisbon Township; and .lohn and 
James, who are agriculturists of Lisbon Township. 

William Butler was reared in his native land 
until his eighteenth year and then came with the 
family to the United States. Pioneer life in Wis- 
consin w.as familiar to him, for he went through 
all its experiences, shared in its pleasures and bore 
its hardsliiiis. He began work as a farm laborer, 
but made his homo with his parents until his mar- 
riage. On the 4th of December, 184'.), he wedded 
Agnes Davidson, a native of Linlithgow, Scotland. 
She was born November 12, Ik2.">, and is a daugh- 
ter of James and .Marian (Lauder) Davidson. Mr. 
and Mrs. Butler began their domestic life on sec- 
tion 1, Lisbon 'I'ownship, in a little log cabin 
minus a lloor and covered with a shake roof. 
Mrs. Butler tells on one occasion when it was 
raining hard and she had to hold an umbrella over 
the men wlijle they were eating dinner, as the roof 
was not sufficient protection. She has ever been a 
faithful cinnpauion and helpmeet to her husband, 
and in 18()0, while he was cra<lling the grain, she 
went into the field ;inil raked and bound it for 
him. In all her married life she has never paid 
out but *1 for help in hei- household work. They 
lived in a log cabin f(M' seven yc:irs in tiue pioneer 
style, but as his linaucial resources were increased, 
a more comfortable and commodious residence 
was erected. Mr. Butler woiked early and late, 
did his plowing with ox teams and his farming 
with very crude machinery. 

Twelve children came to bless the home, and all 
are yet living within eight nidcs of the jiarents. 
William married Ellen Ku.'^sell and is a leading 
fanner of Lisbon Township. . Marian is the wife 
of Robert Booth, a farmer of the same township. 
.Sarah is the wife of George Itussell, a retired 
farmer of Sussex, James and Agnes are living on 
a part of the old homestead. Oeorgiana resides 
with her parent.-*. .lohn A-, who married Melinda 



868 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAl'IUCAL RECORD. 



Russell, owns and operates a sawmill in Lisbon 
Township. Elizabeth is the wife of George How- 
ard, an agriculturist of the same township. An- 
drew L. works in a sawmill and also o|)erates a 
thresher. Maggie (J., who attended Carroll Col- 
lege for two years, is a teacher of recognized 
ability in Waukesha County. Ilattie P. is the wife 
of George Craven, an agriculturist. Jane E. is the 
wife of William Russell, a resident farmer of Lis- 
bon Township. .Andrew, who was a student in 
Carroll College, li.is also taught successfully. 

Mr. Butler aided in the organization of the first 
school district in this locality and has been promi- 
nently' identified with the development of this 
region. lie lias aided in liie erection of several 
churches and is recognized as a progressive citizen. 
He votes with the Republican party and belongs 
to the Episcopal Church, but his wife holds mem- 
bership with the Presbyterian Cliurch. They re- 
side in a beautiful stone residence, situated in the 
midst of a fine and valuable farm, which has been 
acquired through the untiring efforts and good 
management of the genllemau whose name heads 
this record. 



OLIVKH HANSON. The firm of Hanson, 
Nelson & Co., contractors and builders at 
Oconomowoc, is composed of Oliver Han- 
son, .Jens Nelson .and Steen Hanson. This firm 
are manufacturers as well as builders, owning and 
operating a planing mill and manufacturing s.ash, 
doors and blinds, also all kinds of mouldings and 
inside finish. Their ollice and factory are located 
on Sputh .Street, between Maple and Elm. This 
company does a large business, employing in the 
busy season from fifty to seventy-five hands, and 
at times as many as one hundred. As contractors 
and builders, their work is not confined to Ocono- 
mowoc and vicinity, but extends over a large area 
of counti-y. Many of the beautiful residences that 
border the lakes were erected bj- them. 

Oliver Hanson, of the above firm, was born in 
the town of Concord, Jeffei-son County, Wis., 
January 9, 18.53. His father, Peter Hanson, was 
born in Norway on the 24th of June, 1822. In 



1840, at the age of eighteen years, he emigrated 
from his native land to the United Slates. He 
came at once to this part of the state of Wiscon- 
sin, at that time yet a territory, and found em- 
ployment in the service of .lohn Williams, a well 
known pioneer. For his services he received ^6 
per month. As soon as he had saved siillicient 
money from his small wages, he sent to Norway 
for his parents, paying their passage to America. 
With him they continued to live during the re- 
1 mainder of their lives, being supported and cared 
for by him. Mr. Hanson was the only son of his 
parents, but he had three sisters, only one of whom 
is now living. 

Peter Hanson purch.ased a farm in Jefferson 
County, paying for the same in money earned bj' 
his labor. For many years he worked at cai pen- 
try, though he learned that trade after coming to 
America. During his residence upon the farm, 
Mr. Hanson was much of the time engaged in car- 
penter work. When gold was discovered at Pike's 
Peak, excitement ran high; he, with others, caught 
the fever and joined the vast throng that journeyed 
thither to make their fortune. However, he soon 
returned, as did the majority of gold hunters. The 
last year of the War of the Rebellion, Mr. Hanson 
entered the army as a member of the Seventeenth 
Wisconsin Regiment. While on the field he was 
taken prisoner by the Confederates, and for a time 
was confined in the celebrated Libby Prison. He, 
however, w.is soon liberated on parole, and was 
sent to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, to await ex- 
change. But the war soon closed and the ex- 
change was not made. His health was much bro- 
ken while in the service, from the effects of which 
he never fully recovered. For a number of years 
after the war he lived on the farm, then removed 
to Rio, Wis. In the spring of 1893 he came to 
Oconomowoc, where he died February 12, 1894. 
His wife still lives in that cit}'. 

Peter Hanson and his wife became the parents of 
ten children, all of whom are living. The eldest 
of the family is Oliver. .John is a resident of Bar- 
ron, Wis. Maria, the eldest sister, is the wife of 
Augun Swenson. Steen is the next in order of 
birth. Martha G. is the wife of Hans Davis, of 
South Dakota. Simon resides at Bio, Wis. Mary 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



869 



is the wife of Rev. T. C. Peterson, of Oconomo- 
woc. The youngest sister is Ida Bertha, who was 
for three years booiil<ee()er for the above named 
firm. She was a most estimable young lady, and 
a devoted Christian. Deciding to entci- the mis- 
sionary field, to fit lierself for that work, she at- 
tended a Baptist school in Chicago. Becoming 
the wife of Rev. C. M. Sechouse, of Christiana, 
Norwa}', she returned to llio land of her ancestors, 
and with her husband is doing Sunday-school mis- 
sionaiy work in that country. I'eter L., the next, 
is the present bookkeeper for the firm. The 3'oung- 
est of the family, Theodore, is a student at 
Chicago University, where he is preparing himself 
for the ministry. The six brothers ofliciatcd as 
pall-bearers at tlie funeral and burial of their fa- 
ther. 

Oliver Hanson w.as married in 1874 to Miss 
Maria Johana Peterson, of the town of Oconomo- 
woc. They have eight children, four sons and 
four daughters, namel3': Agnes A., Emma, Alice, 
Henry, Ida, Clifi'ord, Gordon and Edgar. The fam- 
ily are faithful members of the Scandinavian Bap- 
tist Church of Oconomowoc. 

Steen Hanson, tlie junior member of the firm, 
was born December 9, 18;)9. He has been twice 
married; his present wife was formerly Miss Ellen 
.Johnson. He has a son by his first marriage, and 
four daughters by the present. 




/'">' HARLES M. NEFF, who resides on section 
V^y .36, Summit Township, has been a resident 
of that town since 1813, being one of the 
earliest settlers of what was afterward the village 
of Waterville. lie was Ix^rn In Ihe town of Clia- 
pin, Windham County, Conn.. May 1(!, 182."i. His 
father, Samuel Neff, was a son of .lolin Neff, the 
family being among the first of the Connecticut 
Colony. Samuel Neff served as a soldier in the 
War of 1812. He married Miss Mary Fisk, whose 
father was .luhn Fisk, a soldier in the War of the 
Revolution. .*>amuel Neff w.os the youngest of 



seven brothers, whose descendants are numerous 
throughout the United States. 

The parents of Charles M. Neff were born in the 
same town as himself, the father dying there in 
February, 1873, at the age of eighty -seven years. 
After his death, the mother came to Waukesha 
County and lived with her son the remainder of 
her life. Her death occurred on the 7th of Sep- 
tember, 1875, at the age of ninety-two years. The 
family are noted for longevity on both sides, sev- 
eral having passed the century mark. .Samuel 
Neff and wife had three sons: Albert, the eldest, 
is a resident of Woodstock, Richland County, Wis.; 
Charles M., the second of the brothers, is the sub- 
ject of this biography; Ralph, the youngest, re- 
sides in Winona, Kan. 

Charles M. was reared in his native town, where 
he learned the trade of blacksmith. The first of 
the family to come to Wisconsin was the oldest 
brother,, who came to Milwaukee some time pre- 
vious to the coming of our subject. The latter 
went to Milwaukee in October, 1843, intending to 
work there at his trade, and did for a short time, 
but soon after resolved to come to Waukesha Coun- 
ty, and late in the fall of 1843, established himself 
in business at the little village of Waterville. Ox 
teams were chiefly used by the pioneers, and Mr. 
Neff did work for a large area of country, as he 
acquired the reputation of shoeing oxen in quite 
a successful and artistic manner. He has not yet 
retired from the business of blacksmithing, having 
been thus engaged for fifty-five yeai-s, and for 
fifty-one 3'ears at his present place of business. 
Mr. Neff is, perhaps, the oldest blacksmith in the 
state, in years of continuous work. 

On the 19th of March, 184,5, at Waterville, oc- 
curred the marriage of Mr. Neff and Clarissa M. 
Dexter, a native of Windham County, Conn.. and a 
daughter of Frederick Dexter. Her parents died 
when she was a child, and she was adopted into 
the family of Wolcott llackley with whom she 
came to Wisconsin. Mr. Hackley was one of the 
early merchants at Waterville. Mrs. Neff died April 
9, 1889, after which the husband was again mar- 
ried. His present wife was Mrs. Martha Wishman, 
a daughter of Thom.as Champion. The children 
of Mr. and Mrs. Neff are: Elizabeth who is the wife 



870 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



of Isaac Denton, of ilie town of Summit; Eldora 
became llie wife of Niles Bowran. Tlien follow 
Albert, Ralph, Andrew and Alfred; Rilla wedded 
Frank Shearsmitli; Louise wedded JMr. Hemmon- 
way of Sumtnit Townsliip; and Lorais the wife of 
Wallace Cook. A daughter, Lura, died in infancy. 
Mr. Xeff is widely known in the town of .Summit, 
where lie has lived for more than half a century. 



<x;^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.»^^^^^^^^^i^^^^^^»^i^^i•^^^^^^^»•i•^^•IX> 



<rryc NGELUS VERBKICK !.-> an honored pio- 
/ — \ neer and one of New Berlin's thrifty 
farmers. lie was born in Watcrlaend, 
Ouderman Province, Belgium, .January 27, 1829, 
and is a son of Francis and Belledina (Starke) 
Verbrick, being the youngest of three sons. Pieter, 
the eldest of the brothers, died in his native coun- 
try aged twenty years. Francis, the second, is a 
prosperous farmer of Outagamie County, Wis 
When Angelus w.as two years of age his father 
was called to the spirit laud. Two years after- 
ward his mother w.as married to Henortis Dalle, 
who managed the small estnte of his father; how- 
ever Mr. Dalle did not long siuvive, d3ing in 
1852. By her second marriage the mother had 
three children, two of whom are living, John, who 
resides with our subject, and ISophia, who became 
the wife of Benortis Vondenburger, a well-to-do 
farmer and stockman of Cuming County, Neb., 
having resided there since 1866. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was reared to the pursuit of farming, in which his 
father was engaged in a small way during his life 
time, ills educational .advantages were very mea- 
ger, as be attended school but three months each 
winter, for three years. His family being very- 
poor it was necessary, as soon as he was able, not 
only to do all he could toward supporting him- 
self, but also to aid in providing for the home. 
Hearing of the opportunities that were afforded in 
the New World for one to make his mark, he de- 
termined to seek bis fortune in the United States, 
and on the 18th of Ai)ril, 18,01, set sail from Rot- 
terdam for New York, on the three-mast vessel 



"Isabella." For seventy-two days the ship was 
tossed upon the waves of the Atlantic, thirteen of 
the two hundred and eighty-three passengers dy- 
ing, from various causes, while en route to this 
country. From the city of New York Mr. Ver- 
brick went to Paterson, N. J., where his first win- 
ter in America was spent. In February of the fol- 
lowing year he again turned his face westward, 
coming as far as Chicago by rail. There being no 
railroad at that time from that city to Milwaukee, 
whither he desired to go, it became necessary to 
secure other means of transi)ortation. Having 
but ii.M) left, and not caring to be stranded 
among strangers, he slept the second night of his 
stay in Chicago in a roundhouse. The next morn- 
ing he set out on foot for Milwaukee, applying for 
work among the farmers along the road. Being 
small of stature and unable to speak in the Eng- 
lish language, he labored under great disadvan- 
tage. One farmer where he sought employment 
remarked, "Why you are too little to do the bard 
work on a farm." When within about nine miles 
of Milwaukee, he stopped over night with a farm- 
er, who treated him very kindly. The evening 
of the third day found him in Milwaukee. The 
following day he came to Waukesha County, where 
he secured work on the farm of Benjamin Hunk- 
ins on section 10, in the town of New Berlin, the 
property now owned by .Toll n Stigler. Beginning 
April 6, 185.5, be remained in the employ of Mr. 
Hunkins until the close of the year, receiving for 
his services 811 per month. Upon settlement, 
however, his employer presented him with a ^20 
bill as a token of his appreciation of the faithful 
manner in which he had served him. His next occu- 
pation was cutting wood at fifty cents a cord; he 
continued at that work until spring opened, when 
he engaged to work for that well known pioneer, 
P. V. Monroe, beginning in April. 'Ihe win- 
ter of 1857 he began an apprenticeship at the 
cooper's trade with Mr. George Frank, remaining 
two winters and one summer. 

February 17, 1858, Mr. Verbrick was united in 
marriage with Maria Starke, a daughter of Pieter 
and Emily (Deering) Starke. Mrs. Verbrick is a 
native of I.sendyke, Province of Zeeland, Holland, 
where her birth occurred April 7, 1837. .She, too, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



871 



lost her father when a child of two summers, after 
which her mother became tlio wife of Francis Price, 
a native of IJelgium. Of tlie first marriage there 
were two children, Mrs. Vcrbrick and a younger 
sister, and of tiie second, live, of wliom four are 
living: .J.icob, who resides on the old homestead 
of his fatiier in Vernon Township; .lolin, who is a 
farmer of Waulcesiia Township; Sophia, wiio be- 
came the wife of iM. Powers, of Big Bend, Ver- 
non Townsiiip, and Stanchia, who wedded .John 
^'ick, a farmer residing on section 29, in the town 
of New Berlin. In 1854 this family emigrated to 
the United States; sailing from Rotterdam for New 
York on the Arnold Borninger, leaving the])ortof 
the former city on the 2i>lU of May, they arrived 
at quarantine in New York Bay, August S. A few 
days later the family was safely housed on a farm 
near Paterson, N. .1. Two years later they came 
to Wisconsin, locating in the town of New Berlin. 
The families had been acquainted in the old coun- 
try and the friendship was renewed, resulting in 
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Verhrick as related 
above. 

Mr. and Mrs. Verbrick began their domestic life 
with very little of this world's goods, but by un- 
tiring effort and frugality they have secured a com- 
fortable home. After completing his api)renticc- 
.ship Mr. \'erbrick rented a shop of a Mr. Nash, who 
resided on section 15. In 1860 he owned his own 
sliop. About a ([uarter of a century ago he ])ur- 
chased the home upon which he resides, a farm of 
four hundred and thirty-nine and forty-tliree hun- 
dredths acres on section 28, to which he has added 
ten acres lying in section 21. Of the farm al)out 
thirty acres remain in timber, while the rest is un- 
der cultivation, (iood buildings have been erected 
and other improvements made; a large barn was 
built in the summer of 1893, the interior of which 
is arranged in the most modern style. 

By economy and thiift Mr. \'erbrick and wife 
saved enough of their small earnings to pay the 
passage of the former's mother, brother and wife, 
step-brother and step-sister to this country in 186.'5. 
His venerable mother suffered a severe cold while 
on the trip, from the effects of which she never re- 
covered; she was laid to rest in New Yurk, the sad 
tidings being brought by his brother. In politics 



Mr. Verbrick is a Democrat, though he has never 
cared for official honors, preferring to devote his 
time to agricultural pursuits. With his family he 
belongs to St. .Joseph's Catholic Church of New 
Berlin. 

Mr. and Mrs. Verbrick have eight children, one 
having died in infancy. The living are: Emily, 
who became the wife of John Miller, is a resident of 
Waukesha; Rosalie, who is quite an accomplished 
dressmaker, is at home; William is serving .as Town 
Clerk of New Berlin, and is also Deputy Sheriff of 
the county; Peter is engaged in blacksmithing in 
New Berlin; Mary is one of Waukesha County's 
most successful teachers. At present she presides 
in No. 3, in Prospect, where she has tauglit contin- 
uously for four years. Her first school was taught 
at No. 1. She has taught four terms at North 
(Ireenfield, Milwaukee County; nine at No. 3, her 
present charge, and one at No. 8. She is an ac- 
complished and talented young lady, and a valued 
instructor, as her record shows. Stanchia, the next, 
is an accomplisjied musician; Celia (i. is a gradu- 
ate of the Union High School of Waukesha, and 
has received a second grade certificate as a teacher; 
Lizzie, the youngest, has a decided talent for 
music and is the pet of the household. The three 
last named are yet at home. 



'^\m\ 




dm 



T7> DWARD C. ORDWAY, a successful mill- 
1^ C) Wright and contractor, resiiling in the vil- 
lage of Ilartland, was born in Bradford, 
Orange County, Vt., on the 15th of April, 1843. 
His parents were Benjamin P. and Uouisa C. 
(Crook) Ordway, both of whom were natives of 
the Cireen Mountain State. The father, who was 
a mill-wright by trade, came with his family to 
Wisconsin in 1856, making the trip by rail .is far 
as Janesville. Going thence by team and wagon 
to Edgerton, Wis., he U>cated, and there worked 
at his trade until the dcalli of his wife, which oc- 
curred in 1862. After that sad event he removed 



872 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



with his children to Ilarlland, where he spent the 
leinaiiider of his days. He lived to attain the ad- 
vanced age of eigiity-tliree 3-eais, dying on tiie 8th 
of May, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Ordway's family 
consisted of four sons and two daughters, and in 
order of birth they were named Alvin, Mariett, 
Benjamin, Edward, Louisa, and Albert. 

Tlie gentleman wliose name appears at tiie be- 
ginning of this article spent his early boyhood in 
his native state, being a lad of thirteen years when 
he came with his parents to Wisconsin. His pri- 
mary education, which was obtained in the public 
schools, was supplemented by a course at Wayland 
Academy. When sixteen years old he became an 
apprentice to the trade of mill-wright, serving 
under his father and a brother, with whom he re- 
mained for a number of years. In 1871 Mr. Ord- 
way engaged in business on his own responsibilitj' 
in Hartland, doing mill-wright work and gen- 
eral contracting. He has been a very successful 
builder, having erected elevators and remodeled 
mills throughout Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. 
Of the elevators built by him some have a capacity 
of sixty thousand bushels, and the Hour mills have 
a capacity of from three to four hundred barrels. 
In addition to these interests he is also engaged 
in the real-estate business. 

On October 8, 1884, was celebrated the union 
of Mr. Ordway and Miss Martha Pawling, a daugh- 
ter of William T. and Charity (Ilayburn) Pawling, 
who were natives of Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs. Ord- 
way was born in the town of Merton, Waukesha 
County, and was one of seven children, the others 
being James, William, Mate, Charles, John and 
Emma. Mr. Ordway and wife have two children, 
Harold and Hazel, twins. P.oth are students in 
the Hartland School. 

The first Presidential vote of our subject was 
cast for Abraham Lincoln, since which time he has 
given his support to the Kepublican parly. He is 
a stanch believer in the principles advocated by it, 
and takes a lively interest in political affairs. He 
was one of the first trustees elected after the vil- 
lage of Hartland was incorporated, and has been 
called upon to serve iu various [lositions of official 
trust and honor. Socially he is a member of the 
Royal Arcanum, belonging to the Oconomowoc 



Chapter. He and his wife are true sympathizers 
with all measurescalculated to advance the welfare 
of the community in which they live, and are rep- 
resentative citizens of Waukesha County. 



-^-=-^=m>^^<m 



FR E \) E R I C' K A. WOLLIN, deceased, an 
early and well known citizen of Oconomo- 
woc, was born at Neitrobien, near Berlin, 
Germany, June 22, 1826. His father died when 
he was but a boy. His mother also passed away 
in her native country, though slie survived her 
husband for many years, and was again married. 
Frederick A. Wollin was the only child of his fa- 
ther, but b\- her second marriage his mother had 
several children. 

Mr. Wollin of this record learned the trade of a 
mason in the Fatherland, at which he worked in 
various cities of Germany, including Vriessen and 
I'jcrlin. On leacliing the age of twenty years he 
was called upon to render service to his country, 
and entering the army served four and a half 
years. 

In 1855 Mr. Wollin came to the United States, 
going to Oconomowoc in May of that year. He 
was for some time in jiartnership with William 
Wilke, and was engaged quite extensively in build- 
ing, doing much of the mason work in that city at 
that time. Later in life he turned his attention 
to other pursuits. 

On the 10th of April, 1859, the marriage of Mr. 
Wollin and Louisa Zanders was solemnized in 
Xonia, Wis. ftlrs. Wollin was born in (iermany, 
December 16, 18.'59. She lost her mother by death 
when she was six years old; her father le-married, 
and later she came with relatives to America. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wollin became the parents of eight chil- 
dren, seven of whom are living and are named as 
follows: Herman and Frank, residents of Chicago; 
Alvina and Ilulda, at home; Minnie, wife of Dr. 
Meyer, of Oconomowoc; Fred, in C'liicago, and 
Julius, at home. The dece.ised was Alma, who 
died in infancy. 

Mr. Wollin w.as a resi)ected citizen and was es- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



873 



teemed for his true worth. In politics lie was a 
Democrat, and socially' was identified with the In- 
depciidt'nt Order of Odd Follows, also a very pop- 
ular member of the Oconomowoc Mannerchor, ser- 
ving as their President up to the time of his death, 
which occurred at his home in Oconomowoc on 
the yth of October, 1891. 



-SI. 



^H^[ 



CZ^ X S. TrLLAR is a rising young lawyer of 
I I Waukesha, who has been in active practice 
of his pi-ofession for thirteen years, twelve 
of which have been si)ent, very successfully, in 
Waukesha. Mr. Tullar was born in Ea t Troy, 
Walworth County, Wis., December 20, 18.07, and 
is a son of .S. B. and Ruth (Bromagliim) Tullar. 
His father was born in Connecticut, August 22, 
1814, and his mother in Ogdcnsburg. N. Y., Au- 
gust 5, of the same 3'ear. They were married in 
the latter city and came from tliere to Wisconsin 
Territory in 1810. Their first settlement was made 
on Big Foot Prairie, in the southern part of Wal- 
worth County, but in 1850, they removed to East 
Troy, of the same county, where they still reside. 
Mr. Tullar, .Sr., was a farmer until thf! breaking 
out of tlie late war, when he entered the volunteer 
service of the United States, in Se|)leinber, 1861, 
as First Lieutenant of Company B, Sixteenth Wis- 
consin. Althougli in feeble health he commanded 
his company at the battle of Shiloh in the absence 
of the captain. During his service Mr. Tullar con- 
tr.acted the disease so common to the soldier, which 
becoming chronic necessitated his discharge from 
the army in the summer of 1862. .Since then the 
condition of his health has been such as to prevent 
his Inking part in active work or business. 

The sul)ject of this record was reared upon a 
farm and received a common school education. In 
187!) he entered the I^aw Dei)artment of Wis- 
consin State University at Madison, graduating 
from that institution in the Cl.ass of '«1. On com- 
pletion of his univei-sity course, Mr. Tullar came 
to Waukesha and was employed in the law oflice 
of lion. D. II. Sunnier until the following year. 



when he went to Port Washington and formed a 
law partnership witii I). .1. Hemlock. In 1883 
they came to Waiikeslia and formed a partnership 
with D. II. Sumner under the firm name of .Sum- 
ner, Tullar cfe IIemIo( k. Two years later Mr. Hem- 
lock willidrow from the firm, but Mr. Tullar main- 
tained the connection until IH'JO, since wliieli lime 
he has been alone in practice. 

On the 1st of Septeinl)er, 1H86, .Mr. Tullar was 
married in Chicago to Miss .Jessie Medbery. Mrs. 
Tullar was born in Albany, Green County, Wis., 
and is a daughter of Hiram Medbery. Mr. and 
Mrs. Tullar have two children, Maurice Sidney and 
Robert Jackson. 

In politics our subject is a Republican; he was 
elected District Attorney of Waukesha County, 
and held that office from 1888 to 1890; has been 
a member of the Waukesha \'illage Board five 
terms, and has been Village Attorney from 1884 
to 1891. Socially he is a member of Waukesha 
Lodge No. 46, K. of P., and a member of the Na- 
tional Union Lodge No. . '54, of Waukesha. He has 
succeeded in building up a large and increasing 
practice, and commands a respected position in the 
Waukesha County Bar. 



-^< /^ -^^ ^r- -^V^ -^ ^ ^W^ ffft -- W^ ^■'i ^ ' 

•■'iTf^ ^yie^ ''jtv ^.(*» «9R.> ^7i*« nn ^^R^ ^*«.. - 



JAMES POOLE, one of Waukesha's well 
known citizens, has been a resident of that 
village for more than half a century; the 
lime of his coming having been the 1.5th of 
November, 1842. Mr. Poole was born in Somer- 
setshire, England, May 24, 1819. He pleasantly 
remarked to the writer of this record, thai each 
anniversai-}' of his birth was observed with great re- 
joicing in England, and when the writer assumed 
a look of surprise that the day of his birth should 
be held in such high regard by the great English 
Nation, he further remarked that he and (^ueen 
Victoria were born the .<ame day; the explanation 
was entirely satisfactory. 

The parents of Mr. Poole were Robert and Mary 
(.South wood) Poole. Their family consisted of 
four children, two sous and two daughters, but 



874 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



one of the formier died in early childhood, so that 
our subject was the only male niembei of the 
family, who grew to mature years. The elder 
sister, Fllizabeth, married Phorcion Sparing and 
died in Englanfl a number of years ago. The 
younger sister, Joan, wedded John Mcar and came 
to the United States witli lier husband. They set- 
tled in Onondaga County. N. Y., where she died. 

James Poole learned tiie trade of blacksniitli in 
ills native country, where lie remained until twenty- 
two years of age. In 1841 lie emigrated to the 
United States, and after a stay of a few weeks in 
the city of New York, went to Skaneateles, Onon- 
daga County, N. Y., where he engaged in work at 
his trade. His marriage occurred at tiiat place on 
the Uh of July, 1842, the lady of his choice being 
Anne Paul, a native of the same town as himself, 
born January '2!l, 182.5, the same day as Thomas 
Payne. Mrs. Poole came to the United States in 
June, 1841, with her father's family, comprising 
parents and seven children, four sons and three 
daughters. The parents were John and Mary 
(House) Paul. In 1843 Mr. Paul removed to 
Waukesha County and settled in the town of 
Genesee, where he and his wife spent ttie remain- 
der of their lives. Their children are all living 
at this writing with the exception of one son, 
George Henry, who died the second year after the 
family came to Wisconsin. Mr. Poole's mother 
died in England when he was but a small boy; his 
father came to this country in 1842, residing at 
Skaneateles, N. Y., a few years, then removed to 
Waukesha where he died. 

In the autiimn of 1842, soon after their mar- 
riage, Mr. and Mrs. Poole settled in Waukesha, 
where he conducted the business of blacksmithing 
for many j'ears, being one of the first thus engaged 
in the village. Their union has been blessed with 
three ehildien, two of whom are living, namel3': 
Georgiana, born March 6, 1844. and Abram Henry, 
born January 7, 1847, both of whom are natives of 
Waukesha, and still reside there. The daughter 
became the wife of Joseph P. Phillips. Mr. and 
Mrs. Poole lost their first-born, a son, named 
Robert, whose birth occurred May :iO, 1843, and 
who died the 11th of June following. 

During the more than half a century that Mr. 



Poole and wife have resided in Waukesha, they 
have witnessed the growth of an unimportant 
frontier settlement into one of the most beautiful 
places in Wisconsin or the adjoining states. In 
the village where they have lived for so long, they 
have ever had the respect and esteem of all who 
knew them. In 1872 Mr. Poole visited his old 
home iu England, returning the following year. 



■ ^►- I -*^ ! 



FREDERICK NEHS, deceased, was one of 
the honored pioneers of Waukesha Coun- 
ty, and one who did perhaps more than 
any other toward the growth of Menomonee Falls. 
He was born in Bucks County, Pa., and was of 
Dutch extraction. On reaching years of maturity, 
he married Miss Beringer, who died before his em- 
igration to Wisconsin. In early life Mr. Nebs 
learned the miller's trade, and later owned and 
operated a mill of his own. He also carried on 
fanning to some extent. In 1844 he and his son, 
Jesse B.. came to this county to make a permanent 
settlement. Mr. Nebs had made several trips to 
Wisconsin prior to that time. Being a practical 
miller, he was impressed with the use to which the 
falls in the Menomonee River might be put, and 
accordingly purchased seven hundred and twenty 
acres of land for ^1.25 per acre, on which the falls 
were situated, and on which the village of Menom- 
onee Falls has been built. On this tract stood an 
old sash sawmill which he operated several }'ears. 
When the village sprang up it was proposed to 
name it Nehsvillc in honor of this pioneer, but he 
objected, preferring to have it named Menomonee 
Falls. In 1847 he erected the first house within 
the present limits of the village, which still stands, 
being a substantial stone structure. After coming 
to this county, Mr. Nehs was again married, the 
lady of his choice being Elizabeth Roth. His clul- 
dren, five in number, however, were born of the 
first marriage. The eldest, Jesse B., who came to 
this county with his father, erected in 1851 the 
large stone mill now known as the Menomonee 
Falls Roller Mill, having as partner M. D. Beriuger. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



875 



Five j-ears later he erected beside it a large stone 
resi(ience, wliich at tliis day is one of the best in 
tlie village. He w.as a public spirited, progressive 
citizen, who had the welfare of his eomniiinity at 
heart. His death occurred January 5, 1890, and 
was mourned by a large circle of friends and ac- 
(piaintances. For years he had followed surveying 
and teaching in Pennsylvania. The next child 
in order of birth in the family of Frederick Nehs 
was Mrs. Hannah Hodeiiberger, a resident of Me- 
nomonee Falls; Rebecca twin sister of Hannah, is 
dece.ised; Charles 15., >vho was also a prominent 
business man of Menonionce Falls, is dead. Mrs. 
Elvlna Leister is a resident of the same place. 

In his political views Frederick Nehs was an un- 
compromising Whig until the dissolution of that 
party, when he became as ardent a Republican. 
He and his wife were charter members of tlie 
Evangelical Association at Menomonee Falls. In 
the organization of the church he took an active 
part, .and donated the l)cautiful site on which the 
church cditice now stands. Mr. Nehs was a man of 
sterling worth, always foremost in every good work, 
and though he has joined the "silent majority," 
his influence lives and manifests itself through the 
rising generation. His death occurred on the 25th 
of .September, 1865, having reached the advanced 
age of eighty-two years, six months and twenty- 
seven days. The large estate left by this good 
man is for the most part possessed by his children, 
grandciiildren and great-grandchildren; but the 
most valuable heritage he left tliem was the good 
example of a well spent life. 



■^E 



WILLIAM A. WEBER of Waukesha is 
the owner and operator of Rethesda 
Brewery, which is located on North 
Street in that village. He is the only surviving 
son of .Stephen Wel)er. The latter was born in 
Bavaria, Germany, May 11, 1822, and was a son 
of Michael Weber. The parents of Stephen Weber 
never came to America, but spent their lives in 
their native land, Germany. Their family consisted 



of five children, two sons and three daughters, the 
son Stephen being the only one to emigrate to the 
United States. 

When about sixteen years of age, Stephen 
Weber began to learn the business of brewing, 
which he learned In a very thorough manner. In 
the syiring of 1848, he w.os married to Roslna 
.StriBbell. A few weeks after his marriage, he 
started with hi-s wife for America. They sailed on 
the good ship "A|)ollo," and were about seven 
weeks making the passage from Bremen to New 
York. In the city of Brooklyn Mr. Weber had a 
brother-in-law, .John Beck, living, and upon their 
arrival went directlj' there, and together the two 
families came to Milwaukee. Mr. Beck had been 
in Wisconsin, however, the same year where he 
had purchased land. On his return to Brooklyn 
for his family, he found Mr. Weber had arrived. 

The brothers-in-law worked for a time for other 
parties in the brewing business, but finally estab- 
lished a brewery of their own in Milwaukee. The}' 
continued in business together until 1862, when 
Mr. Weber sold his interest to his partner, and 
came to Waukesha, where he bought a small stone 
brewery on the site of the present fine structure. 
His business gradually increased, and in 1873, he 
removed the small brewer3- .and erected the present 
one. The business continued to grow, Mr. Weber 
remaining in active connection with it until 1884, 
when he retired from business and was succeeded 
by his son, the gentleman whose name heads this 
record. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Weber became the paftnts 
of seven children, but two of whom are now liv- 
ing. William A., born in the city of Milwaukee, 
October 1), 1857, and Barbara, born .Tanuary 17, 
I860. The latter is the wife of John Land of 
AVaukesha. The wife who accompanied Mr. Weber 
to this country, and who was the mother of alibis 
children, passed away March 21, 1868. He wjis 
married the second time in June, 1868, to Mar- 
garet Diebus, also a native of Germany. Mr. 
Weber is one of the well known citizens of Wau- 
kesha, where he h.as lived for more than thirty 
years. 

William A. Wel>er, as already stated, is a native 
of Milwaukee, but was but al)out live years of age 



876 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



wlien tlie family' removed to W.iukeslia. He at- 
tended tlie piitilic schools of tlie village and learned 
the art of brewing with his father. Since he came 
into possession of the property he has made im- 
portant and substantial im[)rovemenls, the latest 
of which is a fine office opposite the brewery build- 
ings at No. HI North Street. 

Mr. Weber's wife was formerly Miss Julia Dick, 
daughter of Killian Dick, a well known and es- 
teemed citizen of Waukesha, now deceased. He 
was formerly from Cologne, (ierniany. Mr. and 
Mi's. Weber have six children, four sons and two 
daughters, as follows: Stephen F., Killian, Marie, 
William A., Richard L., and Hose ^■il■ginia. 
William A. Weber is an energetic and successful 
business man, and a progressive citizen. 



■g Kaea e aes t^^i&^ -ag^i&^i^^g^i^^t^ 



HON. IIKNRY M. ACKLEY dales his resi- 
dence in Oeonomowoc from March, 1S57. 
lie is a native of the Empire State, hav- 
ing been born in .lefferson County, N. Y., on the 
12th of January, 1827, and is descended from old 
New England ancestry on both his father's and 
mother's side of the family. His father, (iad Ack- 
Icy, was born near Hartford, Conn., and lost his 
father at quite an early age. When a youth he 
went to the state of New York. He served as a 
c.'iptain in the War of 1812, and was prominently' 
identified with the militia of the state for a num- 
ber of 3'ears, commanding at one time, in the early 
days, a brigade, and was well known as Gen. Gad 
Aekley. He was married in New York to Mary 
Pond, who was born near Utica, and was a daugh- 
ter of Maj. liarnabas Pond. The Pond family were 
originally from Connecticut, belonging to an early 
New England family of English ancestry. Maj. 
P.arnabas I'ond served live years in the Revolu- 
tionary War. He was one of seven brothers, all 
of whom took an active part in the war for inde- 
pendence, and it is said that at no time during that 
war were there less than five of the brothers serv- 
ing in the ranks of the army. The family became 
early settlers of Oneida County, N. Y. (.iuite late 



in life the parents of our subject removed to St. 
Clair, Mich., where they passed the remainder of 
their lives. The mother died in the spring of 1856, 
and the father in March, 1865. Their family num- 
bered five children, four boys and one girl. Al- 
bert, the eldest, died in Jefferson County, N. Y., 
many years ago; Gad, the second, died in his 
youth while a student at school; Charles, the third 
son. is a resident of Walworth County. Wis.; and 
Mary, the only daughter, is the widow of Asliael 
Woodworth, of Milwaukee. 

As already stated, Mr. Aekley, of this record, 
came to Oeonomowoc in 1857. On his arrival he 
located upon a farm, which he conducted for three 
years, removing in 1860 to Nashotah Mission, 
where for five years he operated the farm and 
boarding-house in connection with the mission. 
In 18C5 lie moved to Oeonomowoc and engaged 
in the drug business, which he ccjiiductcd for four- 
teen years. In 1874 he also embarked in the lum- 
ber trade, which he followed luilil he retired from 
active business aliout 1884. 

December 29, 1856, Mr. Aekley was married, 
at Ellisburg, Jefferson County, N. Y'., to Miss Per- 
melia Reynolds, who died in 1864. In 1865 Mr. 
Aekley wedded Miss Josephine Hreck, daughter 
of Samuel Breck, who went to Nashotah in 1840. 
Mrs. Aekley is a niece of Rev. James Lloyd Breck, 
one of the founders of the Nashotah Mission. By 
his first marri.age Mr. Aekley has two daughters: 
Anna, wife of Rev. Muhlenhurg Breck, of .San 
Fran(risco; and Evangeline, wife of Dr. McBride, 
IJroprietor of the sanitarium at Wauwatosa, Wis. 
Two sons and two daughters have been born to 
the present union: Dr. Samuel Breck Aekley, of 
Oshkosh; Gabriella, Mary E. and Charles Breck 
Aekley. 

Mr. Aekley is numbered among the substantial 
citizens of Oeonomowoc, and is one who has taken 
a commendable interest in the material growth of 
his city and county. In an ollicial capacity he has 
served as Chairmau of his town, and represented 
hisdistrict in the sessionsof 1882-83-84. In 1880 
he w!is a delegate to the National Democratic Con- 
vention. He is now President of the Bank of 
Oeonomowoc. 

Mr. Ackle3- retired from active business a uum- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



877 



ber of years ago, and finds much leisure in which 
to gratify his taste for re;iding, being well in- 
formed on the general issues of the day. A num- 
ber of years since, with his wife .■uui their four chil- 
dren, lie made a trip to I'^urope, visiting tlie various 
places of interest in England, Ireland, Scotland, 
German^', Holland, Belgium, Austria, Italy and 
France. INIr. and Mrs. Ackley have a beautiful 
home but little removed from the shores of Lake 
La Belle, which commands a line view of that 
body of water. They and their family arc mem- 
bers of the Episcopal Church. 



3ME 



DK. AI-PHEl'S STOHEY (deceased) was one 
of the well known pioneers of the town 
of Summit. He was born in Rutland Coun- 
ty, V't., February 21, IHO,*?, and when about five 
years of age removed with his parents to the town 
of Lee, Oneida County, N. Y. There he grew to 
manhood, received a good education and studied 
medicine. For twenty-five years he was engaged 
in the practice of his profession. In 1824 he was 
married to Emily B. Smith, of Oneida County. 

In 1H14 Dr. Storey came to Wiscon.sin and set- 
tled on a farm in the town of Summit, Waukesha 
County, which he i)urchascd of Daniel McDonald, 
one of the pioneers of the town. After coming 
west he adopted the vocation of farming, and only 
practiced his profession among his neighbors and 
friends, without conipensation. 

Dr. Storey was highly esteemed foi- his many 
excellent ([ualities of mind and heart. Ue was 
noted for his charity and public spirit. lie served 
his fellow-citizens in a number of town offices, be- 
ing Treasurer for fifteen years. A strict temper- 
ance man, he took an active part in whatever 
tended to promote the best interests of the com- 
munity. At his home in the town of Summit, on 
the ;')th of September, 1881, Dr. Storey was called 
to his final rest. 

Dr. and Mrs. Store^' became the parents of four 
sons and a daughter: Daniel S., ihe eldest, is a res- 
ident of Minneapolis, Minn.; Almoii W.. the next, 



died at his home in Summit Township on the 3d 
of April, 1889. He left seven children, his wife 
having died a number of years before. Clark M., 
the third son, is living at Cowles. Neb.; Mary E., 
the only daughter, is the next in order of birth. 
Jay, the second of the children in order of birth, 
died at the age of seven years, his death occurring 
before the removal of the family from thi! state of 
New York. 

Mrs. Storey still resides at the home where her 
husband died. .She was born on the 20th of June, 
1803, and at this writing is ninety-one years of 
age, being the oldest person in the town of .Sum- 
mit. Mrs. Storey bore the maiden name Emily B. 
Smith, and was a daughter of Levi and Mercy 
(Trcadway) Smith. She retains her faculties re- 
markably well for one so far advanced in life, and 
is widely known as "Grandma .Storey." She is 
beloved and esteemed by both old and young. 
Grandma Storey resides with her daughter, who 
has had charge of Summit Centre Postoflice for 
many years. 

' — ^ m^ — . 



T. SMYTHE comes of a good old Scotch- 
Irish family, mingled with the pure blood 
of English cavaliers on his father's side. 
He was born at Fiedericton, New Brunswick, May 
18, 1862. As a lad he spent most of his time in 
the barracks of the soldiers, his military proclivi- 
ties being derived from those e.a'riy associations 
with the redcoats. He was educated for a time by a 
maiden lady liviiij^ iicai- tlic barracks, a Miss Hart. 
When but seven yc.'irs of age his parents removed to 
Boston, where he attended the public schools, grad- 
uating from the Packard School. He spent two 
years under private tutelage, when he entered Ra- 
cine Grammar .School, where he learned to love that 
great and good man, DeKoven. He then entered 
St. .Stei)hen's College, where hegia<luated with hon- 
ors. He wasalso a "Mc\'icar man" at .\nnandale, 
the highest distinction that can be acquired. 

After completing his college course, Kev. Mr. 
Sniythe entered upon his theological training ,and 
was ordained to the Deacouate in 1885, and a 



878 



PORTJRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



year later, to the piiestliood of the cliurch. While 
he has kept up his llieohjgical training and gained 
some distinction in that particular line, Mr. Sraythe 
is Cliristian and Churchman enough to believe 
tlial his reputation will rest wholly on what, un- 
der God, has been a remarkable work accomplished 
by him at Delalield, for he has succeeded, whilst 
combining the rigorous methods of the Knglish 
schools and military discipline, in exciting the 
most sympallielic and enthusiastic love on the 
part of the pu|)ils of St. .John's Militar\' Academy. 



^T^ I'.RAM \V. \AM)ERPOOL. an honored 
r — \ piniieer of Waukesha County, and an old 
and esteemed settler of New Berlin Town- 
ship, is a native of Knox, Albany Count}', N. Y., 
where his birtli occurred September 20, 1833. His 
parents, William and Levina (V^anvenscoten) Van- 
derpool, had nine children, live boys and four 
girls, of whom Ixil four survive. George J., the 
eldest, is living retired in Waukesha; Abram W., 
the second in order of birth, is the subject of this 
article; Harriet, the next, married James Murphy, 
a farmer of New Berlin Township; Gertrude, the 
youngest living, became the wife of Alfred Mar- 
tin, an agriculturist of Iowa, but for man}' years 
a resident of the town of New Berlin. 

The gentleman whose name appears at the be- 
ginning of this biography was reared and educated 
in his native village. His father, who was a shoe- 
maker by trade, had the great misfortune to lose 
liis eyesight when his son was but eleven years 
old. At the time of the accident he was cradling 
in the harvest held, and though bereft of his sight, 
completed a day's work. He was born m 1804, 
and died in February, 18,59, while his wife, who 
was a native of the town of Knox, Alban}' Coun- 
ty, N. v., was burn in IKll and died in .lanuary, 
1874. Side by side they lie in the cemetery at 
Vernon Center. During the summer when but 
eleven years of age young Abram began a career 
of which he may justly feel proud. He secured 
work on a farm, and for his service was to receive 



$3 per month and to be allowed four months' 
schooling. Unfortunately, however, his employer 
was taken ill which compelled the boy to remain 
out of the schoolroom. 

In the spring of 1847 the family emigrated to 
Wisconsin, going first to Schenectady, thence to 
Buffalo on the Erie Canal, and from there to Mil- 
waukee on the propeller "Nile," landing at Dous- 
man's pier May 5, 1847. On her next trip, made 
a few weeks later, this boat sunk off Buffalo. I'pon 
their arrival in the Cream City the ca|>ital of the 
entire famil}' comprised but $6. After spending 
one night there the father and his sons went to 
Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, in search of em- 
ployment. The former cut wood for a Mr. Sum- 
mers of that place for fifty cents per cord until 
harvest time, then went into the field. Our sub- 
ject secured work at gardening, receiving three 
shillings per day. In November of that year they 
removed to the town of Vernon, Waukesha Coun- 
ty, where the father bought forty acres of land 
from a Mr. Webster. It was in timber and stumps, 
a part of it having been cut oft, and here began 
in earnest the work of developing a farm. The 
first winter here was made memorable by the death 
of three of the children, but on the coming of 
spring the family enjoyed better health. Here 
they resided some four years, going in 1852 to the 
southeast school section in Vernon Township, 
where they purchased one hundred and sixty acres 
of land upon which both father and mother spent 
their last da3s. 

Mr. Vanderpool was married on the .5111 of Sep- 
tember, 1857, to Miss Rebecca Martin, who was 
born in Sussex, Knglind, January 15, 1838. With 
her parents, Thomas and Mildred (Ede) Martin, 
she emigrated to America when five j'ears old. 
The}' took passage at Liver|)ool for (Quebec, and 
were six weeks in crossing the Atlantic. From 
Quebec the family went to Brandford. Canada, 
where they resided for seven years. At the ex- 
piration of tiiat time they came to this county and 
settled in Muskego Township upon a rented farm. 
Her father died at the age of sixty-three years, 
while her mother passed away in 1885 at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-four. She was a remarkable- 
bright and energetic woman, and throughout her 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



879 



life took great pleasure in telling of the corona- 
tion of (Jueen Victoria, which event she h:ul wit- 
nessed in early life. 

To Mr. and Mrs. N'anderixjol live children were 
born, as follows: Emma A., October 3, 1858, is the 
wife of William McUolt, a Methodist minister of 
Palmyra, Wis.; Klmer E., October ."JO, 1860, is still 
at home; Mary L., September 27, 1862, became the 
wife of L. S. Winton.a prominent younj; merchant 
of Prospect Mill; Nellie M., May .'i, 1867, wedded 
.lames Kil|iatrick, a farmer of Rochester, Wis.; 
Walter W., October 2.5, 1872, is the popular clerk 
in his brother-in-law's store at Prospect Mill. 

In P'ebruary, 1857, Mr. Vanderpool purchased 
his present farm of eight>' acres, situated on sec- 
tion ;^3,upon which he erected a commodious resi- 
dence in 1876. His farm with all its surroundings 
betokens the care and thrift of the owner. 

Mr. ^'anderpool cast his first Presidential ballot 
for Gen. .John C. Fremont, but of iate years has 
given his su])port to the Prohibition party. He 
has served his town as Treasurer of the school dis- 
trict, holding that position for three years. Mr. 
and Sirs. Vanderpool and their family are consist- 
ent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
of Waukesha. 



H( »N. .JOHN N. CADBY. The true history 
of a countrj- is best told in the individ- 
ual lives of those who iiave aided in its 
development, and to give a correct account of the 
events connected with the growth and progress of 
Waukesha County, the biography of the above 
named gentleman, who isone of the leading old set- 
tlers and earliest ])ioneers of Merton Township, is 
given a prominent place. Mr. Cadby is a native of 
Ontario County, N. Y., his birth occurring in Can- 
andaigua. December 10. 1818, he being the second 
in a family of three children who.se parents were 
John W. and Minerva Phelps (Adams) Cadby. 
Of this family he is now the only survivor, his 
sisters lK>tli having passed away, Caroline in in- 
fancy, and Sarah .S. on the 25th of March, 181)2. 



The latter became the wife of Hon. S. S. Case, one 

of the best known citi/.ens of Waukesha County. 
He was a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and a man of 
liberal attainments. In politics he was at first a 
strong Whig, later an Abolitionist, and on the 
rise of the Republican party became an advocate 
of its measures. By his parly he was selected to 
fill various official positions; in his native place 
he served as Cit}' Clerk, and later was sent to the 
Legislature. In 1842 he came to Wisconsin, lo- 
cating in the town of Morton, where he resided 
until 1816, then removing to Genesee Township. 
He was a member of the Constitutional Ctjnven- 
tion in 1848, and helped to prepare the Articles of 
the Constitution adopted by the state. The latter 
part of Mr. Case's life was spent in Mauston, Ju- 
neau County, Wis., where his death occurred on 
the .SOth of March, 1878. Both himself and wife 
were devout members of the Episcopal Church. 

Our subject's father, John W. Cadby, was born 
in Birmingham, F^iigland, where he was reared to 
the life of a manufacturer. However he did not 
follow a trade but entered the British Navy, where 
he was an officer for a number of years prior to 
emigration to the United .States. His wife, who 
was born in Castleton, Rutland County, Vt., about 
179!), died in 18B2. Her father, Peletiah Adams, 
was a hero in the Revolutionary War, and her 
brother, Oliver .S. Adams, served as a soldier in 
the War of 1812. rntil the age of fourteen years 
John N. Cadby attended school in his native city, 
but at that age began a career that is worthy of 
emulation. The first wages he earned were $4 per 
month, being but thirteen years old. He made his 
home with a farmer by the name of Dan forth 
Booth, with whom he remained until he re.-iched 
twenty years, at that time leaving hiin because 
of his tyrannical treatment. He then hired out 
as a laborer during the summer season, but in the 
winter attended .school. When twenty-three Mr. 
Cadby entered the Canandaigua Academy, an in- 
stitution widely known throughout the state, but 
the next year went to Hiiffalo with the intention 
of continuing his studies. However, in .Septem- 
ber of that year, 1842, he concluded to come west- 
ward, and indue time arrived In Milwaukee, which 
was then a village of some fifteen hundred in- 



880 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



habitants, having made the trip by way of the 
lakes. In Milwaiii<ee he found Hon. S. .S. Case 
liis lnutlici-in-law, who liad taken a claim of two 
liundi-ed and forty acres of wild land for liiuiself, 
and another of a hundred and sixty .icres for Mr. 
Cadb^', in what is now known as Merlon Town- 
ship. Our subject commenced m Waukeslia Coun- 
ty witli but !853, and for the possession of his 
claim, whicii ha 1 been •■jumped by a sfiualter," he 
had to give this amount, iiis watch and a note for 
*8(). But he had come to Wisconsin to make a 
home and was not to be discouraged, and in order 
to free himself from debt, as well as develope his 
land, set zealously at work. 

On the 14tli of September, 1847, in Tliompson, 
Conn., was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cadhy 
and Miss Almira, daughter of John and Sallie 
(Sumner) Trowbridge. Mrs. Cadby was liorn at 
Ashford, Windham County, that state, December 
18, 1825, and acquired hereducation in her native 
place, where she resided until eighteen years of 
age, at that time coming to Wisconsin, in which 
territory her sister, Mrs. Elisha Pearl, lived. Mr. 
and Mrs. Cadby's family comprised two sons and 
one daughter. Tlieir eldest, .lolin Trowbridge, who 
was born on the .'id of April, 1851, died Decem- 
ber 11, 18'.)3. He was a man of good education, 
having supplemented his public school training by 
attendance at the White Water Normal School. 
For a wife he chose Miss Knuna Mead, a native of 
this county, who bore him two children, John N. 
and M3'ra M. At the time of his death he was en- 
gaged in merchandising at Muscoda, Wis. He 
was a successful business man and a most worthy 
citizen. Their only daughter, Lillic A., born Jan- 
uary 3, 1853, was also a student in the White 
Water Normal School, and after leaving that in- 
stitution was for seven terms a teacher in tile 
schools of her native county, being in that time 
the Primary teacher in the schools of Pewaukee 
and Merton. She became the wife of A. H. Dewey 
a farmer residing near Manchester, Ontario Coun- 
ty, N. Y., and h.as three children; John Il.,ayouth 
of seventeen who is a student in the Methodist Semi- 
nary at Lima, N. Y., while Henry C. and Ruth A. 
are at home. The second son and the youngest 
in the Cadby family, Howard Sumner, born Novem- 



ber 6, 1859, is a prosperous agriculturist of Jackson 
County, Wis. He was a student in Wayland Acad- 
emy at Beaver Dam, Wis., and after leaving that 
institution took a Commercial Course. For a time 
he had a |)osition as a liook-keeper in Chicago. 
His wife hIio bore the maiden name of Minnie 
Dunn, was a native of Jackson County, Wis. He 
is, as was also his brother, a Republican in politics. 
When Mr. and Mrs. Cadby began their domes- 
tic life they lived in the log-cabin which he had 
early erected on his claim. To the original house 
which was 12x11 feel in size, the husband had built 
an addition the dimensions of which were 16x22 
feet. It was here that the}' spent the early years of 
their mai ried life, which were among the happiest 
they have ever exi)erienced. To make a bedstead 
Mr. Cadby took 2x4 inch scantling which he placed 
in notches cut in the logs, binding them together 
at the opposite end by a rope passed through a 
hole made in the timber. For a head-board be- 
tween his and his mother's bed a hat box, which 
did duty as a bureau, served. The major part of 
the house furnishings were of home manufacture, 
a slab with legs answering for a chair, while their 
dining table was made of common pine boards. 
They had but little means to expend in fitting up 
their home, and but few tools with which to work. 
When they first located in the town of Merlon 
there were not more than seven cabins in their 
vicinity, while the PottawatXomie and Winnebago 
Indians were quite numerous, there being on the 
trail near the Schlicher estate some seveu or eight 
lodges. Mr. Cadby and his wife have often driven 
an ox team to church and singing school, their 
first wagon being one of home manufacture, the 
wheels of which were made by sawing off the end 
of a log. In the fall of 1843, he sold eight}- acres 
of land in order to get monej' with whicli to carry 
on improvements on his farm, but in 1855 he 
purchased another eighty lying in the town of 
Lisbon. However, he has in recent years disposed 
of all of his landed possessions, except the home- 
stead in Merton. In those early da^-s their near- 
est postotllce was at Waukesha, then known as 
Prairie vi lie, whither Mr. Cadby would go on foot 
for letters. On one occasion as he was returning 
from the village he sat down on a log to rest and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



881 



fell asleep; this threw him into the night in 
getting home. He used to hold the breaking plow, 
to which he someliines liad as many as four yoke 
of oxen hitched, for live sliillinirs per day. He 
related one experience that well .shows some of 
111? many inconveniences which the jiioneer.s had 
to pass througli. At the time he was breaking 
prairie in Washington County he stayed with a 
pioneer Irish family by the name of McCormick 
who lived in a cal)in 10x12 feet in size which was 
covered with marsh hay. This one little room 
was parkir, dining-room, kitchen and bed-room for 
the family which was composed of seven members. 
Besides these seven people there were five gos- 
lings, a pig and an old rooster that remained in 
the house at night. But out of these conditions 
he and his wife have lived to see Waukesha Coun- 
ty take a position among the foremost counties in 
the state, while for natural beauty of location and 
scenery it is not excelled in many states. 

Mr. Cadby was in early life an old line Whig, 
then a strong .Vbolitionist, and afterward a Repub- 
lican, his first Presidential vote being cast in the 
old Harrison and Tyler campaign. In an ollicial 
capacity he has been prominently identified with 
the various interests of his county, and in ever3' 
position to which he has been called he has proven 
an able ollicer and a tireless worker. For a rpiar- 
ter of a century he has been connected with the 
schools of Mellon Township as District Clerk and 
as Director. In the building of the first, second, 
third and present schoolhouses in that town, he 
has been actively identilied. A warm friend of the 
public school he is ever ready to give his support 
to any and all measures that are calculated to add 
to their efliciency. In 1865, Mr. C'adhy wascliosen 
to represent the towns of Oconomowoc, Summit, 
Merton and Delafield in the Assembly. This ses- 
sion was held just at the close of the war, and was 
made memorable by the ratitication of the Emanci- 
pation Proclamation, in which Mr. Cadby's vote 
was registered for the adoption of anti-slavery 
principles in Wisconsin. In 1«6.'5-C1 there were 
but five members on the County Board, our sub- 
ject being selected to represent the towns of Ocon- 
omowoc, Summit, Merton and Delatield for two 
successive years. Of that original Board compris- 
34 



ing five members, Mr. Cadby is the only survivor. 
In religious faith he and his good wife are mem- 
bers of and zealous workers in the 15ai)tist Church. 
He was the prime mover in securing the erection 
of the lirst cliiueh built by that denomination in 
Merton, circulating the paper for subscriptions as 
early as 18r)4. He was elected Clerk of the church 
in 184.'5, and is the present incumbent, having filled 
that olliee for over a half-century, a record that 
possibly has not a second in the state. As Super- 
intendent of the liuptist Sunday-school of Merton 
he has served for over thirty years, and f(tr a score 
of years led the choral singing in the same church. 
He has been and is yet one of the pillars of the 
church, ever ready to do any service for the ad- 
vancement of the Master's cause. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cadby are nuiiibeied among the leading citizens of 
Merlon Township, in which there is possibly but 
one other who has been longer a resident of that 
town than he. They are passing their declining 
years in their comfortable home in the village of 
Merlon, where Ihe^' are surrounded by hosts of 
warm friends, who revere and honor them for the 
purity of their lives. 



ISi 



.......^«4 JSJ 



t^ DUAHDI'OKTKK. For almost a lialf-cen- 
C) tu ly Mr. Porter has been actively- and prom- 
inently identified with the development 
of Waukesha County, and in fact of this part of 
the state. He is a native of Kngland, born Sep- 
tember 9, 1818, and fifth in order of birth in a 
family of eleven children, con)i)rising five sons 
and six daughters, of whom he is the onl}' survivor. 
His jiarents, Christopher and Klizabeth (Warcup) 
Porter, passed their entire lives in England, the 
father being a member of the Iving's Guard. Chris- 
topher Porter was a yeoman, being a man who 
took much interest in agricultural pursuits. Both 
husband and wife were members of the Church of 



882 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



England, and in politics tlie former was a Tory. 

Edward Porter, the subject of this article, was 
reared in "Merrie England" his life there being 
spent in farm labor, llis education was for the 
most part obtained by personal application and 
observation. It was in 1845 that he bade adieu 
to home and kindred and turned his face toward 
the New World, having become convinced that it 
offered a wider field for operation for a young 
man of small means than could be enjoyed in liis 
native land, lie sailed from the city of Mull, and 
after a voyage of seven weeks and three days' du- 
ration landed at Montreal witli but two sovereigns 
in his jjocket. However, possessed of that will 
and determination so characteristic of his coun- 
trymen, he soon found emi)loymcnt. While in 
Montreal his reputation of being a fine horseman 
and agriculturist reached the Adjutant-General of 
Canada, who offered him a position in the Gov- 
ernment employ, which he accepted and there re- 
mained three years. To his fatlier he was indebted 
for the practical training that had resulted in such 
a varied knowledge of farming and all blanches 
connected therewith. While in this position in 
Montreal, Mr. Porter began to lay the foundation 
of his future fortune in America. As a veteri- 
nary surgeon he learned many things that were 
beneficial to him in after years. 

In Toronto, Canada, Mr. Porter wedded Miss 
Elizabeth Hetheringtou, a native of Cumberland, 
who came to America when achild, their marriage 
occurring on the 31st of December, 18-lG. Of this 
union six children, all daughters, were born, but 
of whom only two are now living. Elizabeth A., 
who is at home, was educated in the common 
schools and at Carroll College. Mary E., who be- 
came the wife of Edward Foster, was also educa- 
ted in the public schools and Carroll College, t-he 
is possessed of artistic talent, especially in the line 
of oil painting. The deceased children are two that 
died in iufancj'; Jane F., who was liberall}' educated 
in Carroll College and became the wife of Dr. J. 
G. H.adfield, died April IS, 1893; and Fannie B., 
the youngest of the familj-, who was a bright girl, 
died May 14, 1874, at the age of fifteen years. 
Mr. Foster is a wool buyer, and also makes a spe- 
cialit}' of fine grades of sheep. They have one 



little daughter, Mary E., known in the home as 
Bessie, who is the [)etand pride of her grandfather. 
Mr. and Mrs. Foster reside at the old homestead, 
he having charge of Mr. Porter's farming inter- 
ests. 

In 185ft Mr. and Mrs. Porter came to Waukesha 
County, which was then not far removed from a 
wilderness, the first settlements liaving been made 
in the county in 1834. The first work he did in 
Wisconsin was to aid in the construction of the 
first railroad built in the state, the Milwaukee ife 
Mississippi; this still has existence in this coun- 
ty in the Prairie du Cliien Division of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee it St. Paul Railway, which was the out- 
growth of a desire on the part of Milwaukee for 
better communications, than plank roads could af- 
ford, with the surrounding territory upon which 
she was depending for her commercial greatness. 
The Superintendent of the road, in asking him to 
assist, said, "Porter, cannot you run a stationary 
engine.'" to which he replied "I do not know the 
first principles of engineering and I will have to 
go to school awhile", but the Superintendent an- 
swered, "Yes you can, for you never have failed 
3'et in anj'thing, and you can do this." Such was 
the confidence he had in the ability of Mr. Porter, 
which after events showed he had not over esti- 
mated. He commenced to work for what is now the 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway in 1850, and ran 
an engine for twelve years. His business was the 
collecting of fuel for the railroad, having over 
• six hundred miles to superintend, including the 
following branches: from Milwaukee to LaCrosse; 
Milwaukee to Prairie du Chien; Milwaukee to 
Berlin; Milwaukee to Watertown; and Milwaukee 
to Columbus. When he left the service he had 
control of ninety workmen. 

About this time a Mr. Burchard, one of the di- 
rectors of the railroad, who owned a farm of one 
hundred and sixty acres near the village of Wau- 
kesha, offered to rent it to Mr. Porter, as he had 
learned that he was a farmer. In company with a 
Mr. Russel, a friend of his, Mr. Porter rented the 
farm for three years, and for the use of this 
they paid ^200 annually. English grit and enter- 
prise were shown in the management of this un- 
dertaking, of which the gentlemen made a signal 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



883 



success. At the end of the three years Mr. Porter 
liad for his share !Ji3,200. 

At tliis time lie made a proposition to Mr. 
Burehard to piircliase the farm of liim, to which 
the latter answered, ''No sir, I will never sell it to 
a man who will cut a farm up into oiihin heds." 
However Mr. Porter linally Ixjiight it, which he 
considered one of the best day's work he had done 
since coining to Waukesha County. In 1857 he 
purchased four hundred acres in the town of 
Waukeslia, for which he paid ^20,000, or rather 
promised to pay, as he went in debt for the full 
amount, lie had no thought of pa3ing for the 
land, but fortune favored him and within ten 
yeai's the enlire debt was canceled. About the 
time that this investment \vas made Mr. Porter be- 
gan raising horses. On the breaking out of the 
Civil AVar a few years later, the demand for horses 
so increased the |)rice of them that he was enabled 
to dispose of his for ^8,000, which w.as applied on 
the indebtedness on the farm. There are few par- 
allel cases to be found in the county, or for that 
matter in many counties. From a horse purchased 
in 1857 grew the circumstances that have made 
him the man of wealth that he is. About 18G5, 
Mr. Porter decided to invest in sheep, and accord- 
ingly went to Canada and brought back a cargo 
comprising the Cotswold variety, which was the be- 
ginning of his flocks. After a time he changed 
the breed, making another trip to Canada to se- 
cure the desired kind. With the increase of the 
flocks bought on these two trips, Mr. Porter com- 
pleted the p.ayments on his land. Besides this 
property he owns one hundred and sixty acres in 
Tremi)ealeau County. 

In his political faith he has supported the Re- 
publican party since its organization, but in early 
life was a Whig. In an official cap.icity he has 
served his town as Chairman of the Board of Su- 
pervisors for a number of years; w.as also Presi- 
dent of the Waukesha County Agricultural Society- 
for many years. lie has taken a lively interest 
in the success of the cause of education; is a warm 
friend of the public schools, .and was one of the 
Trustees of Carroll College for a number of years. 
In religious belief Mr. Porter with his family be- 
longs to the ^Methodist Episcopal Church. On the 



31st of December, 1887, his good wife passed away. 
He is a man who has done much for the advance- 
ment of the community in which he has resided 
for so many years. Honorable and upright in all 
the relations of life, be commands the respect and 
high regard of all who know him. Mr. Porter 
has been a reinarkalily active man, but is now liv- 
ing a retired life, at his comfortable brick residence 
in the eastern limits of tin; village of Waukesha. 



_OS3 



^=t^%8S«|-^i"i^li^#i 



Z50- 



Pp DWARD HENRY PAIGE, artist and plio- 
I Cy tographer, has been a resident of Wauke- 
sha since January 1, 1884. Mr. Paige is 
a native of Buffalo, N. Y., where he was born the 
27th of August, 1861. His father, Edward II. Paige, 
senior, is also a photographer, and has conducted 
that business in the city of Buffalo for many years. 

E. II. Paige, Jr., grew to manhood in his native 
cit3', was educated in the public schools, and at an 
early age became a student of photography under 
the instruction of his father. In 1880, when he 
attained the age of nineteen years, he started with 
his camera on a tour through tlie Middle States 
and Canada, viewing much of the interesting 
scener^^ along his line of travel. 

In 1883 accrompanied by another youth with 
artistic tastes, he made a trip to Europe. He had 
long before conceived a fancy for German pictures 
and it was to gratify his desire in that regard that 
induced him to take this tour. He traveled quite 
extensively through (Jermany and Holland, re- 
ceiving instruction from (Jerman artists in Trier 
and also at Brussels. For some time he remained 
at Luxemburg, besides visiting other important 
cities of Europe. 

As stated, Mr. Paige located in Waukesha in 
1884. He had previously visited the pl.ace and 
being favorably impressed with the village as a 
suitable location, made his arrangements accord- 
ingly. His reputation as an excellent artist is well 
known. He aims to keep abreast of the times in 
all branches of his business. The past six years 
his brother, F. Gay Paige, has been associated with 



884 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



him. They have pleasant rooms at 706 Clinton 
Street. Mr. Paige was married in Waukesiia on 
June 30, 1885, to Miss Daisy Ware, daughter of 
William J. AVare (deceased) He has been active 
in lodge work, being connected with tiie Knights 
of Pythias and the Masonic fraternity of Waukesha. 

JT^ DWARD E. MUCKLESTON, a representa- 
r^ C\ tive and prosperous farmer residing on 
section 26, of the town of Dclafield, is a 
son of Edward and Ann (Edwards) Muckleston, na- 
tives of North Wales. The latter was a cousin of the 
great Welsh poet, Carogg Hughes, also of the Rev. 
.lohn Hughes, A. M.. a noted divine of the Welsh 
Methodist E^piscopal Church of Liverpool. Mr. 
Muckleston worked in the coal mines in Wales 
until his emigration to America. Thinking he 
could more rapidly accumulate in the New World, 
he decided to cast his lot there. In the fall of 
1846, accompanied b^' his famil}', he embarked 
aboard a sailing vessel at Liverpool, England, and 
after a very rough voyage anchor was finally cast 
in the harbor of New York. Proceeding by way 
of the Hudson River, Erie Canal and on the lakes 
to Port Gilbert now Racine, they there remained 
for three months, then came on to Waukesiia Coun- 
ty-. Their first winter in Wisconsin was spent at 
the home of Mr. Owens, and in the following spring 
Mr. Muckleston bought eighty acres of Govern- 
ment land, paying %1.25 per acre, on section 26, 
Delafield Township. He immediately erected a 
log-house and a small barn, and began to improve 
his farm. Later he made two additions to his 
original purchase; one of forty acres at a cost of 
*500, and another of twenty acres at a cost of -^600. 
Here both parents spent their last days, the mother 
dying in April, 1877, and the father in October, 
1884, at the age of eighty-two vears. Of their six 
children there are two living besides our subject, 
namely: Allen, a farmer of the town of Wauke- 
sha, and John, a farmer of Pewaukee. Those de- 
ceased bore the names of Elizabeth, Alice, and 
David. 
Edward E. Muckleston is a native of this coun- 



ty, born in the town of Delafield on the 20th of 
July, 1848. lie was reared on his father's farm, 
and received his education in the district schools. 
At the home where he now lives, his marriage to 
Miss Jennie James was solemnized, October 20, 
1886. Mrs. Muckleston's birthplace was in Breck- 
nockshire, Wales, where she passed her girlhood. 
Her parents, John and Ann (Davis) James, who 
died when she was very young, had six children. 
In 1885, she emigrated to this country, landing at 
Philadelphia, Pa., in June. From that city she 
continued her journey to Jancsville, Wis., where 
her aunt, Mrs. Spence, resided, witii whom she 
remained until her marriage. 

In political faith Mr. Muckleston is a stanch 
advocate of the measures of the Republican jiarty. 
Since casting his first Presidential ballot forOrant, 
each successive candidate of the party has received 
his support. He has served in the capacity of 
Side Supervisor of his town, but prefers to devote 
his time and attention to his own personal affairs. 
Mr. and Mrs. Muckleston are members of and ac- 
tive workers in the Calvanistic Methodist Church, 
to the support of which they contribute freely. 









RICHMOND S. GREENGO, builder of as- 
phalt walks and gravel roofs, of Wauke- 
sha, was born in the town of Lisbon, Wau- 
kesha County, December 8, 1851. He is a son of 
Jesse and Mary A. (Potter) Greengo, both natives 
of Kent, England, where they were reared and 
married, and where they lived until 1841, when 
they came to the I'nited States. In England the 
father was a hop dryer, but after coming to this 
country, engaged in agricultural pursuits, buying 
a farm in Lisbon Township upon which he still 
lives, at the advanced age of eighty-nine 3-ears. 
His wife passed from among the living in 1885, 
aged sixty-five years. Both husband and wife 
were devout members of the Episcopal Church. 
In political sentiment the former supported the 
measures of the Republican party. In their fam- 
ily there were eleven chiklren, comprising six sons 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



885 



and five daughters, of whom the youngest three 
were born in the United Slates, and of whom nine 
are known to be living at tliis writing. 

Richmond S., the subject of this article, is the 
youngest member in the above famil\-. lie grew 
up on his father's farm, and received his education 
in the country schools. He remained at home un- 
til the age of twent3'-one years, then went to Chi- 
cago, where for two years he was employed as an 
engineer. In fact he ran an engine for seven 
years. On the Gth of M.a^-, 1875, Mr. Grcengo 
was united in marriage with Miss Mary W., daugh- 
ter of Henry Raker, and a native of the town of 
Ottawa. Of this union two daughters have been 
born, Lilly Belle and Clara Beatrice. 

Upon his marriage, Mr. Oreengo purchased eigh- 
ty-seven acres of his father's farm and eng.aged 
in fanning, residing there until 1888, when he re- 
moved to Waukesha and began work at his present 
business. He has laid most of tiie asphalt walks 
in tlie village which aggregate several miles. In 
his i)resent line of work Mr. Oreengo has been 
very successful. 

In politics he is a Republican, though he has 
never cared for otlicial distinction, preferring to 
devote his time and energies to his personal in- 
terests. Socially he is a member of the I\Iasonic 
fraternity. Mr. and Mrs. Oreengo have a com- 
fortable home in the village of Waukesha, which 
is the result of careful man.agenienl and good in- 
vestment. He h.as made his home in this county 
all his life, and is numbered among the represent- 
ative citizens. 



? I I I ' I I I I 



WILLIAM II. ROWE, M. D., of Wauke- 
sha, homeopathic physician and sur- 
geon, has been engaged in the practice 
of bis profession in tiiat village since May, 1886. 
He is a native of Waukesha County, born at Me- 
nomonee Falls, April 2(1, 18."»(!. He is a son of 
Robert S. Rowe a well known citizen, and for 
man^' j'ears a leading business man of Menonioiiee 
Falls. The paternal grandparents of Dr. Rowe, ^ 



Abner and Mary Rowe, emigrated to the territory 
of Wisconsin in 1837; after two years' residence in 
Milwaukee, the family removed to Menomonee 
Falls, Waukesha County', where the grandi)arents 
died a number of years later. They came west 
fr(im C'haiilauqua County, N. Y., and were among 
the early pioneers of this county, being held in 
high regard and esteem by all who knew them. 
Robert S. Rowe, the Doctor's father, was a soldier 
in the War of the Rebellion, being a member of 
Company A, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry. 
He hiis been married three times. 

The subject of this sketcli is the tiiird in order 
of birth of a family of four children, liie eldest of 
whom is Mrs. Mary A. Fox, of Waukesha. Abner 
.S., of Arizona, is the second, and Mrs. Ella North, 
of Menomonee Falls, is the youngest. Dr. Rowe 
began quite early in life to earn wages by manual 
Labor. He w.as employed in the agricultural work 
of his native village at the age of twelve 3"cars, 
and .IS he paid his own w.iy through college, was 
thus employed at intervals until he had completed 
his medical course. His early education w.a.s ob- 
tained in the public schools of his native township. 
In December, 1871), he began the study of medi- 
cine under the preceptorship of Dr. V. L. Moore, a 
well known homeopathic physician of Waukesha, 
who died there in 188G. Dr. Moore was a gradu- 
ate of liie Homeopathic Medical School of Phila- 
delphia, now Hahnemann Medical College. On 
coining to Wisconsin, he located at Sparta, thence 
went to Watertown, and in 1862 entered Jhe ser- 
vice of the United States, He located in Wauke- 
sha in 1865, where he resided the remainder of his 
life. Dr. Rowe entered the Medical Department 
of Iowa State Univereity in the fall of 1882, and 
graduated in the spring of 1885. Soon after com- 
pleting his college course, he located at Bolton- 
ville, Washington County, Wis., where he pr.icticed 
aliout a year, then removed to Waukesha. 

Dr. Rowe has Ins full share of medical practice. 
In his profession he is guided by the same spirit of 
industry and enterprise that prompted him in his 
efforUs to secure a professional education, which 
was accomplished, unaided. Beginning in the 
world when a mere child, much credit is due him 
for the courage he has shown; accepting the situa- 



886 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tion he set about to make the most of his oppor- 
tunities. The result has been one of which he may 
well feel proud. On the 27th of December. 1887, 
Dr. Rowe was married to Miss Eliza Hcringer, a 
native of Menonionee Kails, and a daughter of 
.lohn Heringer. 



TILEY M. CIIAMPENY, the genial and gen- 
tleman Ij- proprietor of the Sussex Cream- 
ery, is a native of AVaukesha County, born 
in the town of Lisbon, Seplcmber .30, 1859. His 
parents, Edward and Elizabeth R. (Martin) Cham- 
peny, were among the early settlers of this part of 
the county, whither they emigrated from England. 
His father being engaged in mercantile jjursuits, 
our subject grew up in that business. He acquired 
his education in the public schools of his native 
village, to which instruction he has added by ob- 
servation and contact with the world at lai'ge. On 
reaching manhood his attention was directed to 
the dair3- business, especially to the manufacture 
of butter, in which he engaged on his father's 
farm for some time. About 1887 he became fully 
convinced that he could make a success of the 
business, and with that object in view devoted his 
tmie and energies to it. 

January .'), 1892, found him breaking ground 
for the erection of his present establishment, in 
the operation of which he has been remarkably 
successful thus far. The mason work on tlie foun- 
dation of the building was begun March LO, and 
completed about the 1st of May. On the 26tli of 
the last-named month the plant was ready for and 
commenced operations. Tlie factory is one of the 
best equipped in the county, being fitted up with the 
ni'jst modern appliances; the receiving and opera- 
ting vats are of the latest and best manufacture, 
and the power which sets in motion the machinery 
is furnished by a twenty-horse power Ijoilerand a 
(ifteen-horse power engine. Mr. Champeny has 
two of the Alpha separators, manufactured in New 
York, both making the the same number of revo- 
lutions to the minute; Hie larger one has a capac- 



ity of four thousand pounds of milk per hour, 

while for the same time the smaller one separates 
two thousand pounds. A Fargo Butter Worker, 
one of the finest used by practical and progressive 
butter-makers, performs that part of the work. 
The annual production of the factory has steadily 
grown; from a beginning of six hundred pounds 
May 26, 1892, the output of butter amounted to 
about six thousand pounds up to the 1st of .Jan- 
uary, 1893; and from that date to Januaiy 1, 
1894, for the year 1893, the output was in the 
neighborhood of one hundred and sixty-two thous- 
and pounds. The running expenses of the plant 
have been very large, $.5.50 per month, not count- 
ing the interest on the investment, but under the 
existing circumstances, the newness of the busi- 
ness,and the closeness in financial affairs, Mr. Cham- 
peny has no reason to complain. By fair and 
honest treatment of his customers he has won their 
entire confidence, and his list of patrons is steadily 
increasing: First, because he is a young man whose 
integrity and honesty is not questioned; and sec- 
ond, it is the inclination and wish of the people 
of tlie town of Lisbon to patronize home indus- 
tries. 

In the spring of 1893, Mr. Champeny made ar- 
rangements to open a creamery in the town of 
Menonionee, which began business on the 6tli of 
August, and is known as No. 2. He has an ex- 
cellent plant here, which is also furni.ihed with the 
latest and best improvements. At tlie time of the 
opening the list of patrons numbered thirty-one, 
but at the present growth will, by the end o*' the 
year, about double that number. The value of 
the Sussex plant is some 't4,500, while the one in 
Menonionee Township is worth $3,000. He ships 
almost his entire product to Milwaukee, where he 
finds a ready sale. Mr. Champeny commenced the 
business under rather unfavorable circumstances, 
but by his pluck and energy h.as pushed onward to 
success, an<l now owns and operates both of these 
enterprises. 

Besides his creamery interests Mv. Champeny 
owns a well cultivated farm of two hundied and 
forty acres in the town of Lisbon, on which he 
carries on general farming and dairying, keeping 
a herd of fifty cows. In 1887 he erected, at a cost 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



887 



of $3,000, one of the most beautiful residences in 
the village of Sussex. 

Mr. Cliainpen^-'s marriage to Miss Laura Over- 
baugh was celebrated November 16, 1886. Mrs. 
Ciiampeny was born in this county on the 19th of 
March, 1864, and is a daughter of Jacob Over- 
baugh. iSiie was educated in the public schools 
and at Appleton, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Champeny 
have three children, two sons and one daugliter. 
Two are living, Talbert E. and Hernice A.; the 
deceased was a little son, Tiley by name. 

Mr. Champeny- is a warm advocate of temper- 
ance, having first exercised his right of franchise 
in support of St. .John, the Prohibition candidate 
for the Presidency; later he became identified with 
the Democratic party with whicli he still affiliates. 
In religious belief he is a member of St. Alhan's 
Parish at Sussex. Honorable and upright in all 
the relations of life, Mr. Champenj-, though a young 
man, enj03's the esteem of a wide circle of friends 
and acquaintances. 



m&mi 



(T^^X R. LOUIS A. MEYER is a representative of 
I I the dental profession of the city of Ocono- 
mowoc, of which place he is a native, his 
birth having occurred on the 18lh of April, 1868. 
Dr. Meyer is a member of a well known early fam- 
ily of Oconomowoc. Ills father, Frederick Meyer, 
was born in Saxony, flermany, August 16, 1830, 
and was the only member of his father's family to 
emigrate to America. He grew to manhood in his 
native country, where he learned the trade of boot 
and shoe making. In September, 1853, Frederick 
Meyer landed in the city of New York, where he 
worked at his trade for a short time. Ooing 
thence to Canajoharie, in the same state, he resided 
there until his removal to Oconomowoc in 1856. 
In the fall of the same year he began in business 
for himself, which he has cDnlinued uninterrupt- 
edly to the present time, a period of thirt3'-eight 
years, he being the oldest dealer in his line of 
goods in the cit}'. 

November 1, 1856, Frederick Meyer was married 



in Oconomowoc to Anna Schraeder, who was also 
born in Germany. They became parents of eight 
children, four sons and four daughters. Mr. and 
Mrs. Meyer's oldest son, Henry, li.as been associated 
with his father in business since 1879. 

Dr. Meyer grew to manhood in his native city. 
He attended the public schools, graduating from 
the high school in the Class of '85, under Prof, 
(i. A. Rogers. His high school work was supple- 
mented by a course at the State Normal School at 
White Water. He began the study of dentistry in 
the office of Dr. E. H. Ilewit, of Oconomowoc, 
after which he pursued a course of dental surgery 
in the Dental Department of Iowa State Uni- 
versity. In 1889 he graduated from the Chicago 
College of Dental Surgery, and soon after entered 
upon the ])ractice of his profession in his native 
city. 

Dr. Meyer is a well educated gentleman and oc- 
cupies a prominent place in the profession that he 
has chosen as his life work. His success has been 
attained by his energy, industry and a determina- 
tion to succeed. In politics he is a Democrat. So- 
cially lie is a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows and the Uniform Rank, KiiighU of 
Pythias, having held offices of honor and trust in 
both of them. 

Mrs. Meyer was formerly Miss Minnie WoIIin, 
daughter of Frederick and Louisa (Zanders) WoI- 
Iin, who were early settlers of Oconomowoc. Her 
father is deceased, but her mother and her family 
are still residents of the above named city. 



$+^ 



"^ 



B" 



OSGOOD P. CIIUHH, who lives on section 
10, of Summit Township, has been a resi- 
dent of Waukesha County since Decem- 
ber, 1837. His birth place was in the town of 
Cavendish. Windsor County, Vt., and the date of 
that event February 18, 1H2IS. His parents were 
Newman and Cynthia (Farr) Chubb, both of whom 
were natives of Vermont and belonged to early 
families irf that state. The subject of this sketch 
can remember his great-grandfather on liis moth- 



888 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



er's side, who attained to tlie advanced age of one 
hundred and eiglit years. 

Newman Chubb was a farmer by occupation, and 
continued to reside in Vermont until 1K37, when 
he settled in Waukesha County. The family when 
it emigrated to Wisconsin consisted of parents and 
five children. Tliey came from Troy, N. Y., to 
Buffalo by canal, and at the latter city took pas- 
sage on a steamer to Milwaukee. This was in the 
month of December, and at Detroit the boat be- 
came frozen in tlie ice, thus compelling them to 
abandon that mode of procedure. The}' went then 
by rail to Vpsilanli, Mich., which was the end of 
the road, and there hired a team to biing them the 
remainder of the journey. Our subject rememl)crs 
well many important incidents of that trip, nearly 
fifty-seven years ago. Chicago was then but a 
place of a few hundred inhabitants and gave no 
promise of its present greatness. Mr. Chubb set- 
tled on a farm of Government land in tlie town of 
Waukesha, where he remained six years, when he 
sold his place and removed to Ottawa Townsliip, 
and there lived until his death. 

Newman Chubb was one of the well known pio- 
neers of Waukesha County; an industrious and 
worthy citizen. Like the greater part of the pio- 
neers of Wisconsin, he possessed but little of this 
world's goods when became here, but by industry 
and good management secured sulticient, not only 
for the necessities, but for the comforts of this life. 
In politics, he was a Whig in the early days, with 
anti-slavery sentiments, and later a Republican, 
though he took no active part in political affairs. 
In religious matters he was liberal in his views. 
He and his wife were the parents of eight children, 
three having been born in Waukesha County: 
David, who was the eldest, died in California 
many years ago; Osgood P., the second in order of 
birth, is the subject of this biograph}'; Laura mar-' 
rietl John Cobb, and removed to California, where 
her husband died. After his death she returned to 
tlie town of Ottawa, where sliedied. .losephine is 
the wife of Dr. C. C. Harris, and resides on the old 
homestead in Ottawa Township. Sardine, the ne.xt 
brother, died at the old home in the town of Ot- 
tawa, when a young man. Oliver went- to Cali- 
fornia in 1857, where his death occurred a num- 



ber of years ago. Charles is a resident of Algona, 
Iowa, as is also Colraan, the youngest of the fam- 
ily. TI1C3' are .associated in business, being exten- 
sive stock dealers, and are also engaged in other 
branches of business. Thej- both served in the 
War of the Rebellion, and located in Iowa soon 
after their return from the array. 



JT^ DWAHI) 1-'0.STER, the well known wool 
r^ C\ buyer of Waukesha, is a native of the town 
of Lisbon, his l)irth occurring on the l.Stli 
of February, 1851. His parents J. 11. and Elizabeth 
White (Harwood) Foster, had six children, Edward 
being the third in order of birth. His jiriinary 
education was acciuired in the public schools of his 
native town, but when nine years of age he re- 
moved with his parents to Brandon, Wis., and in 
the high school of that place completed his scholas- 
tic training. Brandon continued to be his home 
until 1868, at which time he began farming. Some 
eight years later he engaged in the drug business 
in Waukesha, his place of business being on the 
corner of Main and Clinton Streets. For eight 
\'cars he was one of the leading druggists of that 
village. Since retiring from that business he has 
devoted his time and attention to the wool busi- 
ness, having been dealing in that commodity for 
the past ten years. During the year of 1894, his 
purchases reached to one hundred and seventy-five 
thousand pounds. Full of enterprise and push he 
has been most successful. 

On the 14th of January, 1878, Mr. Foster mar- 
ried Miss Mary E., daughter of Edward Porter, one 
of the pioneers of Waukesha. This union has 
been blessed by the birth of two children, though 
but one survives. E. Porter, born February 2, 1885, 
died on the 22d of September following; Bessie, 
born June 13, 1890, is the joy and pride <»f the 
household. Mrs. Foster was educated in Carroll 
College, and is possessed of much artistic ability, 
her home being decorated by her own handiwork. 
A stanch Republican in ])olitics, Mr. Foster cast 
his first Presidential ballot for Gen. U. S. Grant. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



889 



However, he claims to be no politician, as his time 
and energies have ever beeu devoted to liis i)er- 
sonal interests. He comnioiiced life on liis own 
responsibility witli but small capital, but by close 
attention to business, industry and good business 
management he has .accumulated valuable prf)|)crty. 
In addition to the interests above mentioned Mr. 
Foster is largely interested in real estate in the 
village of Waukesha, and in the town of Wau- 
kesha, lie and his wife are members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church of Waukesha and of their 
means contribute to its sup|)ort. They occupy an 
envialile position in the social circle of their vil- 
lage, and are classed among her representative 
citizens. 



!^ 



RAY BIGGS, proprietor of the livery stable 
atNos. 112to IH; Broadway, Waukesha, 
was born in Cherry \'alley, Otsego Coun- 
ty, N. Y., .January 1, 185;"). He is a son of Timo- 
thy and Lydia (Witbeck) Biggs, both of whom 
were natives of the sauie place. His father was a 
farmer by occupation, but at one time engaged in 
the hotel business. He died on the 2r)lh of May, 
and his wife on the 2r)th of .June, 18G1, leaving 
three sons: Marshall, a farmer of Herkimer County, 
N. Y.; Hay, of this article, and Timothy A., also 
of New York State. 

The summer that his [larents died Kay w.as em- 
ployed at farm labor, receiving for his services 
*10 per month. In the winters he worked for his 
board and went to school. When fifteen years of 
age he received ¥2H per month. That year while 
working in the harvest field he was prostrated by 
a sunstroke from the effects of which lie did not 
recover for three months. However, his time went 
on and his doctor's bills were paid b^' his boss. In 
1873 he came to this count}-, butsome three weeks 
later went to Milwaukee, where he worke<l for G. 
F. Parker ^n a livery barn. About a year later he 
returned to this county, going to Mukwonago, 
where he tended bar for the Mukwonago House, 
being employed in that capacity for one year. At 
the expiration of his service in Mukwonago, he 



went again to Milwaukee and began to work for 
George While, who sold to Thomas Si vyer, by whom 
Mr. Biggs was employed for a 3-ear. We next 
find him at Fond du Lac, where he was engaged in 
trading in horses, and where he remained about a 
year. On his return hi' spent a short time in Mil- 
waukee, then wont lo Mukwonago and tended bar 
for his old employer. 

In 1879 he came to Waukesha and started a sa- 
loon in the Putney Block, continuing that business 
some two years. He also traded in horses and hav- 
ing so many vn hand that he could not afford lo 
keep them in a liver}', rented a stable where his 
l)resent barn, which he erected about 1884, stands. 
At first he had only two buggies, but as his ca|)i- 
tal increased he added from time to time till he 
now has seventy-four horses; he keeps a full line 
of buggies, hacks, etc., and a fine funeral car. l?e- 
sides his livery interests, Mr. Biggs operates a farm 
of two hundred and fifty-five acres, and in con- 
nection with the former runs a harness shop. 

Politically lie is a Republican, though he has 
never sought oHicial preferment, his time being 
wholly occupied with his business interests. So- 
cially he is a member of the Knights of Pythi.as. 
Mr. Biggs was married in Waukesha on the 19tli of 
January, 1882, to Miss Louise, daughter of Chris- 
topher Niver. Mrs. liiggs is a native of this coun- 
ty. Mr. Biggs has met with financial success; when 
he came to this county he had only*!'), but by 
his own efforts and the assistance of Ins wife he 
has accumulated quite a nice little fortune. 



-T^ LEX.WOKH HARRIS, a prosperous Larmer 
/ — \ of the town of Lisbon, Waukesha County, 
Wis., is a native citizen, the date of his 
birth being September 27, 184.'{, and is the young- 
est in a family of three sons and a daughter. Be- 
sides Mr. Harris there arc two living, namely: 
Ellen, the eldest, who liecame the wife of William 
Cook, of Waukesha, and Peter, the next, who re- 
sides in Andover, Mo., where he is eng.aged at the 
blacksmith's trade. The parentis, Alexander and 
Catharine (Small) Harris, were natives of Scot- 
land; the former was born in Perthshire, in 17'J3, 



890 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



and died in this count}' in April, 1881. In tbe 
Old Country Alexander Harris, Sr., was a weaver 
of woolens, and a fisherman in the River Tay. but 
after coining over the sea engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. In April, 1841, he and his wife bade 
adieu to Honnie Scotland and set sail from Dun- 
dee for America. On the same vessel came the 
Rodgers, Small, Watson and Welsh families, all of 
whom became pioneer settlers of Waukesha Coun- 
ty. On arriving at the port of Milwaukee, the 
passengers were brought ashore by means of "light- 
ers," there being no pier at which to land. The 
present beautiful cit}' then was but a small village 
which, to the majority of travelers, lacked some of 
the most impoitant elements necessary to make a 
large city, and one of these was the location; the 
site upon which it was founded was low and 
swamjjy, but the progress of a half century has 
proven the wisdom of its founders. 

When Mr. and Mrs. Harris landed in Milwau- 
kee their entire financial capital consisted of $15. 
Continuing their journey to Prairieville, now 
Waukesha, which at that time contained but a few 
houses, they went thence direct to the town of 
Lisbon, where Mr. Harris took a claim of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of wild land. He at once 
began to clear and develop a farm, among the first 
things erecting a small log cabin, having a shake 
roof and a slick, stone and mud chimney. He 
felled the first tree on his claim, but as he had 
never performed a like task in his native land, 
labored at some disadvantage. When the tree, 
which he had chopped entirely around the base, 
began to fall, Mr. Harris ran to get out of the way 
and escaped with a slight brushing. His first grain 
was cut with the old-fashioned four-fingered 
cradle, then threshed out with a flail. Indians 
were frequent visitors at his humble home. When 
the land came into market Mr. Harris sold one 
eighty of his claim in order to getsufllcient money 
to pay for the other. Later lie added to his farm, 
increasing it to ninety-six acres, which he then 
traded for a tract of one hundred and twenty 
acres on section 15. In politics he w.as a Republi- 
can, and in religious belief he and his wife were 
inembers of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. 
Mr. Harris of this article grew upon his father's 



farm, dividing his time between labor and the 
school room. In those days there was such a de- 
mand for the assistance of tiie boys in Improving 
and cultivating the land, that but little time was 
devoted to obtaining an education. Like a dutiful 
son he remained at home, giving his aged father 
the benefit of his labor until he was thirtj-five 
years old. For a wife he chose Miss Frances 
Palmer, a native of Dodge County, liorn October 
17, 184!>. Mrs. Harris' parents. King Hiram and 
Jane (Vanderhoef) Palmer, were both natives of 
New York. The former, who was a tailor by trade, 
was born in 1815, and died in 1892. He and his 
wife came to the west in 1843 and located in the 
town of Lisbon, going thence to Columbia Coun- 
ty, where they resided for a time, then settled in 
Dodge County, and afterward for thirty years was 
a resident of Merton Township, Waukesha County. 
Of their nine children, six sons and three daugh- 
ters, but four are living in 1894. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harris were married on the 13th 
of March, 1872, and have had four children, name- 
ly: Elmer A., born May 9, 1874, is studying teleg- 
raphy; Vernon F.,born January 11, 1877, received 
a diploma for high standing in the common 
schools, and is to enter the White Water Normal in 
the fall of 1894; Katie Maud, born September 7, 
1882, is in school; Bert V., born October 21, 1886, 
is the youngest. All the members of this interest- 
ing family are yet under the parental roof. 

In politics Mr. Harris is an Independent, claim- 
ing the right to choose for whom he will vote, ir- 
respective of party. However, his first Presiden- 
tial vote was cast for President Lincoln. He is 
not an aggressive man in his political views, ac- 
cording to all the right to think and vote as their 
best judgment would dictate. The public school 
system linds in Mr. and Mrs. Harris loyal support- 
ers, both having served in the capacity of School 
Treasurer, the latter being the present incumbent. 
Mrs. Harris is the first and only lady to hold that 
position in the town of Lisbon. Mr. Harris favors 
the Methodists, while his wife is a Baptist in relig- 
ious faith. His father helped to erect the present 
edifice of the United Presbyterian Church in Lis- 
bon 'I'ownship. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harris own one hundred and sixty 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGEAPIIICAL RECORD. 



891 



acres of land in the above township, one hundred 
and twenty of which is under a good state of culti- 
vation. In 1893 they built a neat and tasty addi- 
tion to their coniforlaMe home, which is located 
six miles from Pewaukee, and two and a-half miles 
from Tctnpleton and Sussex. 



=^^^i"^-i^il^#!^ 



FRANCIS BKLL, an early settler of Wauke- 
sha County, was born in County Tyrone, 
Ireland, November 18, 181G, and is a son 
of Francis and Ann (Hest) Hell, who were also 
natives of that county. Of a family numbering 
three children he is the eldest, the others being 
.lane and Robert. Tl;e former wedded Samuel 
Nevvens, and with her husband emigrated from 
Ireland to Australia. The latter was a soldier in 
the Englisii ai my and lost his life in the Crimean 
War. Francis Bell of this article was reared and 
educated in his native land. On reaching the age 
of sixteen he was api>rentieed to the shoemaker's 
trade, serving about three and a-half 3'ears. After 
completing his trade he worked as a general La- 
borer until his marriage to Margaret Colter, a 
daughter of James Colter, and also a native of 
County Tyrone. She became the mother of the 
following children: .lames C, born June 7, 1839,' 
during the voyage to America, on a vessel called 
"The Sea," is engaged in mining at Globe, Ari- 
zona. The letter C was chosen as an initial in his 
name because it is pronounced the same as the name 
of the vessel on which he was born. Francis, the 
next child, was born in 1840, an<l died February 
19, ISli). lie was one of the boys in blue in the 
late war, serving throughout in the Sixth Wiscon- 
sin Infantry. Jane, born November 18, 1841, 
wedded Samuel Harrison, a farmer of the town of 
Menomonee. Robert, born April 14, 1844, is a 
farmer of Columbia County, Wis. He too w.as a 
soldier in the War of the Rebellion, having served 
three years in the Fifth Wisconsin. Stewart, born 
in .June, 184.'), carries on farming in Columbia 
County. William, born May 12, 1847, resides at 
Pioche, Ncv. Mary Ann and Martha, twins, were 



born in 1848; the former died in 1863, and the 
latter, October 21, 1886. Samuel and Elizabeth, 
twins, were boi'n November 10, 1850. Samuel is a 
miner of Clierrj- Creek, Nev., while his sister is 
the wife of William Daugherty, a farmer of Pugct 
Sound ('ounty, Wasii. The mother of this family 
died June 7, 18r)4. 

In the spring of 1839 .Mr. I'.ell set sail for the 
New World, taking forty-five days to cross the 
ocean. After spending about a year in New Jer- 
sey and an equal period of time in New York, he 
came to the territory of Wisconsin, arriving at 
Milwaukee in September, 1841. He immediately 
secured employment on the Milwstukee & Rock 
River Canal, helping to construct the dam. On 
Easter Sunday of 1842, he located land in Brook- 
field Township on which he erected the same year 
a log cabin, 18x2H feet in size. During the winter 
he moved his family to this crude home, which was 
afterward replaced by a better one. In the prim- 
itive cabin he and his wife si)ent many hapjiy 
days, and there entertained many a weary traveler. 
He opened a saloon later which he ran in connec- 
tion with his tavern for a number of years. In 
the spring of 18;>2 our subject and four compan- 
ions started to the Pacific Slope by team and 
wagon. After many weeks of weary travel they 
reached the Feather River country. Having re- 
mained twenty-eight months in the gold regions, 
he returned to Wisconsin by way of the Isthmus 
of Panama and New York. On reaching Milwau- 
kee he learned, with deepest sorrow, that his good 
wife had died during his absence. Again Mr. Bell 
turned his attention to keeping tavern and saloon. 
To his original purchase he added until he now 
owns a hundred and two acres of fine land. 

In the fall of lUiii .Mr. Bell married Miss .Mary 
Dwyer, a native of County Limerick, Ireland, by 
whom he had four children: Charles H., who was 
born in Brookficld Township, on the 3d of Au- 
gust, 185.'), and died in June, 1894, received a 
good education in the Normal School of Oshkosh, 
being a young man of more than ordinary in- 
tellectual ability, and was with his father on the 
old homestead ; Henry C, born on the 1st of 
September, 1856, is an elHcienl member of the po- 
lice force of Milwaukee. Edward II., born July 



892 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



28, 1860, is a farmer of Kingman Countj', Kan. 
George E., wlio was horn August 27, 1861, is an art- 
ist of some ability. Theliomein wiiicli lie was born 
is adorneil with tiio work of iiis hands. Mrs. Bell 
died in the summer of 18C2. The lady wlio now 
bears the name of Mrs. Bell became the wife of 
our subject Marcli 18, 1871, and in her maiden- 
hood was Catherine Kells, :i native of County 
C'avan, Ireland. 

.Mr. Bell is now living retired on the estate 
which has been his home for over a half century. 
Though seventy-eight 3'ears of age lie is verj' well 
|)reserved, and enjoys exceptionally good use of 
his mental faculties. His political faith has ever 
been in accord with the principles set forth by the 
Democratic parly, lie and his family are mem- 
bers of the Kpiscoiial Church. The career of Mr. 
Bell has been (juilc varied ;unl full of interest, in 
the experiences of [lionocr life, in the exciting 
scenes on the plains and in tlio gold mines; in the 
dangers of an ocean voyage and by the ravages 
of death he has learned to bear whatever conies 
witii resignation and Christian fortitude. 



<)C-H--H"}"fr-i"t--H"H-^-H"}-»»»»»»-»-i"»X> 



MRS. ELIZABETH McGILL. One of the 
kind and motherly old ladies of Lisbon 
Township is she whose name heads this 
record. Jlrs. Mc(!ill is known all over the town 
as a charitable and benevolent Chiistian woman, 
possessed of many excellent traits of character. 
She is the widow of tiie late Charles McGiU, a pio- 
neer and representative man of Lisbon Township, 
who was widely known and honored by all. Mrs. 
McCill is a native of '"Bonnie Scotland," bc)rn in 
September or October, 1818, and was a daughter of 
Douglas and Mary (Shealer) McGregor. Both 
father and iiKjther were natives of Wigtownshire, 
as was our subject. The former, who was reared to 
the life of a farmer, spent his entire life in Scot- 
land, but the lattei', after the death of her husband, 
came to America in an early day. She died in Lis- 
bon Township, and w.as interred in the Sixtetn 
Cemetery, where a stone stands sacred to her mem- 



ory. They were the parents of ten children, five 
sons and five daughters, of whom eight are living, 
and are as follows: John, who is an agriculturist, 
resides in Newburg, N. Y.; Jessie, who is the widow 
of John Wolcolt, is a resident of the same place; 
William, who is a mechanic by trade, lives in Chi- 
cago; Jane, who is the wife of William Scott, is 
also a resident of the World's Fair Cit}'; Gavin, 
who IS a mechanic, resides in Newburg, N. Y.; 
Mary, who is the wife of John ^litchell, resides in 
Chicago; Peter, who is also a mechanic by trade, 
is a resident of Newburg, N. Y.; and Mrs. McGill 
completes the family. 

The lad}' who is the subject of this biography, 
?vas reared in her native land, where she received 
a limited education. In 1847 she came .across the 
Atlantic witli her sister Jane, Mrs. Scott. The}' set 
sail from Liverpool on the "Siddons," and after a 
voyage of six weeks and two days cast .nnchor in 
the harbor of New York. When Mrs. McCiillcame 
to the United States she, like many of our Scotch 
and English people, had but little money, and be- 
gan working b}' the week. She remained in New 
York for three years, then came alone to the state 
of Wisconsin to meet her promised husband. The 
trip w.'is made up tlie lakes to JNIilwaukee, where 
she was met by Mr. McGill. Their marriage was 
solemnized on tlie 22d of July, IS.'iO, at the home, 
which was then a cabin, of John Watson. To them 
were born a son and two daughters, but the for- 
mer, William Douglas, alone survives. He super- 
intends or operates his mother's homestead. He 
was born October 6, 1858, and was educated in the 
common schools. His life thus far has been de- 
voted to farming and stock-raising. In politics he 
is a Republican, having cast his first vote for James 
A. Garfield. He has served as Chairman of the 
Board of Supervisors of the town of Lisbon, and 
has been connected, in an official capacity, with 
the public schools a number of times. A repre- 
sentative young man, Mr. Mcfiill is esteemed and 
respected by all who know him. 

Charles McGill was a native of Scotland, born in 
1818, in Wigtownshire. He was reared to the trade 
of baker and what education he possessed was of a 
practical nature. In 18;54 he came to America 
and direct to Wisconsin, where he entered a claim 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



893 



of one hundred and twenty acres of wild land. 

Going back to New York, he was tlicre employed 
till he returned to Wisconsin and began to improve 
liis claim. The home in which he and his wife be- 
gan their domestic life was a log cabin, which is 
still standing. They were here early enough to 
see the Indians, who gave the 3'oung wife quite a 
fright, and there was plent3' of wild game in the 
country. Their grain was cut with a cradle and 
then threshed with a tlail, two .-irticles that have 
been succeeded by more modern and l:\l)()r-saving 
machinery. 

Mr. lMc(iill was one of the brave boys who wore 
the blue and went in defense of his country. Kn- 
listing in Company F. Twenty-eighth AVisconsin 
Infantry, in August, 1862, he was sent with his com- 
pany to Helena. Ark., and thence the regiment went 
to Little Rock, in the same state. lie partici[)ated 
in tlie battle of Helena, Ark., and man}' skirinislies. 
While the command was in Pine Bluff, Ark., Mr. 
McGill was taken sick, and there died, September 
4, 1864, in the service of his adopted country. He 
was a man universally honored and respected by 
all who knew him. In jjolitical affairs he took but 
little interest, rather giving his time and attention 
to his private business. He as well as his wife is 
a memlier of the Reformed Preslwtcrian Cliuruli 
of the .Sctitch failii. 

Mrs. McGill i.s now living a retired life at lisr 
homestead, which is located two miles from Col- 
gate and fuur miles from Sussex. Her estate com- 
prises about two hundred acres, sonic of it being 
marsh land. She is widely known in the town of 
Lisbon, and her hospitable home is always open to 
her many friends. Her many acts of kindness and 
thoughtful care will be remembered by those with 
whom she has been intimately associated, after she 
has passed to the world beyond. 



n»> > p >w ^ F 



I 01 IN B.MRI) has been a resident of Wiscon- 
sin since 1847, and for many 3'ears his home 
_ has been in thiscount^'. He is so well known 
that he needs no especial introduction to the 
people of Waukesha County. Mr. Baird is a na- 
tive 01 County Mayo, Ireland, born in 1820, and 



is the youngest in a family of five children, of 
whom three survive. Ills parents, Stephen and 
Isabella (Alexander) Baird, were natives of tiie 
Emerald Isle, where they spent their entire lives. 
The father was a weaver by a trade, in connection 
with which he engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
His death occurred in 1824, and that of his wife 
in 1843. 

.lolin Baird was reared in iiis home across the 
.sea, and received such educational advantages as 
the schools of that country afforded. The loss of 
his father while yet a small child made it neces- 
sary for him to depend largely upon his own re- 
sources. At the age of twent^'-seven years, ac- 
companied by his sister, he sailed from Killala 
Ireland, for <iucbec, the voyage consuming seven 
weeks, during which they encountered several 
storms, some of such severity as to lead the pas- 
sengers to believe tiiat they would go down with 
the ship. I'lion his arrival in this country Mr. 
Baird had less than ^5 with which to make a home 
for himself and sister. They came over to Os- 
wego, N. Y., and from there to Milwaukee, spend- 
ing thirteen daj's between the two cities. Com- 
ing to Waukesha County, he was emi)loyed by 
Richard Smart, one of the pioneers of Waukesha 
County, to work one year, and for his services 
was to receive ^100. During this tirst year he 
sent '^2.5 to his brother Alexander to be used in 
paying his passage to .\iner:ca. The next year he 
was emi)loved by Stephen and Samuel Baird. In 
1849 lie bought eighty acres of partially improved 
land, paying *60 for the claim, which was located 
in Winnebago Coiiiily. His home was a log cabin 
covered with a shake roof, while the needful 
tools with which to cultivate his land he made or 
invented. After laboring for a short time as a 
hoemaker, he improved his claim as best he could. 
From that primitive condition he has seen Wis- 
consin developed into one of the prominent states 
of the Union. 

On tlie 28th of March. 18.'):?, Mr. Baird wedded 
Miss Mary Ann McConnell, a native of the North 
of Ireland. Mrs. Baird comes of a sterling old 
family. Her cousin, .ludge Hilton, was the ad- 
ministrator of the Stewart estate in the city of 
New York, and is widely known as a talented 



894 



PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lawyer. Mr. and Mrs. Baird have four sons and 
tliree daughters, as follows: Margaret Ann wedded 
Fred lluffmaii. f)f Wiiinobago C'ouiily; Sarali Jane 
became the wife of lierinan Wright, a farmer of 
Waukesha Township; James A. married Miss Jen- 
nie Wright and resides in tlie same town; Rob- 
ert is an express agent at West Superior, Wis.; 
Mary E. became Mrs. .John Stewart; William II. 
and Joim II., the youngest sons, superintend the 
homestead for their f;ither. The former, William 
II., was born June 12, 18().'5. IIis primary educa- 
tion was obtained in the common sciiools, after 
which he took a course at the Excelsior IJusiiicss 
College, in Milwaukee, graduating from that insti- 
tution in the Class of '88. He is a Repultlican, 
and casl his (irst Presidential vote for James G. 
Blaine. John H., the youngest, was born Novem- 
ber 21, 1861. His education was acquired in the 
common schools and Carroll College. Both are 
young men of integrity and good standing in the 
community where they live. 

Soon after their marriage, which was celebrated 
in this county, Mr. and Mrs. IJaird started for 
their northern home, making the journey tliither 
with an ox team. After a residence of twenty- 
live years in \\'innebago County, he disposed of 
the pro|)erty there, and in llie fall of 1878 came 
to Waukesha County, where he purchased an im- 
proved farm of two iiundred and Ihirty-tliree 
acres, of which two luiiidred lie in the town of 
Waukesha, and tiie remaining thirty-three in Ver- 
non. Mr. Baird has been a wonderfully active 
man; he came to this country poor, but by per- 
sistent efforts has accumulated a competence for 
old age. He has given his children the advan- 
tages of a good education, and has lived to see 
them become useful and valued members of so- 
ciety. Though living retired his interest in the 
affairs of the day has not l)een lost. 

In political sentiment Mr. Baird has been a Re- 
publican, having cast his first vote for Zachary 
Taylor, the candidate for the Presidency. How- 
ever, of late years, he has taken a lively interest 
in the success ot the Prohibition party. Both hus- 
band and wife ar(^ devout Clirislians, the former 
being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
. Waukesha, while the latter belongs to the Re- 



formed Presbyterian Church of Vernon Township' 

Their lives have been in harmony with the pro- 
fessions they have made, and better than worldly 
heritage they will leave to their children the price- 
less legacy' of a (Jodly life. 



_^) 



"^ 



^+^ 



.(S- 



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I LAS S. SAWYER, i well known pioneer 
of Waukesha of 1853, was born in Chester, 
Vt., in 1815, and is a son of Joseph and 
Betsey Sawyer., His ancestors on both sides were 
members of the old Colonial families, who moved to 
\'ermont from Boston about the time of the Revo- 
lution. 

Our suliject was reared in his native town, where 
he received a good common school education. On 
reaching manhood he was mnrried in Chester to 
Julia S. Sargeant, their marriage occurring in the 
si)riiig of 1843. Mrs. Sawj'er was a native of New 
England and a daughter of Ezva. Sargeant, also of 
an old New England family. lu the autumn of 
1853, Mr. Sawyer removed with his family to Wau- 
kesha, Wis., arriving in that city on the lOtli of 
September. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer's fainil}' con- 
sisted of three sons as follows: George S., the eld- 
est, married Phcebe Hubbard and is a resident of 
Oak Park, 111.; Walter P. married Nellie Williams 
and is Cashier of the National Exchange Bank of 
Waukesha; Charles E. wedded Elsie Jennings and 
is Cashier of the First National Bank of Crookston, 
Minn. 

Prior to his coming to Waukesha, .Mr. Sawyer 
was engaged in the lumber business in \'ermont, 
where he accumulated considerable property. For 
a time after locating in Waukesha he did not en- 
gage in active business, but subseciuently became 
interested in merchandising in North Prairie, Wau- 
kesha County, though always making his home in 
the village of Waukesha, lie also became inter- 
ested in banking, and was one of the incorporators 
and a member of the Board of Directors of the old 
Waukesha County Bank, which was .ncorporated 
in 1855. He was also one of the incorporators and 
a member of the first Board of Directors of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



895 



Waukeslia National Hank, into vvliidi tiic Wauke- 
sha County Dank was iniTjred in May, 1865. See 
history of Waukesha National Bank. 

Mr. Sawj'erand wife are members of the Baptist 
Church. In his political sentiments he is a Re- 
publican, but has never been an aspirant for ollicial 
distinction. He still calls Waukeslia his home; 
however, he and his wife spend a [)ortion of their 
time with their children away from tlie Spring 
City. Mr. Sawyer has been a resident of Wau- 
kesha for forty years, and is recognized as a most 
worthy citizen, one whose course in life has been 
distinguished by strict integrity, love of justice and 
morality. 

• ^# P ' . 



JEKKMIAH SMITH, one of the progressive 
and public spirited citizens of Waukesha 
County, who now carries on agricultural 
pursuits on section 16, Lisbon Township, has 
resided in this locality since the 22d of June, 1849. 
He was born in Sussex, England, November 5, 
1829. His father, .lolin Smith, was born in the 
same locality, P'ebruary 22, 1797, and became a 
mechanic and land surveyor. He acquired a good 
education and was a man of more tlian ordinary 
intelligence. He married Sarah Smith, who was 
born July 24, 1798, and tliey spent their entire 
lives in England. The father was called to the 
home bej'oud October 8, 1870, and his wife died 
September 14, 1859. The}' had a family of five 
sons and two daughters, four of whom are now 
living: Thomas, a mechanic and surve\'or, who is 
living retired in Sussex, England; Jeremiah, who 
was the lifth in order of l)irth; Charles W., who is 
a surveyor of Sussex, England; and Sarah M., who 
is the wife of Herbert Baker, an agriculturist and 
sheep-raiser of East (Uildeford, Sussex, England. 

In his parents' home Jeremiah Smith spent his 
first twenty years. He acquired a good education 
and became familiar with mechanical work and 
surveying, in 1849 he resolved to seek a home 
beyond the Atlantic and in the sailing vessel, 
"Silas Richards," commanded by CaiH. J. Welch, 
he left London on the 7th of April. On the 25th 



of May he landed at Castle (Jarden, New York 
City, with about *10 in his pocket, and the greater 
part of this w.is spent in paying his expenses to 
Milwaukee, where he arrived on the 2 1st of June. 
He there met Mr. and Mrs. (leorge Elliott, who had 
formerly lived near his home in England. During 
the first year after his arrival he worked as a farm 
hand for *l()(l. He suffered from the chills and 
found it quite dillicult to make a start in his new 
home. In May, 1850, he secured a claim of forty 
acres of wild l:ind, partially covered with timber, 
and at once began to clear and improve this. His 
first home was a board structure l.Sx20 feet in di- 
mensions, built in the midst of a thicket. Oxen 
were used in clearing his land but at length crops 
were planted and in course of time the rich soil 
yielded abundant harvests. An Indian trail crossed 
his farm and the redinen were frctiuently seen in 
the neighborhood. Deer and feathered game was 
often killed and the unsettled condition of the 
county made the hardships of pioneer life familiar 
to our subject. 

On the 8th of November, 1854, was celebrated 
the marri.age of Mr. Smith and Miss Ann Rebecca 
Weaver, who was born in Augusta, Oneida Coun- 
ty, N. Y., January 25, 1835, and was brought by 
her parents to Wisconsin in 18.'{6. She is one of 
the oldest residents of the county and has wit- 
nessed its entire development from an unbroken 
wilderness. Her father, John Weaver, was born 
in England, about 1804, emigrated to the I'nited 
States in 1828, and died in March, 1881. He was 
a member of the Episcopal Church. His wife bore 
the maiden name of Ann M. Warren, but was 
known throughout this county as Aunt Melinda. 
She was born in Augusta, N. Y., Eebruary 25, 
1813, and died October 24, 1886. Her father, 
Daniel Warren, was a Revolutionary hero and a 
relative of (Jeneral Warren, who won fame at the 
Battle of Bunker Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Siiiilh be- 
came the parents of ten children, seven sons and 
three daughters, of whom seven are yet living. 
Francis A., a farmer of .luneau County, Wis., mar- 
ried Eliza Long, and they have one son and one 
daughter; Daniel is a painter by trade; Caroline 
M., (ieorge H.. William .1., Charles L. and Thomas 
(). are at home. They were given good eduen- 



896 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tiona] advantages and were thereby fitted for the 
practical duties of life. 

I'lioii tlicii- marriage IMr. and Mrs. Smilli located 
upun their farm in Lisbon Townsliip, and for fort}' 
years tlie^' have traveled life's journey together, 
sharing with each other it,s joys and sorrows, its 
adversity and prosperity. Their home is situated 
in the midst of a good farm of sixty acres and this 
worthy couple are numbered among the best and 
most highly respected citizens of the community. 
Mr. .Smith cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce 
and has since been a stalwart Democrat. He has 
served as Town Supervisor, for a number of years 
was Justice of the Peace, for nine years was School 
Director, has been .School Treasurer, and for the 
past six years has been Coroner of the county. 
He w.as influential in the organization of the 
Farmer's Fiiv Insurance Company of Lisbon Town- 
ship, and is a Master Mason, belonging to Ashlar 
J^odge No. 193, of Sussex, of which he was Secre- 
tary for ten years. 



JOHN SADDLFR. who is a veteran soldier of 
the late war, has been ac(iuainted with Wau- 
kesha County since 1856, though he did not 
become a resident here until several years 
later. He is a native of Norfolksliire, England, 
born on the 10th of .\pril, 1830, and was the eld- 
est in a family- of six, whom he can remember, 
born to .lohn and JIary (Baise) .Saddler. Mr. Sad- 
dler resided in England until nine years of age, 
then came with his parents to America, setting sail 
from Hull. After a voyage of sixty-six daj'S 
duration, anchor w.is cast in the harbor of Quebec, 
Canada. His father located in Coburg, Upper 
Canada, where heeng.iged in .agricultural pursuits, 
and there remained until his death. Both he and 
his wife were members of the Church of England. 
The gentleman whose name ai)pears at the be- 
ginning of this article, enjoyed almost no educa- 
tional advantages, except those made possible 
through his own exertions. He was reared to the 
occupation of a farmer and stock-raiser, and when 



he commenced life on his own responsibility, did 
not possess a dollar in the world, but by industry 
and careful management, he has accumulated a 
competence. For all he has he owes no one for 
•assistance rendered, it being the result of years of 
labor and patient saving, back of which was the 
will to succeed. Mr. Saddler married Miss Jane 
Hazlett, a native of Canada, and a daughter of 
William and Mary (McCredcan) Hazlett. Her f.a- 
tlier w.as a native of Scotland, but came to Amer- 
ica when a child. Mrs. Saddler was reared and 
educated in Canada, and when a maiden of sixteen 
3'ears came to Rochester, N. V., where her mar- 
riage to Mr. Saddler was solemnized .lanuary 1,5, 
1854. To them were born si.x daughters, all of 
whom are deceased but one. They lost Charlotte 
E. and Minnie, two young ladies of much promise, 
whose deaths occurred within two 3'ears of each 
other. This was a heav^' stroke for the father and 
mother. Ella B., their only surviving child, is the 
wife of George Wilkins, a farmer, who resides at 
Dodge's Corners. They have two sons, John Asa, 
aged fourteen years, and Boj'd, aged about eight 
years. The^' are bright bo^'s, and the pride of 
their grandparents' hearts. 

When Mr. and Mrs. Saddler came to Wisconsin, 
thev located in Caledonia Townshi]). Racine Coun- 
ty, where they farmed laud on shares. They ar- 
rived in 1857, and continued their residence there 
until 1869, at which time thej' removed to the 
town of Mukwonago, Waukesha Count}'. After 
living in that town some four years, they again 
moved, locating in the town of A'ernon, which was 
their home for six years, thence returning to Muk- 
wonago Township, and in 1882 became residents 
of Genesee, which has since been their home. 

Mr. .Saddler enlisted in Company K, Twenty- 
fourth Wisconsin Infantry, at Milwaukee, Januar\' 
4, 1864, under Captain Parsons and Colonel Mc- 
Arthur, and rendezvoused at Camp Douglas, Madi- 
son, Wis. From Madison the regiment was ordered 
to London, Tenn., for the purpose of concentra- 
ting the forces. Mr. Saddler's first work in the 
service was Provost Guard duty at General Sheri- 
dan's head-quarters, where he remained until Maj', 
or until the opening of the Atlanta Campaign, in 
which he participated. During that eventful per- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



897 



iod the regiment was almost constantly under fire, 
and sometimes for eleven da^-s and nights without 
intermission. The following is a list of the battles 
in which Mr. Saddler took part with ids eomiiiand: 
Iluzzard's Roost, where the Federal forces suffered 
great loss. It was during this engagement that 
our subject had the heels of his shoes sliot off, a 
bullet put through his blouse, and the strap on his 
canteen cut off by shot. Resaca, where Col. West 
was wounded, was a hotly contested battle, follow- 
ing which came tliat of Plea.sant Ridge, more se- 
vere than the preceding, llere.tiie Union forces 
were harassed by the sharp-shooters, and during 
the contest Mr. Saddler pounded his way out of 
an old building with the butt end of his gun and 
escai)ed, while many of his comrades were wound- 
ed and killed. Rome, with its eleven days and 
nights of continuous figliting. was followed by the 
engagement at I5ig Siianty, then came the hard 
fougiil battle of Kenesaw Mountain. Inuring a 
lull in the firing the order came for the Federals 
to rest, but not a minute had passed before the 
Rebel bullets commenced, and orders came to take 
to foot at once. 

An incident worthy of mention, and one that 
illustrates the hair-breadth escapes experienced by 
the soldiei-s is here given: Mr. Saddler was lying 
with his head resting on his knapsack with one of 
his comrades, Chris Caslner, of Milwaukee, and 
when the order carae to arms, he had but just 
arisen; a solid shot from the enemy's guns struck 
his knapsack and sunk it into the groiuid so deep 
that he never saw it again. At the battle of 
Peach Tree Creek a pail of Fighting .loe Hooker's 
Corps was lost, and niaTi\' of the poor boys were 
hurriedly buried in a pit some twenty-two feet 
long, their bodies being lightly covered with earth. 
Mr. Saddler marched triumphantly with the troops 
through the city of Atlanta, .lonesborough and 
Columbus, Tenn.. the latter place being the scene 
of another terrible contest. It was here that our 
subject came very near being left; he was do- 
ing picket duty, and the troops had moved on be- 
fore he discovered that he was alone, but he hur- 
riedly followed in pursuit, and at last found his 
way to the ranks. 

Mr. Saddler was present at the engagements of 
35 



Chattahooehie and New Hope Church, and took 
part in the battle of Franklin, Tenn., which was 
one of the hardest fought battles of the war, for 
the time being. . The regiment had been march- 
ing for five days and nights and entered this place 
with the Rebel forces following. So hotly was the 
ground contested that the boys fought with 
clubbed muskets and H-xed b.-iyonets, with swords 
and fists, an engagenent that is well remembered 
by many of the boys in blue who were present. It 
was here that Jlr. Saddler was wounded in the left 
hand. He was transferred from the Twenty-fourth 
to the Thirteenth Wisconsin at Nashville, and with 
that regiment ordered to report at Camp .lackson. 
New Orleans. Going thence to Texas, by way of the 
Gulf of Mexico, the command landed at Matagor- 
da Bay, from which point it marched to San An- 
tonio, Tex., and there remained from the 12th of 
July to December, 1865. Here our subject was 
mustered out of the service of the United States. 
During the time of his enlistment he had never 
been home on a furlough, nor was he ever in the 
guard house. He was a faithful soldier and re- 
ceived an honorable discharge. 

In politics Mr. Saddler has always been a Re- 
publican, exercising his right of franchise for the 
men and measures of'that party. He is a memljer 
of the AVilliam B. Cushing Post No. 1!), (i. A. R., 
of Waukesha. He and his wife are members of the 
Congregational Church, and live in harmony with 
the profession they make. They are now living a 
retired life in (ienesee, where they are highly Re- 
spected by all who know them. 



NATIONAL EXCHAN(;E BANK. This is 
one of the subsLnntial financial institu- 
tions of Waukesha and of the county 
from the fact that the men who are at the head of 
it are conservative, non-speculative and thor- 
oughly reliable. It was organized March 11, 1882, 
with a capital stock of ♦50,000. The men who were 
most active in putting this enterprise on foot were 
R. M. Jameson and S. D. James, two well known 



898 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



business men of Waukesha, and W. P. Sawyer, an 
experienced banker of central Illinoi.s. The first 
officers chosen were R. M. Jameson, President; Dr. 
II. A. Younians, Vice-President; and W. P. Sawyer, 
Cashier. Tlie only change in tiie ollicial manage- 
ment was caused by the death of Dr. Youmans, 
who was succeeded in tiie A'ice-Presidency by S. A. 
Fox. Tlie fii-st Hoard of Directors was composed 
of the first officers with S. D. James and John IMitcli- 
eil. Later a sixth Director was added, 1). L. Ed- 
wards Ijeing cliosen to tiiat place, and subsequently 
two more, S. A. Fox and W. II. Sleep were elected, 
making the Hoard of Directors consist of eight 
members. In the Directorship Dr. Younians was 
succeeded by A. C. Nickcll. 

On the 25th of April, 1882, the National Ex- 
change Bank opened its doors for business in the 
building owned by Poole and Ware on Clinton 
Street, but in less than a year removed to the E. H. 
Carney Block and occupied the room at the inter- 
section of Main and Broadway Streets. Notwith- 
standing the hard times it was thought advisable 
to erect a large bank building at No. 407 Main 
Street in the fall of 1893. The structure is a line 
two-story building, with a basement, erected at a 
cost of ab(jut ><17,()()(). Its vaults are among the 
best in the state, and the building throughout is 
arranged especially for other lines of business 
intimately connected with hanking. For instance, 
the basement is fitted for an abstract office, while 
the second story is given to law and real-estate 
offices. On each fioor are vaults suited for the 
business to be conducted there. In connection 
witli the bank there is a safety deposit department 
which is also furnished with first-class vaults. In 
a word the bank building throughout is equippc^d 
with the best modern improvements. 

During the panic of 1893, in common with other 
banks, the National Exchange was tested and tried, 
meeting ever_v obligation upon demand and com- 
ing out stronger than when the siege began. Its 
report for July 18, 1894, shows its condition to 
be as follows: 

REsorRCEs, 

Loans and discounts ^174,119.01 

Overdrafts, secured and unsecured.. . . 1,331.84 
U. 8. bonds to secure circulation 18,500.00 



IT. S. bonds on hand * 300.00 

Premium on I'. S. bonds 2,21 0.00 

Stocks, securities, etc 1 7,627.00 

Banking house, furniture and fixtures 24,329.92 

Due from approved reserve agents. ... 30,091.68 

Checks and other cash items 1,821.83 

Notes of other National Banks 1,370.00 

Fractional paper currency', nickels and 

cents 21 3.24 

Specie ¥16,133.70 

Legal tender notes 7,500.00 23,633.70 

Redemption fund with V. S. Treasurer 

(5 per cent, of circulation) 832.50 

Total ?296.980.72 

i.iAiui.nir.s 

Capital stock paid in s 50,000.00 

Surplus fund 25,000.00 

Undivided i)rofits less expenses and 

taxes paid 1,116.94 

National Bank notes outstanding 16,650.00 

Due to State Banks and Bankers 125.39 

Dividends unpaid 50.00 

Individual deposits subject 

to check ^63,602.25 

Demand Certificates of deposit 
140,436.14 204,038.39 



Total *296,980.72 



BEKNIIARD CASPER, an old settler and the 
present Postmaster of New Berlin, is a 
native of Alsace-Lorraine, where his birth 
occiuTcd June 30, 1824. His parents were Joseph 
and Catherine (Dendinger) Casper, who had eight 
children, five boys and three girls, four of whom 
are living, as follows: iMartin is a resident of 
Chantilly, France; Lizzie is the widow of Anthony 
Strasser,a farmer in the Old Country-; Bernhard is 
next; and Alois is a tailor of Jlilwaukee. The gen- 
tleman whose name heads this article received a 
common-school education in his native land, and 
assisted on his father's farm until he decided to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



899 



emigrate to America. From Havre, France, in 
May, 1845, he sailed on tlie Frencli vessel "Plne- 
nix," and after thirty-three days landed at New 
York. The following da^' he went to Albany by 
way of the Hudson Hiver, .and from that city to 
Rochester on the Erie Canal, where he engaged as 
an apprentice to learn the cooper's trade, serving 
one year. At the expiration of that time he 
crossed from Buffalo to Canada, going over the 
river on the ice, .and made his home at Waterloo, 
where he engaged at work at his trade during one 
winter. From there he went to Preston. Canada, 
where he resumed the coopering business, and 
where he met and wedded Catherine Lehman n, 
a daughter of Joseph J^ehmann, a native of Al- 
sace-Lorraine, born in 1824. In 1846 Mrs. Casper, 
in company with a cousin, Michael Saltz, crossed 
the ocean and made her home in the village of 
Preston till her marriiige. 

Two days after their wedding the young couple 
crossed over to Buffalo, where thej' took passage 
for Milwaukee, landing in that city four days 
afterward. Here Mr. Casper carried on business 
on his own account, making flour and pork bar- 
rels, in exchange for which he received store-pa\'. 
In 1851, after a residence of four years in Mil- 
waukee, he removed to the town of New Berlin, 
where he bought ten acres of comparatively un- 
improved land, upon which stood a small frame 
house and a log cooper shop. He immediately re- 
sumed work at his trade, replacing the old tumble- 
down shoi) willi a more modern and substantial 
log building. From time to time Mr. Casperadded 
to his original purchase until he now owns a fine 
farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres, about 
twent^'-tive acres of which remain in timber, prin- 
cipally maple. The residence he occu|)ies was 
erected in the year 1861, in which he opened a 
tavern for the accommodation of the public. Here 
he carried on his shop and entertained emigrants, 
many of whom later found homes in the town of 
New Berlin. Some eighteen yeai-s ago Mr. Casper 
discontinued coopering, and has since given his 
atttmtion to the operation of his hotel, increasing 
trade demanding his time. 

Mr. and Mrs. Casper had a large family, num- 
bering thirteen children, as follows: tieorge, born 



June 12, 1849, died September 1, 1850; Joseph, 
born September 11, 1850. died April 1, 1859; Bern- 
hard, born January 31, 1852, operates a hotel at 
Oconomowoc; Alois, born September 15, 1853, is 
a fai'mer and stock-raiser of New Berlin Township; 
Catherine, born April 20, 1855, married Jacob Ser- 
ing, a farmer of Franklin Township, Milwaukee 
County; Elizabeth, born November 19, 1856, be- 
came the wife of John Schiltz, a farmer of Pros- 
pect; Andrew, born September 5, 1858, is a very 
popular hotel man on the Mukwonago Koad; Jo- 
seph, born May 24, 1860, died April 16, 1861; 
Valentine, born February 14, 1862, is a merchant 
at Sullivan, .Icfferson County, Wis.; John V., born 
January 4, 1864, is Assistant Postmaster. He has 
always resided at home with his parents, being a 
valuable helper in conducting the business. He 
is deservedly popular with young and old, and 
has the esteem of all who know him. Noveml)er 
18, 1890, he was married to Miss Mary (Jreiler, a na- 
tive of North Greenfield, Milwaukee County, who 
was born February 15, 1875, and died July 4, 1894. 
They have two children, Valentine and Rosalie, 
who are the pride of their grandfather in his de- 
clining years. The next child in Mr. Casper's 
family, Mary, born October 18, 1867, died in Feb- 
ruary, 1870; William, born April 13, 1870, died 
when thirteen months old; and another child died 
in infancy. July 12, 1892, the mother of this 
family, p.assed to the spirit world and was laid to 
rest in the cemetery of the Holy Apostles' Church. 
She was much beloved in New Berlin, and was a 
kind neiglibor and a devoted mother. 

Mr. Casper began life a poor man, but by hard 
work and close attention to business has accumu- 
lated a good property. He is a firm believer in 
the princiiiles advocated by the Democratic party, 
and by that party h.as been honored by election 
to the office of Side-Supervisor, which position he 
has filled at different times for a period of twenty 
years, and he has been Schofd Clerk for three j'ears. 
He is a devout Catholic and has contributed lib- 
erally toward the erection and support of the 
Catholic Churches of New Berlin, having been 
a Director in the first one built at that place. 
For church and school purposes he has given three 
acres of ground, their l>cautiful cemetery occupy- 



900 



rOETRAlT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ing a part of that gift. lie was appointed Post- 
master of Js'cw Berliu iiiiflcr C'leveland's first ad- 
ministration. Mr. Casper is now in his seventietli 
year, and lias witnessed the irrowtii of New Ber- 
lin from a wilderness to a line agricultural section. 
Progressive and energetic, he has a wide circle of 
friends, few men being belter known in that com- 
munity. 

^ P ' 



ORSON P. CLINTON is a native of 
Waukesha County, a man well known by 
the populace. lie was born on the 5th 
of June, 1840, being the fifth in a family of six 
children, five sons and one daughter, born to Allen 
and Adaline (Goodnow) Clinton, and is the only 
survivor. His father was a native of Ferrisburg, 
Vt., August 17, 1801, and died November 3, 1863, 
in the town of Pewaukee. lie was reared to the 
trade of carpenter and joiner, and received a lim- 
ited education in the common schools of his native 
state. At the age of sixteen Allen Clinton came 
with his parents to Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, 
N. Y., where he resided until his emigration to 
Joliet, 111. The trip from New York to Illinois 
was made with a team and wagon, and consumed 
one month. He did not remain long there, but 
came on a prospecting tour to Wisconsin, visiting 
Waukesha, which was then a part of Milwaukee 
County, witnessing it in its wildest state. This 
was in the spring of 1837. When upon his return 
to Joliet. the return being made on foot, he met 
many bands of Indians. That fall he returned to 
Waukesha County with his family, and in company 
with his brother-in-law, Kdward Goodnow, erected 
the first frame house built in tlie village of Wau- 
kesha, which is still standing and now owned by 
J. A. Waite. There were about one hundred in- 
habitants in the vill.age at that time, lie and his 
wife >yere two of the original members of the first 
Congregational Church in the state of AVisconsiu. 
It was ill 1838 that the elder Mr. Clinton pur- 
chased the Bidwell right of eighty acres of partial- 
ly improved land, and also forty .acres of S. S. 
Breese, adjoining the former, which is the pres- 



ent homestead of the subject of this sketch. He 
had strong Abolition proclivities and was one of 
the prime movers locally. He was one of the con- 
ductors of the so-called under ground railway to 
carry fugitive slaves to Canada, at one time se- 
creting Eliza Quarles,a fugitive slave, in his house 
for several days, and finally passing her into the 
hands of his brother-in-law, Lyman (ioodnow, who 
carried her witli his team to Canada. His daily 
petition was "break the yoke of bondage and let 
the oppressed go free." He lived to see the fulfill- 
ment of his prayer in the announcement of the 
Emancipation Proclamation issued by President 
Lincoln. In his early political faith he was a Free 
Soiler, then a strong Abolitionist, and afterwards 
was an ardent supporter of the principles of the 
Republican i)arly until his death. Mr. Clinton 
w.as a devoted Christian gentleman and it was said 
at the semi-centennial services of the Coiigreg.a- 
tional Church at Waukesha in 1888, that the histo- 
rian recorded of him these words, "the most Godly 
man he ever knew." 

The subject of this article can tr.ace his ancestry 
back to good old New England stock. His grand- 
father was a soldier in the AVar of 1812. His 
mother was a native of Rutland, Jlass., born De- 
cember 26, 1803, and died October 16, 1871. She 
was a daughter of Asa and Lydia (Warren) (^ood- 
now, the mother being a descendant of the famous 
General Warren of Bunker Hill. According to all 
data obtained the (ioodnow family originated from 
Thadeus (ioodnow, who married a Miss Knight 
and emigrated from England to America in an 
early day. 

Orson P. Clinton has spent his entire life in 
Waukesha County, his first home being a log cabin, 
in which he dwelt for fourteen years. His early 
educational training was commenced in the pioneer 
log sclioolhouse, which was replaced by a frame 
building, lie supplemented his education by a 
short course at Carroll College, and by a teacher's 
course at the State Normal at Winona, Minn., the 
first Normal School founded in the state. In or- 
der to secure the means with which to begin his 
normal course, Mr. Clinton worked for his brother, 
receiving for his services ^9 per month. When 
this was exhausted he began teaching. He taught 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



901 



two terms in the state of Minnesota, one at Water- 
ford and tlie other at Cannon City. lie was only 
twenty years old wlion lie began his life on iiisown 
responsibility, and without a dollar to his name. 
The Civil War had broken out and he responded 
to the call for troops, enlisting in Company H, 
First Wisconsin Cavalry, under Colonel Daniels, 
at that time, the date of his enlistment being 
August !l, 18G2. Mis regiment was ordered to C'ape 
(iirardeau. Mo., (leneral Davidson being Comman- 
der of that part of the army. The first duty in 
which the regiment engaged was scouting and 
skirmishing in this part of the country, which was 
the most sickly and desolate in the south, in 18G3 
the regiment was transferred to the army of the 
Cumberland under General Rosecrans, participat- 
ing in <iuite a number of engagements in Tenn- 
essee and (Tcorgia. The first battle in which the 
regiment participated was that of Chickamauga, 
the next at Dandridge, near Knoxville, Teun., the 
next action was at Mossy Creek, Tenn., where Mr. 
Clinton's horse was shot from under him. He was 
with the regiment throughout the Atlanta cam- 
paign, the troops being under fire almost constant- 
ly. His regiment was a part of the army which 
entered the city upon its capitulation. At this 
time Sherman's famous march to the sea was 
planned, Mr. Clinton's regiment being dismounted 
and the best of their horses taken for that expedi- 
tion, while the men were sent back to Louisville, 
Ky., to remount. Upon being remounted an order 
was given for them to join General Thomas at 
Nashville, who daily expected an attack by the 
Rebel (Jeneral Hood, but ere they could join Gen- 
eral Thomas, the Rebel Commander, General (Jreen, 
intercepted them, detaining them until too late to 
reach Thomas. After reaching Nashville, Tenn., 
a raid was planned under (Jen. James H. Wilson, 
composed of ten thousand cavalrymen, their line 
of march extending through the states of Alabama 
and (ieorgia, which was known as the Wilson Raid. 
They left Nashville February 1, 186.5, marched to 
Waterloo, Ala., remained there until March "20, 
18()."), where the concentration of the cavalry forces 
was effected. Their first objective point w.as Selnia, 
Ala., where there were large arsenal stores and pro- 
visions kept by the Confederates, these being de- 



stroyed by the Federals. During the trip to Selma 
Mr. Clinton experienced an incident worthy of 
mention. He had entered the service as a private 
an(i at difTercnt stages of his service was commis- 
sioned; at this time he was commissioned Second 
Lieutenant, but acting as Captain of Company M. 
An order was issued for an advance guard to be 
detailed to go fifteen miles distant from Selma to 
Centerville, Ala., where there was a bridge of im- 
portance to be held for the advance of the Federals. 
The order was issued by Colonel La Grange to 
Lieutenant Clinton to advance with a detailed 
company of twenty-five men, the ride to be made 
in two hours. They were to attack the rebels and 
hold the bridge al all hazards, which they did suc- 
cessfully'. This was the point where Lieutenant 
Clinton came near losing his life. When he gave 
the command to his men to advance ingallop with 
drawn revolvers, they were dashing down a decliv- 
ity to the right drive-wa^- of the bridge, there be- 
ing two, and when he was within fifteen feet of 
the bridge, one of his men behind him exclaimed, 
"Lieutenant, don't you see that the drive-waj- is 
torn away, take the other sidel" He obeyed and 
saved his life. Lieutenant Clinton was a favorite 
with his company as will be shown later. After 
these orders were executed he joined the forces at 
Selma, which city had been captured. Then the 
line of march was taken up to Montgomery, thence 
to Columbus, Cia., and thence to Ft. Lyon, Ala., 
which was captured with three hundred prisoners. 
Lieutenant Clinton was present in this action; 
it was so hotl\' contested that the guns of the fip[)o- 
sing forces almost touched. In this eonllict Lieu- 
tenant Vosburg, who was at the side of Mr. Clin- 
ton, was shot through the head, the ball entering 
his eye, killing him instantly. The date of this 
engagement was April 16, 1865, the Inst battle of 
the war, and the next day on the approach to Ma- 
con, Cia., the troops were met with a Hag of truce, 
surrendering the city, and proclaiming the joyful 
intelligence that (Jeneral Lee had surren<iered at 
Appomattox, which sent a thrill of joy through the 
hearts of many thousands of the soldiers who had 
born the hardships and vicissitudes of a soldier's 
life. One of the important experiences in the sol- 
dier life of Lieutenant Clinton was the pursuit and 



902 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



capture of JeflFerson Davis, the Confederate Chief- 
tain, al Irwin ville, Ga., as related by liini: 

The First Wisconsin Cavalry found itself in May, 
lK(i5, at Macon, (ia. It was part of the command 
of ten thousand riders headed by Maj.-(ien. J. H. 
Wilson which had left Nashville, Tenii., about 
February 1, for an extensive raid, having Chick- 
asaw, Mis.s., Tuscaloosa and Suhna, Ala., and thence 
eastward through Montgomery to Columbus and 
West Point on the Georgia line, and finally Macon, 
Ga., as the final objective |)oint. It had been a 
very successful raid. The only remaining arsenal 
store of the Confederacy with many other Confed- 
erate supplies had been destroyed at Selnia, Ala. 

A running fight with the Rebel General Forrest's 
command w.as a daily occurrence as General Wil- 
son swept eastward through Alabama, and finally 
the last battle of the war had been fought at Ft. 
Tyler on April 16, 1865, I^ieutenant Vosburg of 
Company J, First Wisconsin Cavalry, being the 
last man killed at this battle and of the war. The 
war was over and we were waiting orders to be 
mustered out and to return to our homes. It was 
with some surprise that Lieutenant Colonel Ilarn- 
den of the First Wisconsin Cavalr3' was ordered 
about five v. m.. May C, to report to the head- 
quarters of the Division Commander with one hun- 
dred and fifty well mounted men. After getting 
out of tlie city I asked Colonel Ilarnden -.vliat all 
this meant. His reply was that he hoped '-the 
good Lord would give us one more light," and 
then said that we were sent to ca))ture .leff Davis; 
that General Wilson had received dispatches to 
the effect that President Davis with an escort of 
two or three hundred was coming across the coun- 
try through the Carolinas and apparently heading 
for the gulf coast and that his present route would 
be tlirough Dublin, fifty-live miles northeast of 
Macon. Colonel Ilarnden further said that we 
must reach Dublin before the next night if possible. 
We marched all that night, stopping the next 
morning to rest and feed our horses. Here we 
left Lieutenant Hewitt with thirty men to patrol 
the country, and the rest of us mounted and 
marched on in the direction of Dublin. About 
three i-. m. we met a couple of negroes who de- 
scribed a carriage with a fine team and occupied 



bj^ a couple of men with their ladies, as having 
passed that point a couple of hours before and tak- 
ing the Laurel Hill road. A consultation was held, 
and although there was not much probability that 
this was the Davis party, as there was no escort 
whatever, still it was possible he might have 
adopted this method as attracting the least atten- 
tion. It was accordinglj' decided that I was to 
taKC my Company B and follow up the trail until 
satisfied of the character of the outfit and then 
join the command at Dublin. We took the Laurel 
Hill road and after marching six or eight miles, 
came upon the carriage at the home of a rich 
planter, but no .Jeff Davis. We helped ourselves 
to corn for our horses, and milk from the dairy 
for ourselves and after resting for an hour took 
the back track foi Dublin, where we arrived about 
eleven o'clock, having ridden upwards of seventy 
miles since five o'clock the evening before. Col- 
onel Ilarnden had arrived with his command late 
in the evening and had made some inquiries in the 
village with no very promising results, the citizens 
seemingly reluctant to give information. About 
midnight, however, his colored servant brought to 
him another colored man who said that quite a 
large part}' of wagons and ambulances and some led 
horses had gone through the place the day before. 
One of the wagons had a lady for a passenger, whom 
he heard called Mrs. Davis. There were several 
horsemen and one rode a fine bay horse, but this 
man with several others had not gone with the 
wagon train, but had crossed the river and gone 
down on the other side. Feeling sure that we had 
struck the Davis trail, and reasoning that if Mr. 
Davis were one of the party which liad gone down 
on the other side of the river he would surely join 
the wagon train with Mrs. Davis some time during 
the day, Colonel Ilarnden gave orders for an early 
start in the morning in pursuit of the wagon train. 
I hadn't fairly got both eyes shut before reveille 
sounded, and before it was yet light we were again 
in the s.addle. Lieutenant Lane was left here with 
fort3'-five men to guard the river and patrol the 
roads. About five miles from Dublin we crossed 
Turkey Creek, and entered a pine forest, poor, 
sandy, and almost uninhabited. Karly in the day 
it began to rain, and it soon became difficult to fol- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 



903 



low the wagon li-ail as there was no well defined 
traveled road in that forest. About noon we met 
a citizen on horseback, whom Colonel ilarnden im- 
pressed as a guide. He claimed at first to be en- 
tirely ignorant of any Davis party, but after some 
threats he recalled the fact that he had heard of such 
a party on a road eleven miles away. In due time 
we got onto the right trail again. Night found 
us in the swamps of Alligator Creek, with water to 
the saddle-girths in many places. It had kept up 
a drizzling rain all d.ay and still continued. In 
the darkness it was nniwssible to follow a trail and 
it was equally impossible to start fires to cook cof- 
fee and bacon. Hut there seemed no other way 
than to camp right there with water everywhere 
and go supi)erlcss to bed, so to speak. We had 
ridden forty miles tliat day and but for our rubber 
pouches would have been wet through. A change 
of any sort was welcome. As many of the men as 
possible would sit around a tree whose base was 
above water mark, and using the tree for a com- 
mon center would lean against it and get a little 
sleep. 

However, all things conic to an end and so did 
that miserable night. Before it was fairly daj'- 
light we were .again in the saddle and by nine 
o'clock, May t), were out of the wilderness and at 
a ferry across the Ocmulgee River and found that 
the Davis party had crossed the same ferr}' about 
one o'clock that morning and that Mr. Davis was 
with them. Riding to Abbeville, a distance of two 
miles from the ferry, we halted and fed our horses 
and ourselves. The ferryman told us that the 
Davis party had gone directly south in the direc- 
tion of Irwinville, twenty-five miles distant. 

Al)0ut noon, i\Iay 'Jth, we were again in the sad- 
dle and on the march. We had gone about a 
mile when we saw two cavalrjraen in blue coming 
down the road from the north in the direction of 
Macon. Colonel Ilarnden called a halt until they 
came up, and found that they were the advance 
guard of the Fourth Michigan Cavalrj-, which was 
just behind. Coh>nel Harnden ordered me to 
move on in the direction of Irwinville, while he, 
with his orderly, waited until Colonel I'rilchard, 
of the Fourth Michigan, came up, and found that 
Colonel Pritchard was also in pursuit of Jeflf Davis. 



Colonel Ilarnden told him of his having followed 
the trail for two days, and that we expected to 
overtake him that night. 

Colonel Pritchard olTcred Ilarnden more men, 
but Colonel Ilainden declined, saying that the 
Davis party had dwindled to less than fifty. Col- 
onel Pritcliard replied that as lie had got to stop 
to feed and rest his men and horses, he would go 
no further. 

Colonel Haniili'ii IIumi huiricd on and overtook 
his command. About two o'clock wo passed the 
camp-fire of the Davis i)arty, where they had taken 
a late breakfast. We could not be over three or four 
hours behind them. The road could be seen for 
miles and miles ahead, where it had been cut through 
the pine woods. We passed but one dwelling 
that afternoon, and that a little log hut. We bor- 
rowed some corn here for our horses. Nine in the 
evening found us within three miles of Irwinville, 
which is on the Ala])aha River. Colonel Harnden 
called a halt for the night, reasoning that Davis 
and his party would put the river between us that 
night. Hut Davis evidently did not realize that 
he was being so closely pursued, for the morning 
of the 10th showed that he had cam|)ed on the 
other side of a stri|> of swamp, where there was 
plenty of water, only about a mile from us. 

About three o'clock in the morning of May 
10th we were once more in the saddle, hoping to 
reach the Davis party about daylight, supposing 
them to be at least three miles awaj'. 

In about a mile, however, our advance guard, in 
charge of Sergeant Hussey, was halted aad fired 
into without waiting for a reply to the challenge, 
i "Who comes there!" Colonel Harnden, with Com- 
pany D, rode rapidly forward to the .assistance of 
Sergeant Hu.ssey, when they received a volley of 
twenty or thirty- muskets. Nobody could be seen, 
as it was still dark, and in the thick pine woods. 

The attacking party was quickly driven back, 
retreating aw.ay from the road, and pursued by 
Colonel Ilarnden and fifty men, ho having ordered 
me to follow up the road with Company H, con- 
sisting of twenty-five men. 

I had gone but a short distance when I saw a 
column of cavalry coming towards us about three 
hundreds yards off. it was now getting a little 



D04 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArillCAL RECORD. 



gray in the east and objects could be distinguished 
but a short distance. We soon got into line and 
oinplieil our carl)iiu's into them, killing two men 
and wounding several men and horses, and throw- 
ing them into great confusion. This lasted but a 
moment, however, as more mounted men kept 
coming across the little swamp, and rapidly formed 
into line, outnumbering us four to one. 

At this juncture Colonel Iliirnden, having heard 
our liring, arrived with some of his men, and with 
our Spencer carbines we were making things pretty 
lively, when Sergeant How came running up with 
a prisoner he had captured wlio had proved to be 
a Fourth Michigan man. Colonel Ilarnden im- 
mediately gave orders to cease firing, and upon 
riding forward the very first man be met was 
Colonel Pritchard. Upon being asked how he 
came to be there, when he was supposed to be at 
Abbeville, twenty-five miles to the rear, he re- 
plied that he learned that there was a parallel road 
running to Irwinville, and thinking he might be 
of some assistance he had taken one hundred and 
fifty of his best mounted men and marching all 
night had arrived at Irwinville ahead of the Davis 
party, and learning that his camp was about a mile 
b.ack, had taken measures to surround it, and mis- 
taking us for enemies, had fired into us. While 
hostilities were going on his men had captured 
.Jeff Davis and liis entire party. With this ex- 
planation the two Colonels went together and in- 
terviewed Mr. Davis. At the time of the capture 
Mrs. Davis had thrown her waterproof cloak 
around Mr. Davis and also a shawl over his head, 
and with a bucket on his arm, started together to 
go from their tent to the creek, a few yards dis- 
tant for a bucket of water. His idea, cvidentl.y, 
was to get possession of his horse, which was tied 
to a tree near the creek, and thus effect his escape. 
They had got but a few ste|)S, however, before Mr. 
Davis' boots disclosed his identity to the sharp- 
eyed soldiers. He was commanded to halt, but 
paying no attention to the order, was continuing 
on his course, when his wife threw her arms 
around him and compelled him to stop. He then 
turned around and faced his captors, telling them 
to shoot, as he might as well meet his fate there 
as elsewhere. He was immediately placed under 



guard, but allowed the freedom of the camp. All 
this occurred before it was yet fairly light, and 
while, as before stated, the two regiments were 
having their encounter just the other side of the 
creek. In fact, the Michigan men charged right 
through the Davis Camp to fight the Wisconsin 
men. 

From Lieutenant I'tirinlon.of the Fourth Mich- 
igan, I learned that when Colonel Pritehard ar- 
rived at Irwinville about two o'clock on that morn- 
ing and found himself ahead of the Davis party, 
he came back on the main road to within sight of 
the Davis Camp as disclosed b^- camiifires, and 
then sent Lieutenant Purinton with twenty-five 
men around to our side of the Davis Cam]i with 
no instructions whatever as to the likelihood of 
our coming up on that side of the camp, and 
hence the unfortunate collision. Colonel Pritch- 
ard took no precautions whatever to apprise Col- 
onel Harndeii of his whereabouts. When he de- 
cided to take a i)arallel road from Alibeville to 
Irwinville he should have sent a messenger after 
Colonel Hainden notifying him of his action. 
And again, he should have instiucted Lieutenant 
Purinton to communicate with Colonel Ilarnden, 
as he must have known we were close at hand. 

The reason for this deception and unsoldierly 
conduct on the part of Colonel Pritchard, whereby 
two of his men lost their lives and several men 
and horses on both sides were wounded, and also 
by which the First Wisconsin was in a measure 
robbed of the honors they had so fairly- won, was 
disclosed later on. After caring for the wounded 
and placing them in ambulances taken with the 
Davis party, all took up the line of march for Ma- 
con, where we arrived on the 13th, and there 
learned for the first time that a reward of -^100,000 
had been offered for the capture of Jeff Davis. 
This offer was dated, Washington, May 6th, and 
was known to Colonel Pritchard when he left 
May 8th, which fact accounts for his perfidious 
conduct. Colonel Pritchard having possession of 
the prisoner, escorted him and his wife to Macon 
and afterwards to Washington. He claimed for 
his detachment and at one time was awarded the 
full amount of the reward. But through the 
earnest efforts' of Colonel Ilarnden, seconded by 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



905 



Senator T. O. Howe and Congressmen from Wis- 
consin, Congress was induced to reconsider the 
award, and include tlie First Wisconsin detach- 
ment and a cun)[)any of Ohio Cavah-y, wliicli had 
pursued Davis through the Carolinas, with the 
Fourtii Mieliigan Cavalry in the distrilnition of 
the rewar<i. Eacli of tlie Conunanding Ollicers re- 
ceived $3,000, and the balance divided between 
oflicers and men according to rank and pay. 

The capture of Jeff Davis was the final act in 
the four years' War of the Rebellion. 

It seems proper to add here a little current his- 
tory to the effect that Mr. Davis was not dealt 
with as traitors to their country usually are, but 
was imprisoned for a time in Fortress Monroe and 
finally released under heavy bonds. He retired 
to his plantation in Mississippi, but never took 
the oath of allegiance 'to the United States, and 
hence was disfranchised. At different times he 
made iullaramatory speeches in the South, always 
reviling the North and bewailing the lost cause 
of the Confederacy. He died December 5tb, 
1889. 

Mr. Clinton was three years, lacking one month, 
in the service of "Uncle Sam," during which time 
he was never furloughed or absent from his post 
of duty, thereby making a record of which he may 
be justly proud, llis comrades made him a pres- 
ent of a beautiful watch as a token of their love 
and respect. He was honorably discharged at 
Edgefield, Tenn., .Inly 19, 1865, and returned home 
to resume the avocation of a private citizen. 

The full responsibility of caring for an invalid 
mother rested upon Mr. Clinton. He wedded Miss 
Anna E. Douglass, a native of Baj* View, South 
Milwaukee, born .lune 11, 1837. Their marriage 
was celebrated March 30, 1866, and unto them 
have been born two daughters. The eldest is Ma- 
bel M., wife of R. P. Breese, a native of this coun.- 
ty, and a son of Samuel Breese, one of the early 
settlei-8 of Waukesha County. R. P. Breese is the 
Teller of the National Exchange Uank of Wauke- 
sha. His wife was educated in Carroll College and 
at White Water Normal, being a successful teacher 
in this county. Abbie L., at home, was educated 
in Carroll College. Besides good educational ad- 
36 



vantages, the daughters have received training in 
music. 

Mrs. Clinton is a daufjliter of Barzillai and Har- 
riet (Church) Douglass. Her father is a native of 
West Chazy, N. Y., and her mother, of Fairhaven, 
Vt. He emigrated to Wisconsin in 183,'), and lo- 
cated on the site where the Rolling Mills now 
stand, in South Milwaukee. Mrs. Clinton was ed- 
ucated in the pulilic schools, and was a teacher in 
the Union School of Waukesha for a number of 
years. She was Assistant Postmaster of the vil- 
lage of Waukesha under the administration of O. 
Z. Olin. Mr. Clinton is a Republican, his first vote 
having been cast for "Honest Abe" while in the 
ranks. He has not been aggressive as a politician, 
exercising his franchise as he thinks for the best 
interest of the masses. Oilicially he has served as 
Supervisor for three years; and one term was Chair- 
man of the Town Board. The cause of temperance 
finds in him a warm advocate. He is a friend of 
the public schools, having been an ollicial in his 
district for many years. 

Ever since the organization of the Farmers' Mu- 
tual Fire Insurance Company of Waukesha and 
eight otiier lownslii[)s, which was organized jNIarch 
14, 1874, he has been an ofliciat, at present filling 
the office of President, which he has held for twelve 
years. The condition of the companj' is shown by 
the official statement of .January 1, 1894. 

"Amount insured since organization ^8,503,- 
314.00, in force January 1, 1894, *2,8()2,974.00; 
losses paid since organization, $37,695.17. The 
losses of 1893 have been the greatest of any year. 

i{i:( Kii'Ts oi- 1893. 
Cash on hand January 1. 1893. $1,180.74 

Assessment of 1 89 1 28.58 

Assessment of 1893 4,052.39 

Premiums on renewals 567.07 

Borrowed money 900.00 

$6,728.78 

EXPENDITURES OF 1893. 

Losses by fire and lightning. . .$6,011.63 
Adjusting losses and Directors 

Meeting 123.25. 

President's salary 25.00 

Office rent 12.00 

Examining Committee 4.00 



906 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIOCAL RECORDi 



Detective's bill $60.00 



Arbitrator's services 


6.00 


Making out assessment 


25.00 


Collecting assessment 


50.00 


Supplies for Secretary's office. . 


36.00 


Miscellaneous 


9.89 




366.01 




4 



$6,728.78 
This leaves the Companj' in 
debt *533.99 

The Directors are: W. A. Nickell, Isaac Gale, O. 
P. Clinton, A. V. B. Dey, W. R. Blodgett, C. T. 
Hill, T. Beechaudley, E. Beaumont and J. J. Lur- 
vey. 

0. P. Clinton, President; A. V. B. Dey, Secretary; 
E. Beaumont, Treasurer. 

Whole number of policies in force, 1377. 



The cost of insuring ^2,000 (the average of each 
policy) has been 150, or two and one-half per cent, 
for twenty years, which includes cost of survey 
and policj% premiums and assessments." 

Mr. and Mrs. Clinton are in sympathy with the 
teachings of the Congregational Church. Their 
farm comprises one hundred and twenty acres of 
fine land, a mile and a-half from the village limits. 
The improvements on the farm indicate the thrift 
of the manager. He is a practical butter maker, 
m.anufacturing for Chicago and Milwaukee custo- 
mers. Mr. Clinton makes a specialty of Shropshire 
sheep and Poland-China hogs. He was connected 
in an official capacity with the Waukesha County 
Agricultural Society for twenty j'ears, as Secretary, 
Director and President of the Board. 





g'/l'if-gO.^ . •-» _ 



ii^^esabSii 






''^"' 



INDBX. m 



g^'=^^--'*t(!g))'"-t-t-i..-t..t>.t»tA.T...t..fe.t>t.A..t...fc^ 



5^p5!C*"">^' ■• 




♦J^^» 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



-» > <? < * 



Abbott, L. II 702 

Abcll, F. D 817 

Acklcy, Hon. H. M 87B 

Adanis, John 23 

Adams, J. Q 39 

Ainsworth. Roderick 743 

Ainsworth, Silas 673 

Aitlten, Andrew 7W 

Alte, Jolm 472 

Albertz, H. W 559 

Allen, A. T 39fi 

Allen, F. E 2»4 

Andrews, Mrs Sarah 499 

Andrews, Sowall 347 

Angrave, Mrs. Jane 298 

Anstey, H. W 811 

Arniin,C K '33^ 

Arthur, Chester A 9il 

Austin, «.0 805 



B 



Bacon, J. E., M. D 506 

Bacon, Hon. W. D 247 

Baer, I. K 8(3 

Baird, John 893 

Baker, li. E. L 778 

Bank, National Exchange... 897 



Bank, Waukesha National.. 560 

Bannister, c;. B., M. D 680 

Barber, (i. F. H 7.52 

Barber, Hon. Silas 530 

Barker, Lauren 470 

Barnard, E. W 417 

Barnes, Holt 780 

Barney, G. M 216 

Barstow, W. A 133 

Bash ford, Coles 137 

Bates, John Sai 

Beaumont, Hon. Kphraim. ..727 

Beaver Lake Cottages 787 

Becker, Kev. N. I) 2*1 

Bell, Francis 891 

Bergeler, C. Q G36 

Biggs, Kay 81".t 

Blair, P. U 796 

Blair, \V illiani 548 

Blessinger, Louis 429 

Blodgett, W. B 270 

Blood, Hon. Ira 707 

Bloor, John 709 

Booth, James 26i 

Bosch, John 817 

Boyd, McNair 351 

Brehm, John, Jr 275 

Brown, O. H 775 

Brown, E. F 668 

Brown, George, Jr 448 

Brown, Kobcrt, Sr 619 

Brown, R. W 571 

Brown, W. W 818 

Buchanan, James 75 

Bugbce, Van H 691 



Bull, William 849 

Burden, John 857 

Burnell, Henry 718 

Busse, H. G 82i 

Butler, William, Sr 867 



Cadby, Hon. J. N 879 

Cameron, C. N 337 

Camp, r>. 1 331 

Camp. H. H 64 1 

Campbell, Harvey 354 

C.^mpbell, Thomas 80(1 

Carney, Mrs. E. H 496 

Casper, Bernhard 898 

Chalin, E. W 501 

Chambers, F. W 722 

Cniampeny, Mrs. E. K. 597 

Champeiiy,T. M 886 

Chandler, W. S 418 

Chapin,J.B 814 

Chapin,Mrs. M. A 6S5 

Chapman, Mrs. Caroline 678 

Cheney, John 633 

Chubb, O. P «87 

Claflin, A. H 428 

Clark , Asa 624 

Clary, Tliomas 813 

Clasen, Hon. Henry 463 

Clemens, Moses 631 

Cleveland, S. Grovcr 103 



Clinton, O. P 900 

Cole, Rev. A. D 313 

Cole, A. M 492 

Coleman, Leonard 6AS 

Collins, W. W 768 

Collolon, Mrs. Catharine 599 

Conistock,J. D 823 

Constantine, J.J 815 

Cook, Alexander 795 

Cook, Emanuel 407 

Cooper, H. R 461 

Cory, William 544 

Coyle, Peter 069 

Craig, W. G 837 

Crane.C. M.,D. V. S 626 

Craven, Mrs. Margaret 762 

Craven, Richard, Jr 717 

Culver, H. L 629 

Cutler, M. 1) 663 



Dale, John 287 

Davidson, A. L 244 

Davis, C. S SS7 

Davis, Henry » S07 

Davis, .l.'imes 829 

Davis, M. L SaS 

Dawson, James 698 

Dayton, Abiior 888 

Debus, l>orenz 638 



908 



INDEX. 



Dechant, Joseph 578 

Dcissiier, C. G 535 

Dent, Hon. J. S Ml 

Denton, Isaac <j05 

Dewey, Nelson 1115 

Pieman, Au^jtuhI 285 

Dixon, W.H. 740 

Doild, Samnel 841 

Do<l(;*', Henri' 113 

Doty, J. D 117 

Dreyer, J. F «K8 

Drouiflit, Kobert 531 



E 



Karle,H. H 320 

p:a.slinan, Cooiedge 565 

Edwanis, D. L 777 

Kd wards, Isaac 281 

Edwards, John 2fi5 

Etlwards, Tlionia-s 340 

Edwards, W. H. S "57 

Ehnert, J. K 293 

Elias, Mrs. Elizabetli 441) 

Elierson, l^ifayettc 647 

Eilerson, Lavarlctie 572 

Elliott, Mrs. Georstc 210 

Ely, Franklin 602 

Enislie, William 675 

Enos, Capt. Elihu 651 

Enos, Col. H. M 698 

Estberg, C. A 780 

Evans, E.J 833 

Evans, John 81!) 



Fuller, Joseph. 
Funk, B. B 



..282 
.226 



Fairc'hild, Lucius l.'>7 

Fallon, M. O W5 

Farwell,G. A 220 

Farwell, L. J 129 

Faulkner, Thomas 305 

Fay.W. B 4i;'J 

Field, Judge Martiu 413 

Fillmore, Millard 67 

Haiiafjan, John 221 

Fleming, Hon. William 667 

Flotow, L. J 077 

Flynn, John 276 

Fohey, Frederick 318 

Forster, J. H 490 

Foster, Edward 8»H 

Foster, J. H 274 

Foster, W. A 513 

Fox, S. A M:t6 

Frame, A. J 577 

Kr.anie, H. M 80t 

Frank, Ludwig 652 

Fr.azler, W. M 479 

Fuller, Elon 762 

Fuller, F. H S47 



G 



Gale, baac 261 

G.arlieUI, James A 95 

Oa.s|)ar, John 315 

Oessert, Philip 326 

Gilford, G. r 554 

Gill, Thomas 494 

Gleason, Michael 606 

Goodwin, H.W 667 

Goss, Hon. B. F 607 

Gove,l{. L 542 

Grant, J. D 645 

Grant, Ulysses S 87 

Graser, Adam 701 

Gredler, William 734 

Green, J . U 812 

Oreengo, J. C 259 

Greengo, K. S 881 

Griswold, A. W 763 

Griswold, Hon. M. S 489 



Hadficld , Joseph 803 

Hadlield, O. W 266 

Hadlield, Samuel 340 

Haertel, C. A 673 

Hage, Rev. John ..260 

Hage, ijamuci 228 

Haight,T. W 203 

Hall, Judson 327 

Hall, J. M 405 

Hauisch.Kcv. K. D 464 

Hankey, John .525 

Haniia, Mrs, Elizabeth 380 

Hanson, Oliver 868 

Harden, A. G 524 

Harilen, Alfred 731 

Harknes.s, Grove, M. D 232 

Harland, Isaac 251 

Harmon, Hi-man 750 

Harris, A lexander 889 

Harris, I'. C, M. D 319 

Harris, G. B 209 

Harrison, Benjamin 107 

Harrison, William Henry 51 

Harter.G.J 317 

Hartvvell, U. S 830 

Hartwell, 11. M 297 

Harvey, L. 1' 1J8 

Haye-s, Huthcrl'ord B 91 

Haylett, H. 1.. 307 

Heatlicoto, Joseph, Jr 815 

Ueintz, Leonard 3IG 

Hemlock, D.J sol 

Henk, A. C 440 

Henschel, August 309 



Herbrand, Simon 657 

Hewit, Dr. E. H 769 

Hext, Stephen 820 

Hieken, David 743 

Hickory Grove Summer 

Resort 372 

Hilderbrand, Andrew 790 

Hilger, W.J 852 

Hill, Charles 407 

Hill, Jacob 630 

Hinkley, Albert 835 

Hinkley, A. K 229 

Hoard, W. D 181 

Hodgson, John, Jr 822 

Hodgson, Hon. M. S 808 

Holly, D. N 608 

Holmes, Rev. L. P 252 

Horning, H. M 438 

Howard, Charles 743 

Howard, Mrs. Eliza 426 

Howitt, John 617 

Howitt, Matthew (>54 

Hoyt, W. M.,M. D 200 

Hucbner,J.G 500 

Humphrey, Richard 656 

Hurlljut, Col. Edwin 269 



Jackson, Andrew 43 

Jackson, Calvin 782 

Jacob, B. U., M. D 273 

James, D. C 332 

Jeiterson, Thonias 27 

Jeirery, John 288 

Jell'ery, William 284 

Jewell, G. M. S 449 

Johnson, Andrew 83 

Johnson, J. H 630 

Johnston, James 807 

Jones, Hon. O. F 839 

Jones, T. E 253 

Jones, W. A., M. D :i58 



K 



Kelloy , John 381 

Kellner, Wenzel 764 

Kelly, J. A 535 

Kendrick, Albert, M. D 831 

Kern, Abraham 861 

Kern, Mrs. Catherine 646 

Kern, G. L 398 

Kerr, J. M 669 

Kiefer, Peter 424 

Killips, Willi.im 374 

Kingston, William 286 

Klinger, Justus .306 

Koester, Rev. Joseph 618 

Kummert, Conrad 554 

Kurtze, Hermann 856 



Labar. R. E 506 

Lain, Hon. Isaac 62B 

La Roy, H. A 328 

Lauchbaum, George 263 

Leaf, W. B 749 

Leavitt, S. F 793 

Lepper, M. F 310 

Lewis, J. T 1.53 

Lichtie, C. R 416 

Lincoln, Abraham 79 

Lins, Hon. J. A 556 

Love, J. C 512 

Lowerre, R. W 689 

Ludington, Harrison 169 

Lurvey, J. J 741 



M 



Machus, Dr. F. F 472 

Madison, James 31 

Malone, E. W.,M. D 538 

Mann, Hon. Curtis.....' 789 

Mann, W. G 430 

Marquardt, John 791 

Martin, Leonard 612 

Mason, Julius 828 

Mattcson, C. E 473 

Mayhew, W. E 460 

McCarty, Hon. Thomas 589 

McDoniild, Hon. J. D 781 

McGill, Mrs. Elizabeth 892 

McKenna, Isaac 384 

McKenzie, Peter 385 

McKenzie Bros 674 

McKerrow, George 826 

McNaughton, J. D 635 

McShane, John 679 

McVicar, John 699 

McWharter, A. L Hii 

Meidenbauer, J. K 691 

Meleher, H. C 459 

Melville, Alex 753 

Mericle, L. P 592 

Merton, Ernst 4.52 

Meyer, Dr. L. A 887 

Michel, George 732 

Milham, Jacob 770 

Miller, D. McL.,M.D 397 

Mills, C. L 653 

Mills, S. B 43.5 

Mindemann, A. J 696 

Minten, William 864 

Milcliell, John 394 

Molster, M. H .303 

Monroe, James 36 

Monroe, J. A 814 

Morgan, T. L 805 

Morris, D. M >. . . . 3il2 

Moyes, James 862 



INDEX. 



Muckleston, E. E 884 

Hunger, D. Q 419 



N 



National Exchange Bank 8it7 

Nell'. CM 8(>9 

Nolif, A. C 364 

Nehs, E. L 851 

Nehs, Fre<leriek 874 

Nelson, Jens 353 

Nelson, Marshall 360 

Nicolai, H. E S(ifi 

Noble, J. B 436 

Norrie, David 450 



o 



Ofkler, Charles 686 

Ordway, E. C 871 

Overbaugh, J. J 348 

Oritt, L. S 536 



Pai(,'e, E. H 883 

Paul, Henry 810 

Pearl, Hon. Elisha 4S8 

Peck.O. W 185 

Peffer, Peter 855 

Pendertjast, M. H 767 

Perkins. Dr. R. S 562 

Perry, W. VV 4i!j 

Phelps, Frederick 474 

Philler, Hugo, M. D 853 

Pierce, Franklin 71 

Pierce, W. A 507 

Polk, James K 59 

Poole, James 873 

Porter, Edward 881 

Porter, R. L Ml 

Posbrig, Theodore 776 

Prcscolt, G. U 359 

Pugh, David 866 

Putney, t;apt. F. M 676 

Putney, Col. F. H 511 

Pyun, Eilwiu, Jr 350 

Pynn, E.J., Sr 495 



Q 



Qulolan, ThoiDOs 4S1 



R 



Randall, A. VV 141 

Handle, J.K 840 

Kankin, Huinphroy 664 

Rankin, I'rof. W. L 590 

Rasmus, Niels 711 

Rea, David S7G 

Redror(l,T. S 719 

Regan, Hon. M.J 747 

Reilh . Peter 401 

Ribletl, L. E 77.1 

Richards, T. R 371 

Richmond, Thompson 237 

Robinson, 0. E 482 

Rockwell, J. S 692 

Roilgers, James 620 

Rodgers, J. A 291 

Rogan, A.B 779 

Rose, C. A 537 

Rose, Mrs. Delight 565 

Rosenberg, G. S 361 

Rowe, W H., M. D 885 

Rowell, I. B 609 

Rupp,Uol.C. A 742 

Rusk, J. McL 177 

Ryan.T. E 541 



Saddler, John 886 

Salmon, James 802 

Salomon, Edward 149 

Banner, W. L 800 

Sargeant, O. F 655 

Savage, H. R .150 

Sawyer, 8. S 894 

Sawyer, W. P !U^ 

Schlafer, S. P 373 

Schlichcr, John 437 

Schmitz, Frederick 833 

Schmoyer, M. A 670 

Schuet. J. C 687 

Schuet, Joachim 603 

Schuster, Prof . O. J 370 

Seaborn. Robert M2 

Secor, Charles 48G 

Sell, John 721 

Sharp, C. E., M. D 604 

Sherman, C. F 480 

Sherman, Enoch 425 

Short. M. H 483 

Shultis, Franklin .S49 

Shultis, Hon. Nonnan 491 

Silvernale, Sylvester 420 

Sizer, O. W 779 

Sleep, W. H 451 

Small, Judge D. W 445 

Small, J. R 523 

Small, Hon. William 737 

Smart, Itenjainln 405 

Smart, Isaao 218 



Smith, C. P. 690 

Smith, IJ. B 485 

Smith, Jeremiah 895 

Snnth, S. B 614 

Smith, W. E.. 173 

Smith, W. H 842 

Sinythe, ST 877 

Snyder, Andrew 357 

Snyder, Andrew, Jr 748 

Snyder, N. L 724 

Spencer, J. R 568 

Spencer, John 537 

S[>erber, John 758 

Staeey, Henry 712 

St. Alban's Parish 611 

Steele, C. F 785 

Steele,O.W 700 

Stephens, Hon. John 714 

Stewart, Samuel 788 

Stickney, J. H 684 

St. John's Military Acad- 
emy 816 

Stone, Capt. Antle 859 

Stone, Capt. E. S 379 

Stone, James 797 

Storey, Dr Alpheus 877 

Storm, D. H 710 

Strohn, C J 414 

Sturtevant, C L 296 

Sumner, Hon. D. H 799 

Sutton, C. T 383 

Swallow, .Mrs. Zilpha 329 

Swan, W. E 729 

Swartz, P. M 697 

Sweeney, Myles 751 



Tallmadge, N. P 121 

Taylor.E.T 801 

Taylor. W. K 165 

Taylor, Zachary 63 

Techtmann, William 826 

Tempero, John 772 

Templeton, James 583 

Tenant, Mrs. Elizabeth 838 

Terry, Prof. H . L 3S9 

Teuteberg. Henry 713 

Thomas, E. B 349 

Thomas, F. B 848 

Thomas. O. J 402 

Thompson, Michael 8.58 

Tichenor, Hon. Vernon 514 

Townsend, Martin :ff2 

Tucker, P. K 447 

Tullar, D. S 873 

Turner, R. H 866 

Tyler, John 56 



Van Buren, Martin 47 

Vanderpool, A. \V 878 



909 

Vanderpool, B. V 771 

Vanderpool, O.J 738 

Van Dyke, S. W 608 

Van Rensselaer, H. D 242 

Veenendaal, Albert 860 

Verbrick, Angelus 870 

Voje, J. H., M. D 427 



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Wagner, John 369 

Walsh, James 754 

Walsh, John 863 

Walsh, J. H 686 

Walterlin, Francis 696 

Ward, J. P..M. D 824 

Wardrobe, Dr. J. T 846 

Warner, A. M.. M. D 864 

Washburn, C. C 161 

Washlngto.i, George 19 

Wat-son, John 403 

Waukesha National Ban.. ,.vaj 

Waukesha Nursery .^44 

Weaver, Hon . Richard 199 

Weaver, Mrs. Thomas 391 

Weaver, William, 2d 518 

Weaver, William, Sr 225 

Weaver, William, Jr 386 

Webber, CD 311 

Weber, W. A 875 

Weed,G. W 749 

Welch, J. A 484 

Welsh, Thomas 249 

Weltner, Jacob 774 

West, William 2M 

While. 1. L 'MS 

White. N.B 579 

Wilde, August 520 

Wilkins, Asa 622 

Wilkinson. M. R., M. D 6** 

Williams, Charles 809 

Williams, Daniel 439 

Williams, D. L 689 

Williams, 0. W 457 

Wilson, D. B 272 

Winchell, B. S 325 

Wintermutc, C. E., M. D 239 

Winton,T. S 791 

Wollin, F. A 872 

Worth, S. L 467 

Worthington, Frank 834 

Wright, Mrs. M. B 625 

Wright, Peter 798 



Yerkes, O. W 4«8 

Toumans, H. A., M. D .441 

Youmans, H. M 231 

Youmans, L. E., M. D 674 



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Adams, John 22 

,-.'(amj«. John Q 38 

Aioertz, H. W 5fW 

Andrews, Sarah 411? 

Andrews, Sewall 314 

Andrews Saruh J ;I45 

Armin,C'. E 334 

Arlluir, Chester A 93 

liacDii, J. E., M. U S04 

BiUNMi, Hon. W. D 246 

Barney, a. M 212 

Barney, Julia A 213 

Harstow, W. A 132 

BaHhrord,(.'oIes 136 

Beaumont, Hon. Ephraim . . .726 

Blood, Hon. Ira 704 

BI.mhI. Esther P 705 

Brown, Itobcrt, Sr 616 

Brown, Lucretia 617 

Brown, K. W 570 

Buchanan. James 74 

Camp, H. H 0.19 

(,'amp, Emily B 63H 

Champeny, Eilward .'>95 

Champeny, Elizabeth R 5IM 

Cliapin, Ezra 682 

Cliapin. Mary A 683 

Clalhn, A. H 422 

Cleveland, S. (Jrover 102 

Cole, Kev. A. D., I). D 312 

Coleman, Leonard 660 

Coleiuan, Mercena Wtl 



Court Hou.sc, New 190 

Court House, Old 191 

Craven, Richard, Jr 716 

Culver, H. L 628 

Cutler, M. D 552 

Debus, Loreuz 528 

Dcissner, C. G 534 

Dewt;y , Nelson 124 

I)odj;e, Henry 112 

Doty, J. D 116 

Eastman, Cooledge 564 

Edwards, Lsaac 278 

Edwards. Sarah A 279 

Edwards, W . H. S 756 

Enos, Capt. Elihu 650 

Fairehild, Lucius 156 

Farwell, L.J 128 

Field, Judge Martin 410 

Field, Sarah P 411 

Fillmore, Millard 66 

Frame, A. J 576 

Frazier, \V. M 476 

Frazier, Martha M 477 

Qarheld, James A 94 

Goss, Uon.B. F 606 

Grant, U. S 86 

Greengo, J.C 256 

Greengo, Ann W 257 

Oriswokl, Hon. M. S 488 

Haertel, C. A 672 

Harrison, Benjamin 106 



Harrison, W. H 50 

■ Harvey, L. P 144 

.^ Hayes, Rutherford B 90 

Hoard, W. D 180 

Howitt, John 516 

' Hurlbut, Col. Edwin 268 

• Jackson, Andrew 42 

■Jefferson, Thomas 26 

Johnson, Andrew 62 

Lincoln, Abraham 78 

Lewis, J. T 152 

, Ludington, Harrison 168 

Madison, James 30 

■ McCarty, Hon. Thomas 688 

Mills, S.B 432 

Mills. Almera 433 

Molster,M.H 301 

Molster, Martha 300 

- Monroe, James 34 

I Peck, G. W 184 

Pendergast, H. M 766 

Pierce, Franklin 70 

1 Polk, J. K 58 

-Putney, Col. F. H 510 

. Randall, A. W 140 

• Regan . Hon. M.J 746 

■ Reith, Peter 400 

•Richmond, Thompson 234 

, Richmond, Hannah P 235 

■ Ro<igers, J. A 290 

Rusk, J. McL 176 



Ryan,T. E 540 

■''Salomon, Edward 148 

"Sawyer, W. P .146 

• Small, Judge D. W 444 

>«mall, J. R S22 

•Small, Hon. William 736 

Smith, W. E 172 

'Snyder, Andrew 356 

. Steele, C. F 784 

I'Stone, Capt. E. S 378 

^-tallmadge, N. P 120 

yTaylor, W. R 164 

•Taylor, Zachary 62 

v'^erapleton, James 582 

/Tyler, John 64 

^Van Buren, Martin 46 

- Wagner, John 367 

'Wagner, Marauda 366 

KAValterlin, Francis 694 

'-Washburn , C. C 160 

'Washington, George 18 

'Weaver, Hon . Richard 196 

-^Veaver, Rhoda 197 

■ Weaver, Hon. Thomas 389 

; Weaver, Betty 388 

••nveaver, William, Sr 224 

' Williams, Nancy A 454 

Williams, G. W 455 

Winchell, B. S 322 

Winchell, Martha 3'.!3 

,-Worth. S. L 466 



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